Metacritic Games

Space Invaders Extreme (Sony PSP)

New Look: The classic design of the original SPACE INVADERS, now with revamped graphics and new background movies that add to the game’s excitement. New Music: Get in the groove with up-beat techno tunes that are synched to gameplay. New Mini-Games: Experience varied gameplay with mini-games (Rounds) that are launched mid-game – they add to the fun, and are a good way to rack up points. New Twists: Discover exciting twists to the classic game that provide swift, fast-paced game play. New Multiplayer Element: Battle against a friend with the all-new multiplayer element, available on both platforms. [Taito]

Square Enix
Action, Shooter
Players: 2
E (Everyone)
Developer: Taito Corporation
Released June 17, 2008

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

84 / 100

Critic Reviews

100 Gaming Age
At a $20 price point, Space Invaders Extreme is an absolute steal for DS/PSP owners out there. There's a lot of hidden depth to the single player experience, and you'll get a decent amount of use from the multiplayer aspect as well.
92 Cheat Code Central
The game runs smoothly in single or two-player mode. It manages to use the PSP's screen to good effect so that everything is easy to see. However, you may want to turn off the distracting, undulating background.
91 Gaming Nexus
This isn't just a fun retro resurrection, it's a phenomenal action game that should be in everybody's collection. At $20 there's no reason to be without Space Invaders Extreme.
91 1UP
Extreme's wonderfully remixed gameplay comes at you in fluid, seamless waves that offer a surprising amount of freedom and replay value.
91 The Onion (A.V. Club)
Like Pac-Man: Championship Edition, this budget-priced handheld shooter stays true to the core gameplay and aesthetic of the arcade innovator it seeks to update.
90 Jolt Online Gaming UK
As a modern update to a classic and as an example of neo retro presentation, Space Invaders Extreme works and it works well. Taito has walked a tightrope between faithful and contemporary gameplay without the need for a safety net.
90 Playstation Official Magazine UK
For once, it's a brilliant update of a genuine classic. [Sept 2008, p.104]
90 GameTrailers
Space Invaders Extreme shows what can happen when a classic receives the kind of attention needed for rejuvenation, without sacrificing its core. If you’ve never played Space Invaders before, or simply want to rekindle that old arcade flame, you can’t go wrong with this portable invasion.
90 TotalPlayStation
No matter what kind of gamer you are, you need this in your PSP library.
90 GamePro
Space Invaders Extreme is an addictive trance-like experience, and no PSP or DS owner should be without it. Even if you've never heard of Space Invaders, missing this game would be a tragedy.
86 Electronic Gaming Monthly
"Groovy," "trippy"...however you want to describe it, Extreme does right by the classic. [July 2008, p.84]
85 IGN
Space Invaders Extreme is a certified hit and easily the company’s best effort in contemporizing its classic property. The game’s an absolute steal at 20 bucks on either the Nintendo DS or the PlayStation Portable, but if you want the definitive version of this fantastic classic revisit, the Nintendo DS version is it.
85 Armchair Empire
Space Invaders Extreme is a great retro redux of the original, bringing memories flooding back front and center to the conscious of those old enough to remember throwing many, many coins into Space Invaders cabinets back when arcades were where all the hardcore gamers fed their gaming addiction.
83 Game Informer
It takes some clever thinking to take something this old and make it feel new again. Square Enix has done exactly that by maintaining the core "shoot the aliens" gameplay while dramatically expanding the strategy and skill required to succeed in the endeavor. [July 2008, p.95]
82 PSM3 Magazine UK
Simplicity incarnate, but, amazingly, turns the age old concept of left, right and fire into a strategic masterclass. [Sept 2008, p.78]
81 Gamer 2.0
If you're going to be playing it alone all the time, the PSP version is the way to go because of its wide screen and superior sound quality.
80 Pocket Gamer UK
Far better than it has any right to be after all these years - but just lacking that killer flair that would have made it a new age classic.
80 AceGamez
A brilliant little gem to help while away a sweaty Summer.
80 DarkZero
Its minimalism, but just because something’s minimal doesn’t mean it is without soul and anyway, the graphical updates mean it’s awash with garish colour and this just about does enough to bring the title up to date – albeit to that of a modern doujin homebrew game.
80 Edge Magazine
It reinvents a gaming classic, and proves that the nuts-and-bolts mechanics of yesteryear can still captivate. It’s engrossing, a stiff challenge and a fine addition to a venerable history. [Apr 2008, p.97]
80 GameZone
Somehow, Taito and Square Enix managed to take a 30-year old formula and inject new life into the classic shooter to make this one seriously addictive game for gamers both young and old school.
80 Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
The fact that I even want more levels in a "Space Invaders" game is testament enough to how much fun this one is. [Aug 2008, p.77]
70 Total Video Games
Space Invaders Extreme is perfect for the portable platform, providing pacey gameplay and enough touches to make the experience pretty fresh.
70 VideoGamer
The high-score hunting gameplay makes for an incredibly addictive retro gaming experience, and the sleek presentation gives it a modern appearance and feel. If you can choose between PSP and DS versions then the DS game is clearly the best choice.
70 GameDaily
For its budget $20 price, this is a great introduction for those who missed the glory days of gaming or a pleasant welcome back to those who loved the original.
70 GameSpot
A very good example of how to update a classic game. The gameplay has been improved, and multiplayer adds a whole new dynamic to the experience. It's a shame that the PSP version of the game lacks online functionality.
70 Level7.nu
This is definitely a worthy salutation to the original Space Invaders, celebrating it's 30th anniversary. Like it's predecessor this game delivers fun and addictive yet challenging gameplay mechanics. Great presentation and a fitting soundtrack combine to create an intense experience. A great buy for fans of the original game and newcomers alike.
68 Worth Playing
Perhaps an online component would have improved on this, but as it is, it's only half of the game, albeit a pretty entertaining half.

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