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Space Invaders Extreme 2 DS

Format:
DS

Genre:
Shooting

Buy/Support:
Support Jan, click to buy via us...

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Similar

Games about the same difficulty:

• Big Bang Mini DS
• Tetris DS

Easier

Games for new and young gamers:

• Peggle DS
• Pirates: Duels on the High Seas

Harder

Games with more bite for experts:

• Ikarigua 360/Gamecube
• Elite Beat Agents

Space Invaders Extreme 2 is a modern day reworking of the original Space Invaders concept, brought bang up to date on the Nintendo DS. This isn't just new graphics and sounds though. The game has been built from the ground up to make use of all advancements since the original. The result is a trippy visual treat that takes in rhythm action, shooting and strategic game play whilst reworking those iconic invaders.

Although a little apprehensive over another remake of the classic Space Invaders style shooting game, from the moment I put Space Invaders Extreme 2 into my Nintendo DS I was hooked. There are simply so many ideas packed into this little cartridge, it's actually hard to remember them all.

Firstly the main action benefits from a lot more variety. Space Invaders Extreme 2 works on a rhythm action basis whereby the time of your shots determines their power. A bit like Elite Beat Agents on the DS, let on loose at the right moment and you can greatly increase your firepower. Then there's the music itself that synchronises with what's happening on screen. This makes the game almost like a music creation program - with the music being generated as a side effect of playing the game.

Then, unlike the original you can collect all manner of power-ups. These upgrade your ship's manoeuvrability and fire power. A whole host of different staged weapons are on offer. In a similar way to Big Bang Mini, you need to decide which of these weapons suites a particular level and then work on powering it up.

Space Invaders Extreme 2 adds a number of improvements over the first game, Space Invaders Extreme. A new mode for new players provides a score attack-only course with infinite lives, ideal for learning the ropes. Also, a new time attack mode tasks players with clearing a particular stage as fast as possible, one for the experts this. This is rounded off with the mew bingo system that provides a minigame at the end of each level.

One of the most popular aspects of the first Space Invaders Extreme game was its multiplayer modes. Space Invaders Extreme 2 again enables players to compete via the Nintendo DS console's WiFi function. This time around though, players not only compete on score and progress, but they can also send invaders and UFOs to their opponents' screens - adding a real tactic edge to proceedings.

This multiplayer mode was a real boon for me. Previously I'd been addicted to Tetris DS's online and local multiplayer battles. Now though I have a second string to my bow. Many happy, and late, nights have been spent with friends and family throwing down on Space Invaders Extreme 2. It's my new go to multiplayer game on the diminutive DS handheld - and tip I offer to anyone looking for a similar strong multiplayer experience.

Space Invaders Extreme was a great game, but Space Invaders Extreme 2 on the DS console just made it better. While not breaking any of their previous successes, the sensible additions and expansions make this follow up a treat for fans of the original or newcomers alike.

What makes this game stand out is its attention to detail and real sense of retro style. Think big pixel imagery combined with urban break-beats and you have a sense of the frantic experience that makes it hard to put this down.

Written by Jan Brookes

You can support Jan by buying Space Invaders Extreme 2



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Jan Brookes writes the Frugal Gamer column.

"Welcome to my buyer's guide video game reviews. As well as giving you the low down on the best Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS lite and PSP game I also offer well research alternatives that are Similar, Easier and Harder than the one we are reviewing."

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