Space Invader

Space Invader is a video game in the action genre developed by Hartung and published by Hartung originally released in 1990. It is currently playable on Game Master.

Space Invader places the player at the controls of a lone laser cannon defending the planet from an advancing formation of extraterrestrial craft. The battle takes place across a series of fixed-screen assault zones, with the cannon positioned along the lower edge of the display and the invaders arranged in orderly ranks above it. Each wave begins at a measured pace, but the attack grows increasingly urgent as the formation is reduced. The objective is to destroy every invader before it reaches the defensive line, while earning the highest possible score from accurate and sustained fire.

The cannon moves horizontally from side to side, allowing the player to position each shot beneath the descending formation. Fire is released one projectile at a time, making timing and placement more important than simply holding down the attack. Enemy craft advance across the screen, reverse direction at the edge, and step closer to the cannon after each change of course. The lower section of the battlefield contains defensive barriers that absorb incoming fire and provide temporary protection. Both the barriers and the invader ranks gradually deteriorate under repeated attacks, turning each screen into a contest between careful aiming and rapidly diminishing cover.

Several varieties of targets appear in the formation, with different positions awarding different amounts of points. The upper ranks offer the greatest rewards, although striking them requires the cannon to fire through the craft below. At intervals, a separate flying saucer crosses the top of the battlefield, presenting a brief opportunity for a bonus score. Enemy shots fall through the gaps in the formation, and a direct hit destroys the cannon. A limited number of cannon units are available, with an additional unit awarded in some scoring situations, and the game ends when the final defender is lost or the invaders complete their advance.

The Game Master display gives the action a stark electronic appearance. Invaders, cannon, barriers, missiles, and saucers are formed from compact monochrome shapes, producing a clear silhouette against the plain background. Animation is deliberately simple, but each movement is easy to follow: the formation marches in regular steps, missiles travel in straight lines, and the saucer sweeps rapidly across the upper portion of the screen. The restricted display area keeps the battle concentrated and makes every change in the invaders’ position immediately significant.

Sound effects are supplied by short electronic signals that mark firing, impacts, the destruction of the cannon, and the appearance of bonus targets. The steady rhythm of the marching formation and the increasingly frequent movement of the invaders create the game’s central tension. Space Invader is quick to learn yet demanding to master, rewarding players who conserve their shields, watch the enemy’s firing lanes, and place every shot with precision. Each new wave preserves the familiar battle while increasing the pressure, encouraging repeated attempts to improve both survival time and score.

It is possible that we have multiple downloads available when different versions exist.