Arcade Archives Celebrates 45 Years of Space Invaders with New Release
Hamada Shoji, the company behind the Arcade Archives series, has released a new version of Space Invaders to commemorate the game’s 45th anniversary. This release is part of a larger effort to preserve and make classic arcade games accessible to a new generation.
Arcade Archives is more than just a re-release series; it’s a cultural preservation project encompassing games from over 24 publishers. The series holds a Guinness World Record as the longest-running series to release new games weekly. Guinness World Records
For CEO Satoshi Hamada, the choice of Space Invaders was clear. The game sparked a massive boom in 1978, famously leading to a coin shortage in Japan. Beyond it’s historical significance, Space Invaders was Hamada’s first video game, making it a fitting choice for this milestone release.
While Space Invaders has been ported numerous times, this version distinguishes itself through:
- Enhanced Playability: The series is known for its detailed screen and filter options, authentically recreating the look of classic arcade monitors.
- New Caravan Mode: A five-minute high-score mode adds a modern, competitive element to the classic gameplay.
The team meticulously reconstructed the sound by sampling multiple original arcade boards, further reducing input lag.
Hamada views Arcade Archives as a vital contribution to video game history. With many arcade boards over 40 years old and becoming unreliable, modern ports ensure these games remain playable – and alive.
The series is well-known on xbox through the ACA NEOGEO titles, featuring classics like Metal Slug and The King of Fighters. New titles continue to be released weekly as part of Arcade Archives 2.
Hamada promises: “We will release as many titles as possible on Xbox – stay tuned!”
