Game Reviews

Alien Space Retro

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Alien Space Retro

Despite the number of technical advances made in gaming in recent years, it remains far too tempting to come over all nostalgic and hark back to previous generations.

Classic arcade games are frequently re-released and updated for modern audiences, and it seems that even some newer games are receiving the same treatment.

Twin-stick shooter Alien Space was released just last year, full of a desire to not only play like an old-skool shmup, but also to look like one. Although Alien Space Retro loses little of its appeal in this transition, it fails to offer anything substantially new.

Space Odyssey

The most obvious change, though, is the presentation. The flashy, colourful graphics of Alien Space have been replaced with simple outlines representing ships and objects, immediately evoking memories of seminal shooters such as Asteroids.

The basic formula hasn’t been altered, however. The aim is still to blast as many asteroids and enemies as you can into the darkest depths of space, using the arsenal of weapons provided.

Impacts and enemy fire damage your shield, exposing your hull and ultimately causing you to lose a life. Once this protective supply is exhausted, your game ends, although additional lives are conveniently scattered across the galaxy.

Two virtual joysticks control ship movement and the direction of fire, while additional touchscreen buttons allow you to use bombs or change your primary weapon.

Spaceman

Campaign mode comprises a meaty 30 levels, with the aim being to score as many points as possible on each stage. You are awarded credits for successful completion, which can be redeemed against upgrades to your ship's weaponry and defences.

The campaign is supplemented by an open-ended Survival mode and an entirely new mode, Lost in Space, available via an in-app purchase. Lost in Space is rather unique in that there are no weapons or enemies, and the sole aim is to survive as long as possible by avoiding asteroids and maintaining your energy level.

Those charismatic new visuals may be the main selling point, but the gameplay is as fun, frantic, and satisfying as ever. The lengthy Campaign mode ensures lasting appeal and the inclusion of Lost in Space mode injects some diversity. Given that this new mode is one of the few fresh features in Alien Space Retro, however, it seems a little unfair that it is only an optional extra.

Aside from the retro theme, very little of this retread will entice owners of Alien Space in. Saying that, it's still a great twin-stick shooter, and due to the slightly cheaper price point, newcomers can do far worse.

Alien Space Retro

An oxymoronic retro update of Alien Space, this is a visually appealing and engaging twin stick shooter that is unfortunately too similar to its predecessor to be considered a true great
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Steve McCaskill
Steve McCaskill
A crippling addiction to Football Manager threatened Steve's education and social life for much of the past ten years, but he has come through it with a history degree and an unparalleled knowledge of zonal marking.