Space Invaders Part II
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | July 1979 |
| Founder | Tomohiro Nishikado |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Tomohiro Nishikado (designer) |
| Products | Space Invaders Part II (arcade game) |
| Parent | Taito |
is a 1979 arcade fixed shooter developed and published by Taito. Released in North America by Midway Games under the name Space Invaders Deluxe, it serves as the follow-up to the 1978 title Space Invaders. Players operate a laser cannon to eliminate descending waves of alien invaders while dodging their attacks. New gameplay elements include aliens that fragment upon being shot, a higher high score cap with the ability to enter player initials, and brief animated sequences between levels. The game runs on the Taito 8080 arcade hardware platform.
Gameplay
Space Invaders Part II preserves the fundamental fixed shooter gameplay of its predecessor. Players maneuver a laser base tasked with destroying aliens advancing from the screen’s upper area, as these extraterrestrials attempt to invade Earth. The alien formations move horizontally then descend stepwise, accelerating as their numbers dwindle. Large shields offer protection for the player’s base but gradually deteriorate when struck by enemy or player fire. Occasionally, a UFO traverses the top of the screen, providing an opportunity for bonus points if successfully targeted.
Improvements include aliens that split into smaller units when hit and a newly introduced flashing UFO variant that can only be engaged while visible. In later stages, UFOs may release additional alien invaders when only a few remain on screen. Upon completing each level, short cutscenes depict an alien fleeing in a UFO. Stage indicators are displayed on the protective shields.
Development
Released in Japan by Taito in July 1979, Space Invaders Part II made its North American debut through Midway Games in November 1979, with mass production starting in January 1980. The game was designed by Tomohiro Nishikado, who also created the original Space Invaders. One motivation behind this sequel was to reduce surplus inventory of original arcade boards. Although marketed as Space Invaders Deluxe in North America, the title screen retained the Part II designation due to contractual restrictions imposed by Taito on Midway regarding modifications.
Reception
The magazine Cash Box commended the game’s vibrant visuals and enhanced gameplay features, suggesting it would appeal particularly to experienced players. New Computer Express commented on Prize Space Invaders, labeling it expensive but recognizing its prize payout system as somewhat justifiable. A retrospective review in 1998 by Allgame characterized Part II as "barely a sequel" because of its limited changes from the original but acknowledged its engaging challenge and improved graphics while noting its repetitive aspects. Creator Tomohiro Nishikado has expressed a preference for this version due to its broader gameplay variety.
Legacy
Although closely resembling the original Space Invaders, this sequel introduced several notable enhancements. The maximum high score was raised from 9,990 to 99,990 points, enabling players to save their initials alongside their scores. Additionally, brief humorous intermission scenes were added between levels showing the last invader limping off-screen—an early example of cutscene breaks later popularized by titles such as Pac-Man (1980).
In 1990, a Game Boy adaptation was released featuring multiplayer functionality via the Game Link Cable. That same year, Prize Space Invaders, a redemption-style version awarding cash prizes based on player performance, was launched. Part II has been included in numerous compilations including Space Invaders Virtual Collection (1995), Space Invaders Anniversary (2004), Taito Memories Gekan (2005), Taito Legends (2005), Taito Legends Power-Up (2007), and Space Invaders Pocket (2007). It was also ported to mobile devices in 2007 as part of Space Invaders Trilogy, which bundled this title with the original and Return of the Invaders. Furthermore, it appears in the Nintendo Switch collection titled Space Invaders Invincible Collection.