The Beginning
The legendary video game SPACE INVADERS became a global phenomenon soon after its release. Here we show how the game has evolved through time.
SPACE INVADERS character ideaTAITO CORPORATION
Tomohiro Nishikado
In 1977, Tomohiro Nishikado a Japanese game designer, starts working on a game often cited as the first in the shoot 'em up genre. He was responsible for all stages of software development including the character design.
SPACE INVADERS pixelated charactersTAITO CORPORATION
His hand drawn idea sketches were then pixelated into the SPACE INVADERS characters we know today.
SPACE INVADERS handwritten flowchart 2TAITO CORPORATION
Nishikado was not only responsible for the design and program aspects, but he also crafted his own development tools for the game as well. It was from these flow charts that one of the worlds most influential game was born.
SPACE INVADERS title screen (1978) by TAITOTAITO CORPORATION
1978 / SPACE INVADERS
In 1978 the first version of SPACE INVADERS was released.
Basic components for this game was introduced such as attacking enemy Invaders that appear in five rows of 11 lines by manipulating the CANNON (the player) while avoiding the Invaders attack and protecting the CANNON with the BUNKERS.
Soon players would evolve in their own way. Creating techniques such as the "Nagoya Attack" and "Rainbow".
RainbowTAITO CORPORATION
Rainbow
Nagoya AttackTAITO CORPORATION
Nagoya Attack
SPACE INVADERS PART 2 title screen (1979) by TAITOTAITO CORPORATION
1979 / SPACE INVADERS Part II
New elements such as characters that split when shot, 500-point UFOs, and character reinforcements were added. The "rainbow" which was a bug in the previous version now earns a bonus, and became an official specification. It is said to be the first game in the history of Japanese video games to introduce name entry.
Majestic Twelve title screenTAITO CORPORATION
1990 / Majestic Twelve
Also known as part IV of SPACE INVADERS, this was the 4th version of the arcade game. Two players were able to play at once. A bonus stage where the player saves cattle from a UFO caused a buzz amongst the players.
SPACE INVADERS Extreme title screenTAITO CORPORATION
2008 / SPACE INVADERS Extreme
SPACE INVADERS Extreme ingameTAITO CORPORATION
30th Anniversary
A version of SPACE INVADERS to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the franchise. Featuring an interactive sound that changes back ground music as the game progresses and music integrated sound effects. Techno music produced by world famous DJs were used.
SPACE INVADERS: World DefenseTAITO CORPORATION
2023 / SPACE INVADERS: World Defense
45th Anniversary
To celebrate the games 45th anniversary, TAITO wanted players to experience SPACE INVADERS in a new dimension, using Google's AR technology. The immersive mobile game on Android and iOS invites players from around the world to get outside and defend their neighborhood from SPACE INVADERS in AR and 3D. SPACE INVADERS spawn from buildings and rooftops, hide behind structures and hover in the sky. Players from all over the world have to join the World Defense team to save the planet.
