Space Invaders Infinity Gene All Weapons
Space Invaders is old but, through fresh distribution methods, Infinity Gene is in-line with modern day expectations. It's a visually stimulating sh'mup that's certain to please fans of the arcade genre.
In 2009, Taito graced the iPhone with Space Invaders Infinity Gene. The game begins with the original classic gameplay, then the infinity gene takes over and the game gradually evolves into a modern Shoot'Em Up, as the player gains selectable ships, powerups, and an unrestricted range of movement, while the Invaders themselves enlist large ships, fleets, armadas, and bosses to take you on. I am having difficulty getting the hang of the Round weapon in Space Invaders Infinity Gene. While the 'bullet eating' effect is handy, I'm not sure how best to use.
Space Invaders may be over 30-years old, but Infinity Gene looks like it was made in 2010. Taito's done a brilliant job bringing the classic shooter's visual style in-line with that of modern-day expectations. Playing into the game's 'evolution' theme, the title begins with Space Invader's original look, before morphing into 2D and 3D vector visuals. It's a disc0-like sensory treat, with a thumping techno soundtrack providing the back-drop to Space Invader's decidely retro gameplay.
Infinity Gene's key mechanic is derived from the concept of evolution. As points are earned, the game's default ship can be powered up. There are a number of different weapon types available, ranging from 'lock-on' to 'shockwave'. Evolution also grants new abilities, such as movement on the Z-plane and increased firing rate. The evolution aspect - while overplayed by the game's references to Charles Darwin - gives the game an addictive progression quality that can make it hard to put down. It also gives the package a good difficulty curve. While the levels get frequently more challenging, the craft's abilities balance that — giving a sense of power and ensuring there's never a frustrating difficulty spike.
The main campaign can become a bit repetitive, as the game too frequently depends on the same boss fights and enemy types; but the visual style makes it an interesting endeavour, even though the formula's played out before the ending credits.
Aside from the game's standard campaign, Infinity Gene boasts a number of other modes. Both Challenge and Bonus Mode are fairly self-explanatory, while the game's Music Mode is a particularly delightful music visualiser that generates levels based on the audio that happens to accomodate your PlayStation 3's hard-drive.
Conclusion
Space Invaders: Infinity Gene does enough to reinvigorate a classic franchise, while staying true to its origins. Visually it's a fascinating ride, and the introduction of unique weapon-types and an RPG-esque progression system make it a worthwhile experience - even if it does fail to seriously build upon Space Invader's gameplay origins.
Good7/10
- Stats:
A New Evolution for an Internationally Acclaimed Shooting GameLOS ANGELES (September 7, 2011) — TAITO Corporation (TAITO®), a wholly–owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., today announced the release of SPACE INVADERS® INFINITY GENE™ for Android™ devices. The game is available for purchase via the Android Market.Originally a feature phone application, an iPhone® version of SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE was later released, followed up by home console editions published by Square Enix. With stylish graphics and involving game play, this installment in the enduring SPACE INVADERS series of shooting games met with a great deal of critical acclaim, garnering numerous awards worldwide.
Conceived with adaptive change as its central theme, this Android release marks the latest milestone in SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE's continuing evolution to new platforms and devices.An Evolving Shooting Game! What is the Ultimate Evolution?Inspired by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE 'levels up' through play, evolving new spaceships, stages, background music, and other important features.
The game also boasts intuitive slide–based touch controls, making it suitable for everyone from video game newcomers to shooting game veterans.Make Your Own Evolutionary Tree!SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE features deep game play, with the path a player takes through the game influenced by his or her individual ability and preferred strategy. This path is represented in the game as an evolutionary tree–shaped main menu, with branches forming as new weapons, stages, and other elements become available through play. The shape taken by this tree–shaped menu varies for each player, adding another interesting visual and game play–based twist to the game.TAITO will continue to release high–quality games that take full advantage of the Android mobile platform's individual characteristics.DetailsSPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE Release Date:September 7, 2011Region:North AmericaPrice:$4.99 USDDevices:iPhone 3GS / iPhone 4 / iPod touch (3rd, 4th generation) / iPad / iPad 2Operating System:Android OS 2.2, 2.3 (may not be compatible with all device makes)Copyright:©TAITO CORP. 1978, 2011Game Designer:Reisuke IshidaRelated LinksSPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE Official Homepage:TAITO Official Homepage:TAITO’s Official Facebook® Page:Follow TAITO on Twitter®:About TAITO CorporationTAITO Corporation (TAITO) is a wholly–owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. With headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, TAITO operates core businesses such as game arcade operations, coin–operated game machines, and mobile phone content services. A seminal part of gaming history, TAITO caused a worldwide sensation with its arcade legend, SPACE INVADERS®, and developed such fan favorites as PUZZLE BOBBLE® (BUST–A–MOVE®) and ARKANOID®.
Today, TAITO continues to thrill game lovers of all generations by offering both classic and new family–oriented titles on the latest gaming platforms. TAITO delivers a wide range of entertainment experiences with the goal of providing consumers with fresh surprises and new discoveries.More information on TAITO can be found on the Internet at.About Square EnixSquare Enix, Inc. Develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®.
Square Enix, Inc. Is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.More information on Square Enix, Inc.
Can be found at.ARKANOID, BUST A MOVE, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, PUZZLE BOBBLE, SPACE INVADERS, SPACE INVADERS INFINITY GENE, SQUARE ENIX, TAITO, the TAITO logo, and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. Android and Android Market are registered trademarks or trademarks of Google Inc. IPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. FACEBOOK is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. TWITTER is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.
Brass monkey lyrics. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.