Space Invaders Infinity Gene ($4.99, iTunes link) is a fantastic game, and one that belongs on everybody’s device. Though the price tag might seem a bit steep, it’s well worth it. The game is innovative, gorgeous, and a hell of a lot of fun. 8.5 out of 10. Highly recommended.
Infinity Gene takes the tried and true space invaders formula, and throws it through a trance music-twinged, vector graphic-based wringer. It starts with the classic Space Invaders formula, and then rapidly advances into something entirely new, with free-flowing level designs, new weapons, and incredible vector-based graphics and gorgeous colors.
Rather than bothering with a “fire” button, your ship constantly shoots, so you only have to worry about moving the ship around the screen. In order to avoid the inevitable problem of blocking the view of your ship with your finger, if you just lift up your digit, and put it down somewhere else on the screen, the game will use that as a new anchor point. This means that you can adjust your grip easily to see wherever enemies are coming from.
Much like the original Space Invaders, Infinity Gene puts your little ship against wave after wave of invading enemies. Early on, the opponents are rather similar to the enemies of the classic version, but soon transform into massive creatures with new abilities that tax your skills to the limit. A number of the levels also have bosses tucked at the end. Your ship, too, soon evolves from being locked to the bottom of the screen, and your progress is rewarded every few levels with new weapons and goodies.
The “evolution” part of the game is minimal. It’s just a name placed on a leveling up system. The game doesn’t actually adapt to you in any real way. Rather, it gives you access to new weapons, extra options, new modes and bonus material in a pseudo-evolutionary tree. It’s pretty to look at, but just a veneer.
Infinity Gene can also use your own music and make new levels out of it. It’s kinda crazy fun throwing in your favorite tunes and seeing what pops out the other end. This also adds replay value to the game, as it doesn’t take an extremely long time to plough through the 18 available stages (plus a couple of hidden). Infinity Gene is also available with the Open Feint system, for all you acheivement junkies out there.
Conclusion
Even though Space Invaders Infinity Gene ($4.99, iTunes link) is a touch on the pricey side, it’s completely worth it. It’s fast paced, out of this world, occasionally hellishly confusing, glorious fun. We highly recommend it, and give it an 8.5 out of 10, highly recommended.