Space Invaders
Space Invaders is one of the most influential and iconic arcade games in the history of video gaming, developed by Taito and released in 1978. Here is an in-depth look at this seminal game:
Development
The game was designed by Tomohiro Nishikado, a developer at Taito. Nishikado drew inspiration from several sources, including the science fiction genre of the time, notably films like Star Wars and games like Breakout. He wanted to create a game where players would feel the tension of being attacked by enemies, much like in the movie The War of the Worlds.
Gameplay
- Objective: Players control a laser cannon by moving it horizontally across the bottom of the screen, shooting at descending aliens while avoiding their projectiles and trying to destroy them before they reach the Earth's surface.
- Mechanics: The game features simple controls with a joystick for movement and a button for shooting. The aliens move side-to-side while descending, speeding up as their numbers decrease.
- Defensive Play: Players can hide under barriers or shields, which gradually erode when hit by alien or player fire.
- Scoring: Points are awarded for each alien shot, with different point values for different rows of aliens.
- Game Over: If the aliens reach the bottom of the screen or if the player's ship is hit, the game ends.
Impact and Legacy
Space Invaders had a significant impact on the gaming industry:
- Popularity: It became a global phenomenon, leading to a shortage of 100-yen coins in Japan as players played incessantly.
- Industry Influence: The success of Space Invaders is credited with kick-starting the Golden Age of Arcade Video Games. It inspired numerous games that followed its format, known as Fixed Shooter games.
- Technological Influence: The game introduced dynamic difficulty adjustment, where the game speeds up as fewer aliens remain, increasing tension and challenge.
- Cultural Impact: Space Invaders influenced popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, music, and even in the design of everyday objects.
Legal and Licensing
After its release, Taito faced numerous legal issues regarding the game's design and copyright. However, Space Invaders was successfully licensed and adapted across various platforms, including home consoles, computers, and even re-releases in modern collections.
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