It’s a great week to be a fan of classic arcade games, well, if you own a DS or PSP at least. Taito and Square Enix have released new portable versions for legendary titles Arkanoid and Space Invaders. Available exclusively for the DS, Arkanoid DS updates the 1986 brick-breaking classic with three play modes, online play for up to four players complete with a high score ranking system, customizable backgrounds and icons, and intuitive paddle control using the stylus.
To celebrate Space Invaders‘ illustrious 30th anniversary, Space Invaders Extreme has been created for both the DS and PSP, bringing the arcade favorite to the new gaming generation with updated graphics and backgrounds, new music, mini-games and other exciting twists. DS owners definitely get the best version, though, thanks to exclusive two-player online support for worldwide alien blasting competition and rare but very welcomed support for the DS rumble pak. Sadly, the PSP version’s multiplayer is local ad hoc only.
All three games are available at your local retailer now for the wallet-friendly price of $19.99 a pop. Just got in my copies this afternoon and plan on getting a couple quick reviews ready for next week after some hardcore playing this weekend. I’ve already popped in Arkanoid for about 10-15 rounds and I’m absolutely loving it so far.