Space Invaders is a classic game, and no one can deny that, It launched the Golden Age of Arcade gaming, and was one of the most influential games of all time. So what happens years later, when you want to try something new with the formula, but everything has been done already? Well, you go for the self parody route as Taito did with Space Invaders ’95: The Attack Of Lunar Loonies. Taking a cue from Parodius, Space Invader ’95 is a wonderful take on the formula played for the whimsical and bizarre, and the result is one of the best entries in the series yet.
On the Surface, Space Invaders ’95: The Attack Of Lunar Loonies may seem like just another update to the classic, but it managed to set itself apart very quickly. Space Invaders ’95: starts out looking like the original game, only to immediately shift to very colorful imagery and background, adding in music and new concepts, and set itself apart.. The game was two players and had 4 playable characters to choose from, giving some variety, and each helped place the game firmly into the cute em up genre. This is very different from what people typically expect from Space Invaders, but those who tried it have seen the game for what it is; a great experience.
Space Invaders ’95 was faster paced as well, and manages to give longtime fans something different in their gameplay. The controls also function a bit differently, giving the player a lot more control and precision in how they attack.. In addition, there are sections that resemble other shoot em ups, such as Galaga that are interspersed with the more traditional sections, and boss fights that are some of the most inventive I have ever seen. One boss is in fact a guest appearance of enemies from the Darius series, also by Taito, and manages to be incredibly fun. The game had a number of bonus sections, and each felt fun to play. Space Invaders ’95 is not a game you play once and are done with it, but rather is a game that you play several times in a row and then come back to. It is even more fun when playing with a friend, as that way you can work together and take out the enemies and both experience the joy of the game.
Space Invaders ’95: The Attack Of Lunar Loonies was different, it felt different, played different and looked different. It was something that stood out among typical entries in the franchise and stands as one of the best games Taito ever made. This is one that needs to be re releases again at some point, so more people can enjoy it, because it has aged incredibly well.
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