45 years after its initial launch, Space Invaders is returning to terrorise Earth yet again — albeit in a different form. Square Enix and TAITO, in collaboration with Google, has launched Space Invasion: World Defense, an AR shooter that brings the alien invasion to a virtual space.
Powered by Google’s ARCore Geospatial API, it invites players to earn points by exploring their neighbourhoods and defeating the Invaders they encounter. Special power-ups can be unlocked along the way, with AR and 3D elements blended into the nearby environment. The mobile title will also adapt to the player’s real-world location, time, and local weather for more immersive gameplay.
In addition to defeating the space invaders, individuals can participate in area-specific rankings and share gameplay images and AR selfies on social media. The game’s synopsis reads, “As one of Earth’s top pilots, you must use your spaceship’s advanced technology and your expert skills to travel between dimensions and defend the planet. The future of the Earth is in your hands!”
Space Invaders: World Defense is available free of charge on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Edwin Teo
Trinity Sun
