Deal | Amped-up arcade shooter gets 75% off on Steam, dropping below $5

When Taito released Space Invaders in 1978, it became a massive arcade hit and remains one of the most iconic classics in video game history. The basic concept hasn't changed much in Space Invaders Extreme: Players control a small laser cannon and shoot down advancing hordes of aliens before they reach the bottom of the screen. However, what was once a relatively slow-paced experience quickly turns into a spectacular barrage of visual effects.

In terms of gameplay, Space Invaders Extreme has considerably more to offer than the original. Alongside different enemy types and challenging boss battles, there are numerous special weapons that can be unlocked by strategically shooting aliens of the same color. For example, taking out four enemies of the same color in a row rewards players with additional firepower. Clever kill chains, multipliers and hidden bonuses also allow dedicated players to push their high scores ever higher.

The developers have retained the classic pixel-art style while enhancing it with vibrant neon colors, psychedelic backgrounds and plenty of special effects. There's also a dynamic soundtrack that reacts to the action on screen.

Space Invaders Extreme is currently 75% off on Steam until November 12, bringing the price down to just $4.99 instead of $19.99. However, this isn't a new all-time low. According to SteamDB, the game was last available at this price in September. Still, the arcade shooter has never been cheaper.

Space Invaders Extreme was generally well received by critics. Gaming Nexus awarded the Nintendo DS version an impressive 9.1 out of 10, particularly praising its addictive arcade gameplay, varied enemies and extensive combo system. The PC version also holds up well, with a Metascore of 79 and a user score of 7.0 on Metacritic. On Steam, 86% of more than 270 user reviews are positive.

However, the arcade shooter isn't without its shortcomings. Some players are particularly frustrated by the online requirement and the reduced amount of content compared to earlier versions. For example, certain game modes available in previous releases are missing. Thanks to its fast-paced rounds and Steam Deck Verified status, Space Invaders Extreme is also a great fit for gaming on the go. 

The gameplay trailer below shows what the action looks like in motion:

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