"The classic"

Video games sure has come a long way! Just take a look at the newly released Marvel vs Capcom 2 for Sega Dreamcast. Now compare it to Pong, which is the first video game ever. Notice any differences? Sure, there are some graphic improvements, and the sound has improved slightly, but other than that, there isn't that much of a difference (I'm being sarcastic, of course). Yes, video games has indeed come a long way. But perhaps my favorite classic game is Space Invaders on the old Atari 2600. This game had pure excitment for such an old game. In fact, this should go in the video game hall of fame (I sure wished there is one!).

Just like in most Atari 2600 games, there really isn't much of a story to this game. I guess the story is just a bunch of aliens trying to invade......something. The gameplay is quite simple. You controll this ship and your objective is to kill the aliens before they kill you. You can also game over if they reach the bottom of the screen. The challenge is actually quite high. Because the aliens don't just travel in a straight line. No, that would be too easy. The aliens travel in circles, or in zig zags, or other patterns. You really do need a sharp eye and a good instinct to play this game. You can't possibly shoot where the aliens are, you have to shoot where they're gonna be! The controlls in this game is very easy to operate. You just have to use the shoot button regularly and that's about it.

The graphics are quite nice (remember, we're talking about the Atari 2600 here). The design of your ship is done extremely well. And the aliens really do look quite nasty. The movements of the ship and the aliens run quite smoothly. There are very few signs of lag. Just like in all other Atari 2600 games, there is no music. The sounds all consists of ''bleeps'' and ''bloops''. But even though those are the only sounds, the come in the right times of the game.

The fun factor is average. This game could get really boring and fast. But keep in mind that games back in the day was primitave. There wern't any fancy functions. The replay value is quite low. After a while, it's just the same thing over and over again.

Overall, this is an okay game. But it was a great game at the time it was made. You could probably buy this game for less than a dollar at a flea market or somethin'. Definatley check it out at least.

FINAL RANKINGS:
Gameplay:9
Challenge:8
Controlls:9
Graphics:8
Audio:8
Fun Factor:6
Replay Value:4
Overall:7

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/03/00, Updated 08/03/00