Space Invaders

The freaky-looking aliens are large, multi-colored, and change appearance every few rounds. The shields look a bit ugly (with their glowing rainbow color scheme) but they're quite effective when taking cover. Even if you're a Space Invaders expert, you'll find plenty of challenge here, including "fast bomb" and even "homing bomb" variations. The audio is understated, but it's great how the marching sound effects increase in volume as the invaders descend. The control is dead-on, and since your missiles move rapidly, you won't have to wait long for missed shots to clear the screen. For a real treat, try using the Atari 5200 trackball controller. Not only does it provide quick, responsive movement, but your scores are likely to double as you whiz across the bottom of the screen with Centipede-like velocity. With plenty of options and playing modes available, this Space Invaders is tops on my list.

It's a little slow, but Space Invaders is a legitimate classic that packs a good deal of shooting satisfaction. Tip: Enable the secret "double-shot" mode by holding down the reset button when you turn the game on.

Supreme, supreme, simplistic classic. Nanu nanu, beedybeedybeedy (that's Twiki from the 1980s version of Buck Rogers, in case you don't get that reference), live long and prosper, "mostly harmless" (my foot!), and may the force be with you, and all that.

In terms of replay value, it all comes down to how much you want to improve your high score. This game is fun enough that you very well might. But if you buy this game looking for an arcade-perfect port, you're doomed to be disappointed. If an arcade-perfect port is what you're looking for, go to atariage.com and buy the Space Instigators homebrew. If all you're looking for is a fun version of Space Invaders, you've got it right here a lot cheaper than that.