GENRE
	Action
	DEVELOPER
	Taito Corporation
	PUBLISHER
	Mastiff
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-2
	CONNECTIVITY
	no
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Space Raiders is Taito's next-generation remake of the classic Space Invaders arcade game released about 20 years ago. The game has similar elements to the arcade game, but really fails to add anything else.

visuals

The visuals are overall nicely done. The only problem is that there are very few visuals to see. There are a total of six levels. Each one has a still background with enemies that come into play. There is not much variation in the enemy sprites either.

In fact, as the game progresses, virtually the only new enemies to come across are the bosses in each level. It's very disappointing to see a game that's relying mainly on 21st century graphics, with a small selection of eye candy available.

However, there is an amazing introduction cutscene. It runs about 10 minutes, and it is very cinematic. It introduces the storyline, where space aliens take over the world, and then gives a bit of an introduction to the three playable characters.

This opening cutscene is more like a movie than a video game. It's probably the best part of the whole game, which is not really a good thing. There was a lot of time and effort put into this cutscene, but it seems as though only half that effort was put into the actual game. It's very odd for a game to give that kind of impression.

audio

The audio is a high point in the game. The opening cutscene also has some great background music. It's all orchestral, throuhgout the whole game, and it really adds to the feel of the game.

The sound effects are also in sync with the game and add to the experience nicely, though the game does overdo it a bit in the amount of sound effects put it, no doubt to compensate for the lack of gameplay.

gameplay

Space Raiders is played almost identical to Space Invaders. In fact, the only difference is that the latter was made 20 years ago. Virtually no change was made in the actual gameplay. There are bosses and a storyline to follow, but the game plays just like the original arcade game.

This is a bit of a double-edged sword. Space Invaders was a classic game, and no doubt some people would like to play the simple gameplay style again. However, such a setup is grounds for an arcade compilation or port of some kind. It's kind of pointless to revive the game into the next generation of gaming, and then add virtually nothing to it.

On top of its shortcomings, there are only six different levels to conquer, meaning a novice player could beat the entire game in less than an hour. In fact, the game lets players continue right from where they died, with the only penalty being that all points are lost. However, the player also receives back special weapons when he continues. So it would not be illogical to use these limited weapons, die, continue, and then use them again. There's really not much skill here.

In that regard, it even falls short of the original Space Invaders because the arcade game was actually somewhat of a challenge. Now, there is a survival mode of sorts which plays just like Space Invaders in that when the player dies, the game is over.

For the very hardcore gamer, beating the entire game in the survival mode might be worth the challenge, but really, it's just not worth it.

multiplayer

There's the option of a two-player cooperative mode in the survial-style of play. However, it really does not make it more fun. Do your friend a favor and do not invite him over to play this game.

overall

Space Raiders was a good, even great, idea in concept. However, the execution was just not as good. Remakes mean something is actually added to the gameplay. The only thing added here is 3D graphics. Anyone looking for a game that plays in the old Space Invaders style can surely find an arcade compilation somewhere. The "just move right and left and shoot the enemies" idea was great back in the 1980's, but it just doesn't cut it by today's standards.

3.5/10