What Is Space Invaders?
Space Invaders is one of those arcade games that is easy to pick up but surprisingly hard to master. The classic 2D shooter was created by Tomohiro Nishikado and released in 1978. You're put behind a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, as rows of aliens slowly close in from above.
The mission is straightforward: move left and right, shoot the Invaders, and avoid their missiles. Four defensive bunkers give you some cover, while the occasional UFO flies across the top of the screen and offers a chance to grab extra points. As the alien formation gets smaller, it also gets faster, keeping the pressure on throughout the game.
How to Play Space Invaders
Take Down the Alien Formation
Move your laser cannon from side to side and fire at the rows of Invaders. They move side to side across the screen, and each time they hit an edge, they drop down. The more aliens you kill, the faster the remaining ones go, so the action can suddenly get a lot more intense.
Dodge, Move, and Use Cover
Don’t stay in one place too long. Invaders can fire different types of missiles and being hit will destroy your laser cannon. The four bunkers can block incoming shots, but they're destructible, so use them wisely rather than treating them as permanent protection.
Go for the High Score
Clearing Invaders is only part of the fun. Passing UFOs, also called Mystery Ships, can be shot for bonus points. The alien rows also have different point values, giving you plenty of reasons to think about which targets to hit while trying to survive.
Game Controls
- Left / Right Arrow or A / D: Move the laser cannon
- Space / Shoot Button: Fire
Why Space Invaders Is Still Fun
- Classic arcade shooting: Simple controls make it easy to start playing.
- Increasing pressure: Fewer Invaders mean faster movement.
- Defensive bunkers: Use damaged shelters to create temporary cover.
- Mystery Ships: Shoot passing UFOs for bonus points.
- High-score challenge: Every run gives you another chance to improve your score.
Tips for Better Runs
- Keep moving: Small movements can help you avoid incoming missiles.
- Watch the lower rows: Invaders near the bottom are your biggest immediate threat.
- Don't waste shots: You can only have one laser shot on screen at a time.
- Use bunkers strategically: Let them absorb fire when you need cover, but don't rely on damaged sections indefinitely.
- Get used to the rhythm: The Invaders move with a certain rhythm, and learning it will help your timing a lot.
- Be patient at the end: The last few Invaders are fast, so if you try to rush your shots, you can easily lose a life.