Alien Invaders – Plus!, known in Europe as Videopac 22 – Space Monster, is a 1980 fixed shooter video game developed by Ed and Linda Averett for the Magnavox Odyssey² also known as the Philips Videopac G7000. Similar to Space Invaders, the object of the game is to destroy all invading aliens while also avoiding enemy fire. It was published by Magnavox and Philips and was later rereleased for the Philips Videopac+ G7400. It reviewed favorably to Space Invaders with some critics considering the starring space monster, The Merciless Monstroth, to be a more interesting adversary. However it was criticized for only having one gameplay mode, contrary to the game’s packaging.
Gameplay
The player controls a robot inside of the mobile laser cannon which is used to attack the enemy robots. The Merciless Monstroth (an eye shaped enemy that constantly moves back and forth across the top of the screen) leads the invasion force of 8 robots. The Monolith can be shot but will regenerate after a few seconds. Each robot has a cannon and is protected by an indestructible green shield. The shields constantly move back and forth giving both the player and the enemy the opportunity to fire.
If the player’s laser cannon is struck, they will become defenseless unless they retreat to under one of the three large black shields. Once the player fires, the shield will disappear and the laser cannon will reappear. If all three shields are lost, the Merciless Monstroth will engage the player until either all enemies are destroyed or the player is destroyed. If the player destroys all the robots on screen and the Merciless Monolith they earn a point, if the enemies manage to kill the player they earn a point. First side to get ten points wins the game.
Development & release
Alien Invaders – Plus! was developed by Ed Averett with programming assistance from his wife Linda. Ed Averett created the work for Magnavox in exchange for royalties as a freelance developer.
In 1983, the game was rereleased for the Philips Videopac+ G7400 with enhanced graphics.
Reception
Alien Invaders – Plus! was reviewed by Video in its “Arcade Alley” column where it was described as “a surprisingly innovative switcheroo on good old Space Invaders“. Despite noting that the game has only eight attackers, the reviewers argued that the game “is no pushover”. Electronic Games’ 1983 Buyers Guide called it “not just a weak-kneed Space Invaders rip-off” and an “exciting and entertaining video game in its own right.” Computer and Video Games called the Merciless Monstroth “much more interesting than the unthinking invaders” from Space Invaders.
JoyStik magazine called Alien Invaders – Plus! “actually more of a minus” and considered it a simple game. Creative Computing criticized the packaging for using the phrase “Multi-Mode Game Cartridge” when there is only one gameplay mode with no variations. French magazine Tilt also wished there were more game variations included.
See also
List of Magnavox Odyssey 2 games
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Put under the Gamer24h team's microscope, Space Monster raises the bar considerably with both its storytelling and technical polish. Thanks to Magnavox's meticulous craftsmanship and Koninklijke Philips NV's strong presentation, the high production quality is evident in every moment of the game. Masterfully blending Fixed shooter mechanics with modern standards, the game's fluid gameplay makes hours fly by unnoticed. All in all, the Gamer24h team stands firmly behind our rating. This is a unique journey you won't want to miss.