Angela B. Games 05.11.2023 23:May PM EDT

Google, Taito Introduces Space Invaders in AR Mode

After the rollercoaster ride that is Pokémon Go, we didn't really see another AR game with the same magnitude of fame as it did. However, things might be changing for the world once again as Google and Taito work together to bring Space Invaders into real space.

Space Invaders AR

Video games have come a long way in terms of gameplay, graphics, interface, storyline, and more. But, it appears that we are going full circle as Google breathes life into the arcade classic, Space Invaders, wherein it adds a twist by integrating it with AR technology.

Google has brought a lot of exciting new advancements in its I/O 2023 conference, but gamers are especially hyped up about the upcoming AR game. In partnership with its creator, Taito, you will be able to fight off the pixel alien invaders in your own city.

The Space Invaders: World Defense, as it is called, is made possible through the tech giant's Streetscape Geometry API, wherein developers will have access to the geometry of terrain, buildings, and other structures in a scene, as mentioned in Gizmodo.

Through the camera of your mobile device, you will be able to fight off enemies as they emerge from the buildings in your area. The buildings will also play a vital role as it will not only serve as added flair but the invaders will be able to take cover behind them as well.

Amazingly, there will also be warp holes that the attackers can go through to appear on other buildings, making for more interesting and immersive gameplay. Reports say that the local weather will also affect the game, although it's still not clear what that would do.

The game will be released this summer, so we won't have to wait very long to see what the game will bring. If you have seen the 2015 movie "Pixels" starring Adam Sandler, you might have a more vivid picture of how the revival of classics could turn out.

This also brings in many possibilities for other classic arcade games like Asteroids, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Tron, and more. That may depend on how the Space Invaders: World Defense will turn out. Hopefully, it doesn't die down the way Pokémon Go did.

Space Invaders

Nishikado Tomohiro created the game back in 1978, which was then produced by the Japanese electronic game company, Taito Corporation. The goal of the game was to shoot the swarm of aliens using a laser cannon before they reach the bottom of the screen.

As you get farther into the game, the descent of the enemies becomes faster, making it more difficult to wipe out all the aliens on the screen. There will also be a red ship that passes by from time to time that allows the player to get additional points if they hit it.

It is among the most popular arcade games of its time, so much so that it has caused a coin shortage since coins were needed to play the games in arcade machines before. According to Britannica, Japan had to increase the production of the 100-yen coin just to make up for the shortage.