Item: SPACE INVADERS
Rating: 88
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

88/100

Space Invaders for iOS is a brilliant modernization of the game that defined an entire industry. Taito has done a wonderful job of preserving the iconic, pixel-perfect feel of the original cabinet while making it feel at home on a smartphone. The touch controls are surprisingly responsive, offering both a 'drag' mode and a classic button layout that captures the twitch-reflex challenge of the 1978 original.

What I find most impressive is the inclusion of various display modes. You can play with the classic black-and-white look, the colored cellophane overlays, or the full-color version. It’s a digital museum piece that is still incredibly fun to play. The increasing tension as the music speeds up and the last few invaders descend is a masterclass in game design that hasn't aged a day. Whether you're a retro enthusiast or a new player looking to experience history, this is the definitive mobile version of the arcade legend.

Dinsun reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

305608072

$4.99 4+★4.2 80 reviews

Author : TAITO Corporation

Pubish Date : Wed Feb 18 2009

Last Update Date : Wed Mar 04 2020

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.4.0Wed Mar 04 2020

Minor bug fixes.
Experience the King of Shooting Games, the arcade hit that captured the hearts of legions of fans and took the world by storm! Use your cannon to defend Earth from waves of descending alien Invaders!
All the features you remember have been faithfully recreated: the elusive UFOs, the "Nagoya Attack" technique, and the endless game play!
This edition features three control methods optimized for the iPhone and iPad, four screen modes, and bonus extras including rare material from the original game's development!
Controls:
1. Touch & drag controls
2. On-screen controls
3. Tilt controls
Screen Modes:
1. Color
2. Toggle Background
3. Cellophane Overlay
4. Monochrome
Language:
1. English
2. Italiano
3. Français
4. Deutsch
5. Español
6. 日本語
Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Experience the King of Shooting Games, the arcade hit that captured the hearts of legions of fans and took the world by storm! Use your cannon to defend Earth from waves of descending alien Invaders!
All the features you remember have been faithfully recreated: the elusive UFOs, the "Nagoya Attack" technique, and the endless game play!
This edition features three control methods optimized for the iPhone and iPad, four screen modes, and bonus extras including rare material from the original game's development!
Controls:
1. Touch & drag controls
2. On-screen controls
3. Tilt controls
Screen Modes:
1. Color
2. Toggle Background
3. Cellophane Overlay
4. Monochrome
Language:
1. English
2. Italiano
3. Français
4. Deutsch
5. Español
6. 日本語

Ratings & Reviews

4.2 out of 5 with 80 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Space Invaders is back! This official Taito release brings the world-famous arcade shooter to your pocket. Battle endless rows of aliens as they move across the screen and descend toward your base. Use your shields for cover and aim for the mystery UFO for bonus points. This version includes multiple control schemes, classic sound effects, and the iconic visual styles that defined the golden age of arcades. Can you beat the high score and save the planet?

Features

Faithful recreation of the 1978 original arcade game

Multiple control methods including touch and tilt

Four different screen styles (Color, B&W, etc.)

Global leaderboards to compete with the world

Tips

Shield Strategy

Your bunkers provide temporary safety, but they degrade with every shot. Use them to dodge heavy fire, but be prepared to move to the open areas once the invaders get lower on the screen.

Promotion Videos

Space Invaders｜Square Enix Montr�al Teaser - YouTube

News on this game

Apple Arcade launches new Katamari and Space Invaders games in April

Six fun games and exciting updates for Apple Arcade are launching over the next month, joining an award-winning catalog of over 200 games.

Apple - Tue Apr 29 2025

Ben Zazove & Evan Turner Tapped To Pen ‘Space Invaders’ Film For New Line Based On Taito Arcade Game

A 'Space Invaders' movie is in development at New Line, with Ben Zazove and Evan Turner to adapt the screenplay from the Taito arcade game.

Deadline - Mon Sep 22 2025

First Look: Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve Brings Frantic Shooting to Apple Arcade

The latest installment in the classic Taito franchise allows players to permanently upgrade their experience over time.

Restart.run - Thu May 29 2025

Space Invaders creator recalls building arcade games with mirrors, making a prototype console that never saw release, and how short-sighted Taito's sales team was about videogames: 'These things will never sell'

Time Extension has a new interview with Tomohiro Nishikado, the designer known for his long career at Taito and in particular the creation of Space Invaders.

PC Gamer - Fri Aug 29 2025

Blasting Through Time: SPACE INVADERS™ Joins Forces with My Play Watch and Floor 84 Studio

An Iconic Arcade Classic Meets Wearable Technology in a Unique Collaboration Between My Play Watch, TAITO, and Floor 84 Studio.

Business Wire - Fri Nov 29 2024

Space Invaders Film Hires New Scriptwriters

Ben Zazove, Evan Turner take over from previous screenwriter Greg Russo. space-invaders Image via Amazon. � TAITO CORPORATION 1978, 2025.

Anime News Network - Mon Sep 22 2025

Six new games to launch in Apple Arcade next month

Apple Arcade is set to launch six new games, including Katamari and Space Invaders games in April.

Deccan Herald - Tue Apr 29 2025

This Apple Watch clone straps a retro gaming machine to your wrist

Taito Corporation, which gave the world Space Invaders over 45 years ago, has collaborated with the designers of Floor 84 Studio to create a...

The Verge - Fri Nov 29 2024

New Issue: New Zealand marks 40th anniversary of Space Invaders

The 40th anniversary of the iconic video game Space Invaders was recently commemorated on a one-ounce silver coin issued by the New Zealand Mint.

Canadian Coin News - Tue May 29 2018

" SQUARE ENIX MONTR�AL AND TAITO TO COLLABORATE ON SPACE INVADERS FOR NEW TYPE OF AUGMENTED REALITY MOBILE GAME " - Square Enix North America Press Hub

Montr�al, March 18<sup>th</sup>, 2021– Today, Square Enix� Montr�al and TAITO announced a collaboration on a new vision for the Space Invaders brand...

Square Enix Press Hub - Thu Apr 29 2021

Gameplays

Classic High Scoring

Focus on the 'Mystery Ship' (UFO) that occasionally flies across the top of the screen. Hitting it provides a random bonus of up to 300 points, which is essential for climbing the leaderboards.