Lost Chronicles: Space Invaders Extreme Review With DLC

Sometimes around here, we get distracted by things that may or may not be within our control.  School, is not within our control, but ADD attacks might, ever so slightly, be within our control. Neither is the red-ring of death, under our control. Most likely, it was due to a combination of all these things and others.  Due to these circumstances, we don’t always finish things on time, or at all.  Because of such things, I bring you, one of those things we like to call, a “Lost Chronicle”.

Most of you should remember, or at least have an idea of what Space Invaders is. Enemies come across the screen, down 1, reverse direction, and repeat. Your goal is to kill all before they get to you. Fairly simple, and worked for it’s time, but when I first heard of this new revamp last year before it’s handheld release I was quite skeptical. Fast forward a year as I had forgotten all about it, and here it shows up on XBLA. Quick hint on how this will go… Pac Man Championship Edition.

The game still plays along with the classic concept of the enemies coming down, but the rate and style is way different. They come in waves, with different bonus enemies for different special stages, and after conquering enough waves a large boss enemy shows up to take down. The graphics also work quite well with using the classic look of the sprites of the original, but adding a Rez HD/Pac-ManCE type graphics and music to it to create a fun experience that seems to fit perfectly with Xbox Live Arcade.

There is also plenty of power-ups to gain with killing a certain color of enemy in a row, for bombs, multi-shot, and laser weapons.

Graphics: Mix of the classic look with Current-gen for a good, if sometimes hectic, look.

Sounds: The pulsating sounds and music could be one of the best things about this game, along with the beat being felt in your controller.

Xbox Live: There is a co-op mode for the single player levels, that works fairly well… when you aren’t being plagued with lag. Not as bad as some XBLA games, but still not great either.

Best Experience: Realizing that Space Invaders isn’t a dead concept and enjoying it all over again.

Biggest Complaint: That the online co-op doesn’t work great, and the stupid deaths that sometimes happen.

Will You Continue Playing: Definitely. The concept has lasted this long for a reason.

Final Thoughts: The game is based on a classic formula that if had been just replicated, it would be a complete pass. But with the updates to style and tweaks and additions to the gameplay makes for a fun new experience with a classic feel.

The DLC is also already out and is a nice little pack with 3 new stages, 3 new bosses, and adds emulations for the classic Space Invaders as well. All for 240 points, which isn’t too bad at all.

Space Invaders Extreme