Video Game Review - Space Invaders Invincible Collection

Rob reviews Space Invaders Invincible Collection on Nintendo Switch...

When the original Space Invaders burst onto the scene back in 1978 it took the arcade world by storm. Becoming an instant commercial success Space Invaders has gone on to be known as the highest-grossing video game of all time, and has been widely accepted as being the catalyst for the "golden age of the Arcade". 

The Space Invaders Invincible Collection is a gatheting of the very best titles from the series' past. This collection takes you from 1978 to 2018 through ten titles that make up the definitive Space Invaders experience. It's a great nostalgic trip as you'll not only see the evolution of this gaming great, it'll also bring back plenty of memories. 

The Space Invaders Invincible Collection includes: 

Space Invaders (1978, Arcade) – b/w

Space Invaders (1978, Arcade) – colour

Space Invaders Part II (1979, Arcade)

Lunar Rescue (1979, Arcade)

Space Cyclone (1980, Arcade)

Majestic Twelve: The Space Invaders Part IV (1990, Arcade)

Super Space Invaders ’91 (1990, Arcade)

Space Invaders DX (1994, Arcade)

Space Invaders Extreme (2008)

Space Invaders Gigamax 4 SE (2018)

Also included as an additional download: Arkanoid vs Space Invaders (2016)

Space Invaders at its heart is an incredibly simple game. You pilot a pixel spacecraft that's tasked with defending the bottom of the screen from a descending alien menace. This is easier said than done as the enemies tend to speed us as they get lower, and in later games - they shoot back. I'm terms of modern games Space Invaders is the bare basics, yet its gameplay is incredibly addictive and extremely challenging. 

The title that stands out for me is Majestic Twelve: The Space Invaders Part IV. Hailing from the height of the 1990's Arcade boom. Majestic Twelve threw the franchise into the 16-bit era. Not only did this give the game a much-needed overhaul it also introduced various Invaders, abilities, and even boss fights. Along with Afterburner II, Majestic Twelve was the Arcade title that took up most of my time as a youngster. Was I good at it? No, but not for lack of trying. 

In keeping with that nostalgia feeling each game also has its leaderboards. These are also online which means you'll be able to compete for your score with the rest of the player base. There are some pretty insane scores out there that beg belief into the how, but even this taps into that nostalgia. 

The visuals and sounds don't need an introduction, but each is here in all its glory. Each title looks amazing on the Nintendo Switch too. Naturally, the older titles look a little odd playing on a large screen, but in handheld they are perfect. The music is still just as captivating, and the iconic sound effects have been expertly captured. Sounds are also reminiscent of the past in which they're a lot louder than necessary - headphones players be warned. In terms of what game stands out from the pack, it's Space Invaders Extreme. The 2008 title oozes that techo synth feeling with its hypnotic soundtrack and gorgeous visuals. 

Every title included within this collection is perfect at evoking the classic "just one more game" feeling. The inclusion of online leaderboards will give those looking for a challenge something to aim for. Those of you looking for that thrill of Arcades golden age will feel right at home with the Space Invaders Invincible Collection. It's a gorgeous collection that feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch.

Rating 10/10 

Space Invaders Invincible Collection is out now and can be purchased via the Nintendo Switch eShop by clicking here.

A code was provided for this review 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev