Space Invaders reimagined with augmented reality: this applies to Android and iPhone

space invaders returns with a new installment that aims to seduce the nostalgic while also attracting new players in 2023. The brand new title puts augmented reality as its main attraction, bringing the mythical Taito game back to life.

For this adventure, a Japanese company partnered with Google. Actually, Space Invaders: Protecting the World — the official name of the video game — was announced at the Google I/O conference hosted by the American firm in May. In addition to this, the game is not exclusive to Android: it is also released for iPhone and iPad.

Like the original game released in 1978, the mission is to destroy the horde of aliens. In this case, you will have to do this not from powerful slot machines, but from mobile phones.

Space Invaders: Protecting the World: everything you need to know about the game

“Players will need to use advanced spacecraft technology and expert skills to travel between dimensions and protect the planet. The future of the Earth is in your hands!” – says the official description of the name. “You will enjoy the classic game in a whole new dimension: explore, find and conquer space invaders in your area!” they add.

Based on Google ARCore technology, Space Invaders: Protecting the World is now available for free download on Google Play and the App Store. The proposal is a priori interesting. The user must destroy virtual monsters by pointing the camera of his phone at the world around him, as we see in the presentation videos.

Google and Taito delivery is supported by augmented reality. It’s an interesting bet, as many games with this technology have failed to come close to the success it has. Pokémon GO in past. In general terms, the idea is that users jump from screens to the real world.

The return of the players will be a litmus test to see if there will be new ones. space invaders ranks among augmented reality video games. Or if, on the contrary, the title fails in the same way as other attempts in the genre, for example, failed The Witcher: Monster Slayer And Minecraft ARcanceled in both cases.

5 facts and curiosities about the game original

• Appeared in the late 70s, this is the creation of a Japanese developer Toshihiro Nishikadofor Taito.
• The game is known as one of the first in the “kill the martians” genre, a modality that later spread in this sector.
• It was a big success in its home country, so much so that the Japanese government was alarmed by the lack of 100 yen coins that were used in slot machines.
• Nishikado admitted that he was inspired by science fiction classics such as H.G. Wells’ novel for his performance. War of the Worldsand saga films star Wars.
• It is estimated that Taito made a profit of more than $500 million thanks to space invaders.