Space Invaders II

About

Space Invaders II is a follow up to the iconic 1978 arcade hit where players shoot down waves of alien invaders before they reach the bottom of the screen. This version adds a split screen mode for two players to compete simultaneously. Each controls their own cannon at opposite ends of the table battling not just the aliens but also each other through projectile fire. The same core mechanics remain with randomly moving ships and powerful boss targets dropping points. The game was exclusive to cocktail table arcades which added a social twist to the formula. While the single player mode sticks to familiar territory the head to head gameplay created a surprisingly balanced showdown. It holds a 7.9 average on arcade review sites with many noting how the dual playfield design makes it feel like two games at once. Some historians consider it a early pioneer of competitive arcade duels despite limited home releases.