Space Invaders 30 Years Later

Do you remember playing Space Invaders in the original cabinets? How many quarters did you send down the chute? If you are like myself, the quarters spent playing Space Invaders seems so long ago, and with good reason - that was 30 years ago folks.

It looks like Taito is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Space Invaders by releasing a slew of franchise-related merchandise; how can I not be excited? I’ve seen really sharp looking T-Shirt designs (I really like the one by EDITMODE at MARUIONE.JP), noticed that some stores have been converted into “Space Invaders headquarters”, and have seen all sorts of gadgets and apparel popping up around the net (like alarm clocks, 30th Anniversary pins, Space Invaders luggage, and tumblers for your coffee). I saw a couple kids at the mall with miniature Space Invaders-themed skateboards that they were showing off; kids that did not exist when the game was originally released!

I’m guessing this big Space Invaders branding push by Taito is not to rejuvenate the game franchise, it is more likely they are trying to boost the Taito brand recognition via the Space Invaders retro-cool medium. I don’t care, it’s working and there a lot of really neat stuff out there for me to buy.

They are putting some efforts into the Space Invaders game franchise though. You can get involved in the online Space Invaders Worldwar (ends August 26th). Space Invaders Get Even will allow you to play as the Space Invaders and attack Earth in swarms of alien madness on the Nintendo Wii. And check out this video for Space Invaders Extreme for Nintendo DS and Sony PSP - I love how the music and gameplay seems mixed together, it makes me think of a mashup between Rez-styling and Space Invaders gameplay.

Get your retro Space Invaders goin’ on, it’s time to relive this classic and show the world you’ve got some geek cred. Lets geek-out with the rest of the world as we celebrate 30 years of invasion from outer space!

WHOMP… WHOMP… WHOMP…