Space Invaders

About Space Invaders

Space Invaders is the classic 1978 arcade shooter that launched the golden age of video games. Control your laser cannon and shoot down rows of descending aliens before they reach the bottom. Use shields for cover and aim for the bonus UFO!

History of Space Invaders

Space Invaders was designed by Tomohiro Nishikado and released by Taito Corporation in Japan in June 1978. It was one of the earliest shooting games and is considered a foundational title of the video game industry. The game was so popular in Japan that it caused a reported nationwide shortage of 100-yen coins. Space Invaders earned over $3.8 billion in revenue by 1982, making it one of the highest-grossing entertainment products of its era. The game is widely credited with launching the golden age of arcade games and inspiring an entire generation of game developers.

Space Invaders Tips & Strategies

• 💡Prioritize shooting the aliens on the edges of the formation first to slow down their horizontal movement speed.
• 💡Use your defensive shields strategically; they absorb both enemy fire and your own shots, so avoid shooting through them unnecessarily.
• 💡The aliens speed up as fewer remain, so do not leave scattered aliens across the formation; eliminate complete columns when possible.
• 💡Time your shots for the bonus UFO that flies across the top; it appears at semi-regular intervals and is worth significant bonus points.
• 💡Stay mobile and avoid camping in one position, as the enemy fire becomes more frequent in later waves.

Fun Facts About Space Invaders

• ★The increasing speed of the aliens was originally an unintended bug; the hardware could render fewer sprites faster, but Nishikado kept it as a feature because it improved gameplay.
• ★Space Invaders quadrupled the revenue of the arcade industry in the United States within two years of its release.
• ★The alien designs were inspired by sea creatures including octopuses, crabs, and squid.
• ★In 1980, Atari's home port of Space Invaders for the Atari 2600 became the first "killer app" in console history, quadrupling console sales.

How to Play Space Invaders

1. 1Use left/right arrow keys to move your laser cannon
2. 2Press Space to fire at the alien invaders
3. 3Destroy all aliens before they reach the bottom of the screen
4. 4Use the shields for protection from enemy fire
5. 5Shoot the bonus UFO at the top for extra points

Frequently Asked Questions about Space Invaders