1979 Invasion Earth

1979 Invasion Earth is a Space Invaders style arcade game with different game modes.

TL;DR at bottom

Gameplay:

Playing 1979 Invasion Earth, or even just looking at promotional material for the game, you will notice that it is extremely reminiscent of the classic game, Space Invaders. It doesn’t necessarily hide this fact, as the developer states that the game is based off of classic games they used to enjoy. However, this game does make an attempt to create a unique experience instead of a blatant clone in an attempt to get some quick cash. There are 3 different game modes, as well as a 2 player mode. These game modes are Arcade, Skillshot, and Survival, all with slightly different goals.

The core mechanics of each game mode are the same throughout, but they offer different challenges and goals for the player to work towards. Arcade is the classic mode, where you try and destroy all of the enemies that are moving down your screen, progressing through levels that increase in difficulty. Skillshot is a mode where you have to destroy a certain amount of enemies out of a group of enemies that are presented in different ways. The goal is to get the highest level. Survival is simply how it sounds, survive for as long as you can.

There are many different enemies in addition to the traditional aliens who move down the screen in sync. There are also power-ups that you can shoot to upgrade your weapons, get extra points, or get more humans. The humans are another means of getting points, and there are several different bonuses in addition to that to help you rack up a higher score.

8/10

Graphics:

Things get a little bit hectic when playing on the later levels in Arcade or Survival mode. There are lots of enemies, explosions, lasers, and plenty of other things that fill up the screen and make things crazy. However, the game does a good job of not making the large amount of things on screen overwhelming, and it is still relatively easily to discern where and what things are. It does get a bit difficult to see the small rockets being shot at you, causing you to die accidentally, but it isn’t a big deal. The visual effects are great and capture the feel of a retro arcade game well, while still maintaining a modern standard. The effects make the game feel much more exciting and it feels like you’re doing a lot and that your actions make an impact on your enemies.

8/10

Music/Audio:

The game does not use original music, but the developer made a good selection of music that fits the style of the game. The menu music is fun and the music during gameplay makes the game a lot more exciting. It helps the game feel like there is more exciting action going on in the simple gameplay, and it makes it less boring to sit around and shoot at little alien guys who are slowly coming closer to you. Original music would have been nice, but at least the selection of music was adequate.

The sound effects for the game are very well implemented. Again, they are not original but the selections were very good and make the game a lot more fun and exciting. Explosions are nice to hear and there aren’t many sound effects that repeat a lot and get annoying. All around, the sound design is pretty well done.

7/10

Conclusion:

Overall, 1979 Invasion Earth is a surprisingly fun game. It copies basic mechanics from a classic game, but it adds a unique enough twist to make the game more exciting and fun. The gameplay is quite enjoyable and there are a couple different game modes to keep you entertained for at least a little while. The graphics are pretty well done, and the music and audio choices are great for the aesthetic of the game. I suggest checking this game out if you want to have some quick fun or want to reminisce about your Space Invaders days while still having a fresh experience.

7.5/10 – Recommended

TL;DR

Pros:

+Unique twist on Space Invaders gameplay

+Colorful graphics

+Fun gameplay

+Cool retro music

Cons:

-Simple, little replayability

-Unoriginal basic idea (Space Invaders clone)

Check out my gameplay of 1979 Invasion Earth below to get a better idea of the game.