Space Invaders Classic
Play Space Invaders Classic free online: shoot descending aliens before they reach Earth. The iconic 1978 arcade shooter with Retro Coins.
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How it works
Play, earn points and Retro Coins: the shared currency across every RetroPlayNow game. Unlock badges and climb the leaderboard! Your progress is saved automatically on this device.
Space Invaders Classic is the 1978 Taito arcade game that launched the entire video game industry. You control a lone laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, defending Earth from 55 aliens arranged in 11 columns and 5 rows.
The aliens march left and right, dropping down one row each time they hit an edge. As you destroy them, the remaining aliens speed up — the fewer left, the faster they move. Your cannon can only fire one shot at a time, so aim carefully and use the four bunkers for cover.
The bunkers erode as they absorb enemy and player fire. Position yourself behind intact sections to survive longer. Occasionally a bonus ship flies across the top of the screen — shoot it for extra points.
Our RetroPlayNow version captures the iconic pixel art and escalating tension of the original, with faithful sound effects and the characteristic speed-up as aliens are destroyed. Every alien destroyed earns Retro Coins.
How to play Space Invaders Classic
- Move and shoot. Move your cannon left and right. Fire one shot at a time at the descending aliens.
- Destroy all aliens. Clear all 55 aliens to advance to the next wave. Each wave starts one row lower.
- Use bunkers for cover. Four bunkers absorb fire. They erode over time, so position yourself carefully.
- Shoot the bonus ship. Occasionally a ship flies across the top. Destroy it for bonus points.
- Earn Retro Coins. Score points by destroying aliens. Faster aliens are worth more points.
