Throwback Thursday: That Time Space Invaders Got A Gritty Reboot (VIDEO)
Space Invaders is a game players both young and old instantly recognize, the retro title’s innovative and addictive gameplay enduring many years past its release in 1978. The arcade classic has gone through several subsequent evolutions since endlessly gobbling gamers quarters, with more recent iterations fully embracing its throwback retro charm. However, the early 2000s spawned a version very different from the pixelated original, with the title featuring a much darker approach to the invading aliens.
Launching in 2002, ‘Space Raiders’ overran shelves with the intent of bringing the ‘Invaders’ concept to the modern day. Apparently, this meant bringing the series’ signature space combat to the gritty streets of Earth, putting players in the shoes of one of three gun-toting survivors. While this serious premise sounds pretty standard for a shooter, Space Raiders bizarrely stayed true to traditional Space Invaders gameplay. Yes, the player character was locked into a strafe-only shooter while bug-like alien enemies arrived, moved, and attacked in lined formation.
As one might assume, the idea of Space Invaders’ gritty coat of paint didn’t exactly sit very well with gamers. Negative reception was had pretty much across the board, citing the game’s poor graphics and ridiculous gameplay in relation to the old-school classic. However, this writer believes there’s at least a small amount of charm to be had in the overall premise. I mean, how often do we get to see Space Invaders in a weird mesh with Resident Evil and Starship Troopers? Space Raiders, that’s when.
What do you think? Are you baffled by this twist on Space Invaders, or do you feel it doesn’t deserve too bad of a reception? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! Also, be on the lookout for the next Throwback Thursday where we’ll highlight yet another piece of trivia from gaming past. For entries from previous weeks, check out these next few news stories:
Eric Hall2712 Posts
Phone-browsing Wikipedia in one hand and clutching his trusty controller in the other, the legendary Eric Hall spreads his wealth of knowledge as a writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. Be sure to catch his biweekly "Throwback Thursday" segment for a nostalgic look at trivia from the past.
