Space Invaders DX

About

Space Invaders DX updates the classic arcade shooter with fresh twists and competitive play. This 1993 version adds a two-player split-screen mode where opponents battle to block aliens or clear waves, earning medals to win. The parody mode swaps alien sprites with characters from other Taito titles like Bubble Bobble and Arkanoid, turning each level into a themed challenge. Gameplay remains tight and fast, with variations across cabinet styles and color schemes to tweak the feel. The game’s charm lies in its clever homages and adaptive mechanics. The parody mode’s integration of Taito’s IP feels surprisingly cohesive, blending nostalgia with the core shoot-’em-up formula. While arcade versions used different hardware over time, home ports like the Game Boy and PlayStation releases kept the two-player mode alive in later editions. The 2001 PlayStation version even added a 3D option, though the competitive split-screen remains the standout feature. With ports spanning from arcade cabinets to budget reissues, it’s a surprisingly versatile update to a space shooter legend.

Storyline

Space Invaders DX consists of four different versions of the original Space Invaders plus two additional game modes, versus mode and parody mode. The versions of the original game all have the same gameplay but have different screen types. They are upright cabinet screen, black and white, black and white with cellophane overlay and colour. The versus mode is played by two players simultaneously on a split screen. It's round based and to win the round the player has to prevent the aliens from landing or clear all aliens. When winning a round the player is awarded with a medal and the first player with three medals wins the game. The versus mode has less aliens and only one barricade and some of the aliens are coloured. Shooting coloured aliens trigger certain actions which can be both positive and negative. This include clearing a whole line of invaders or having the aliens jump closer to the player or his opponent. The parody mode plays just like the original Space Invaders but here each level has a theme based on other Taito games such as Bubble Bobble, The New Zealand Story, Arkanoid and Darius.