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For those of you who downloaded the PSP demo of Space Invaders Extreme from the Playstation Store last week, you already know you’ve uncovered a gem. The thing is, most experienced gamers know to skip over the remake of a classic franchise because usually the resulting product is utter tosh. You only have to look at the countless Space Invaders remakes to realise that.

Space Invaders Extreme doesn’t fit into that category though. You only have to spend 5 minutes with the game to realise it’s taken the classic Space Invaders formula and breathed new life into it. The graphics are hotter, the music is pumping and the levels come thick and fast. This is Space Invaders at it’s very best.

Essentially a “low budget” game (£17 off Amazon), Space Invaders Extreme’s release celebrates 30 years (yes, 30 years) since the games initial launch. I can’t believe it’s been that long!

Essentially the same game as the original, it’s the subtle changes that make Space Invaders Extreme such a successful game. For example; while most of the enemies move left to right in much the same way as a traditional game of Space Invaders, some will have the ability to divebomb, split into three aliens or even turn to the side (making them tiny targets). It’s an obvious but small change and it mixes up the gameplay well. There are also “bigger” versions of the enemy aliens which are essentially just inflated sprites that require more hits. The enemies come thick and fast without pause between levels which makes the experience a lot more fluent.

The biggest change to the original comes in the form of power-ups. By shooting four or more aliens of the same colour you will gain access to a host of power-ups to your craft: a shield, a laser gun, bombs or broader shots. The power-ups are timed putting you under pressure to make use of the new ability before it runs it’s cause.

The other big new addition is the music. The gameplay is all synced in time to big techno beats and electro squelches. But there is a twist. By firing from your space craft you essentially “uncover” the lead riff to the particular backing track which is not only cool but also does add a little rhythm action to the game. It’s not essential to fire your shots in time but you’ll be rewarded with some extra musical content if you do. Pretty sweet.

Graphically Space Invaders is a simplistic but lush experience. While the main game is obviously kept very simple with basic 2D sprites filling the foreground — it’s in the background that the game pushes the hardwares limits by packing it with disco-esque effects. The effects add colour, energy and life to the game without detracting from the experience.

The main differences between the DS and PSP version are notable: PSP packs the better visuals and audio while the DS offers scoreboards and online play.

All in all though, whichever version of Space Invaders Extreme you pick up is irrelevant, just make sure you own this game. It’s perfect for filling in the odd bus journey or 5 minute void we all have to endure throughout life.

9/10.