Space Invaders Get Even will hit WiiWare on December 1 capping off the Space Invaders 30th anniversary product flood. While a price point wasn't provided for the standard edition of the four mission-long game, Square Enix did let us know that three mission packs will be released in the future for 500 Wii Points each. Yes, this is starting to sound like an expensive game, in the Square Enix WiiWare fashion.

The game is rated E10+, features high score leaderboards and is classified under the "Invade Action" genre. Excellent choice.

This anime clip was produced to help promote Taito's arcade centres. That and celebrate this game's 20th anniversary (which is this year!). One things for sure: these aren't your father's Space Invaders.

[via Technabob]

Using the DS touch screen isn't exactly the best interface for angling your shots, but it's good enough. Just make sure you have a steady surface on which to play.

We were hoping that the excellent dial controller — used in the previous Taito effort Arkanoid DS — would be one of the options on hand at Tokyo Game Show, but no dice.

The scope of the demo was unfortunately very limited, giving us a few dozen stand Puzzle Bobble boards to clear. They came pretty fast and furious, but there was no danger of losing. We didn't notice anything in the way of new gameplay elements; most of the bubble types we'd seen before.

The Space Puzzle Bobble moniker seems regrettably fitting. Taito seems to be keeping the series in a vacuum, with little in the way of new features to keep long time players coming back. Based on the short demo, we were left a little disappointed in what Space Puzzle Bobble had to offer. There may be more to it than we saw in our brief hands on time, but given the enduring gameplay, it might just be "good enough" for forgiving fans to dip into the game one more time.

While Taito's offerings aren't the stuff of attention grabbing headlines and long queues, it has a few tricks up its sleeve; Gardening Mama for the Nintendo DS for one, giving "Mama" something to occupy her time between meals in Cooking Mama 2 for the Wii. There's also Space Puzzle Bobble, which you'll find me hunched over at the Makuhari Messe this year.

Get excited... on a very small scale.

Taito TGS 2008 [Taito via DS Fanboy]

The space invaders took off in their spaceship shooting their lasers at some ships. A laser hit their ship; it crashed. The space invaders got out just in time! When the ship blew up, the fire was so bright it looked like a sun! They built a bigger and better ship. It took 10 weeks to build. As time went by, the ship got bigger and bigger! The time came when the space invaders invaded earth! There were no bad things, like fires or stealing. They made some friends and had to get their computers help to take off. They went to ziron home base, 50,0000 miles from earth.

Whew! So glad to know that when the space invaders finally do come, there will be no bad things like fires or stealing.

Nov. 2, 1980 [Alt Japan]

The AM show (JAMMA) Mega Preview Post [Arcade Heroes]

According to Wada, there have been discussions since May with former Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda and Tecmo Chairman of the Board (and current president) Yasuharu Kakihara. Yasuda has recently resigned in wake of a slew of labor dispute legal trouble with Team Ninja and Dead or Alive member Tomonobu Itagaki. Wada admits that he was "concerned" what would happen regarding those discussions when Yasuda resigned.

This, said Wada, is the same as when Square and Enix merged, adding: "In entertainment, games are the equal of the film and television industry, and growth is strong. But, now the Japanese game industry isn't leading with the same vigor that it did previously... This is a worldwide battle."

As we broke earlier, the Tecmo Board of Directors has until September 4th to approve the offer. It includes offering to purchase a controlling interest in Tecmo by purchasing shares in that company at 30 percent premium (¥960 a share compared to yesterday's close price of ¥706 a share). But if Tecmo does accept the offer, what will happen to Tecmo? It will fall under a holding company umbrella, said the exec. But regarding the actual Tecmo brand, Wada stated, "To either be affiliated and losing the brand or possibly merging with Taito, that's the big difference." Square Enix acquired Taito in 2005.

Wada was keen to point out how important (and attractive) Tecmo's IPs were. Not only that, he praised the company's ability to produce top quality titles — most notably Tecmo's fighting and action games. Wada also lauded the company's success abroad. The Square Enix exec pointed out that talented teams are needed to make games. "While it looks like the games are made by a single, talented genius, games are made by teams," said Wada. When asked about the Itagaki labor dispute, Wada replied: "I don't know anything of the concrete details of this particular case."

"I can only believe that our proposal will be accepted," stated Wada. "I hope."

和田氏「TOBはこれから。目的はグループとして一緒にやっていくこと」 [Game Watch Impress]

On his website Stanley says simply that he's given the group permission to turn off the exhibit, and then hours later writes that a statement on his website can be considered his official reason for taking down the display. Stanley also mentions on his site that he has received death threats since his exhibit first appeared on Kotaku and then in national and international press.

The decision comes the day Taito said they may be seeking legal action against the artist.

“After three days of a steady downward spiral in public discussion of the piece, I have just given my agreement to the organizers of the Leipzig Games Convention to simply turn off the installation Invaders! While I realize the dangerous precedent of allowing the lowest common denominator dictate what is and is not a valid form of expression, unfortunately the current tone has totally obfuscated the original aims of the piece. While I take full responsibility for the uncomfortable ambiguity of certain aspects of this work, it was never created to merely provoke controversy for controversy’s sake, and unfortunately, this is what the piece has now become. The American response to this work has been, frankly, immature, and lacking the sophistication and consideration that other parts of the world have so far shown the work. Contrary to previous reports, I am an American, and it saddens me that we as a people remain so profoundly unable to process this event outside of some obscure, but tacitly understood, criteria of purely anesthetized artistic representation. Due to these profound misunderstandings, I simply feel that from an artistic point of view, the work has lost the ability to have any valuable impact, poetic or otherwise. I have not been pressured by the Leipziger Messe, nor by the Computerspiele Museum in this decision — to the contrary, they have offered their support in defending the right of artists to speak freely, and in whatever context they may choose.”

While I don't get exactly what Stanley was going for, I didn't have a chance to interact with the exhibit. Mike McWhertor, who did play through a chunk of the game, called it an unsettling exhibit that delivered a complex message with simple means.

I'm not sure where I stand on the piece itself, but I do feel strongly that art, no matter how seemingly crass or insensitive, should be protected.

Games Convention officials were unavailable at press time, but we will update the site if and when we can get a response.

++30 Years of Invasions! [Abstract Machine]

Taito said that in fact the entire “Space Invaders: The Anniversary Show” exhibition by the Computer Game Museum Berlin was likewise planned and presented without their knowledge and authorization.

"TAITO is seriously considering all available options—including legal actions against the infringer and, if necessary, the Games Convention exhibitor involved—in order to end this unauthorized and impermissible misuse of the Space Invaders content and to protect TAITO’s intellectual properties."

Taito does not address their take on the art and it's blending of Space Invaders with 9/11 outside the IP issue. I'm still waiting to hear back from Taito parent company Square-Enix. A press person told me that they do plan on making a statement.

This hits three years after the first and last game to take on the World Trade Center hit Brooklyn.

Honestly, we're not quite sure what's going on here quite yet, as we didn't know the German translation for "What the fuck?" We do know, however, that the 8-bit tower jumpers and the negative score applied to each WTC tower to indicate damage aren't going to sit well with, we're thinking, everyone we know who doesn't hate freedom.

Update: It is an art exhibit, according the the French-American artist.

Thankfully, for the more boutique focused Japanese consumer, Taito has teamed up with the many designers who set up shop in the Laforet Museum, a multi-tiered shopping center in Harajuku that caters to the discriminating shopper. They're selling Space Invaders branded tees, parkas, underwear, dresses, ties bejeweled frilly things, all at outrageous prices, all in sizes that don't fit you.

Taito X Laforet Harajuku "Space Invaders 30th Anniversary" Collaboration [Game Watch]

Space Invaders Pillow [NCSX via ALBOTAS]

"Both SPACE INVADERS and ARKANOID are milestones in computer game history," said Akira Ohtsuki, TAITO's General Manager of CS R&B Development, AM Business Division. "We are thrilled to introduce these legendary games to a new generation of players and reignite the excitement for fans of the original titles."

The Games That Started It All Are Back! SPACE INVADERS EXTREME and ARKANOID DS Jump into Players' Hands

TAITO Brings Two Classic Arcade Games to the Handheld Arena on June 17th, 2008

LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—TAITO Corporation (TAITO™), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd., announced today that it is launching all-new versions of two of its classic arcade games.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of SPACE INVADERS® - a worldwide sensation since its original 1978 release - TAITO has re-imagined the legendary game to appeal to both the original SPACE INVADERS generation and those that are new to the game. Now faster-paced and more intense, SPACE INVADERS EXTREME™ will become available on Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation Portable) system on June 17, 2008.

TAITO is also launching ARKANOID™ DS, a fresh take on an old-school favorite, coming exclusively to Nintendo DS on June 17, 2008. Originally released in 1986, ARKANOID was a blockbuster hit that introduced new innovations to the genre. The game that players know and love now offers multiple modes and fun, colorful backgrounds. Players can also match their ARKANOID skills against other DS users with multiplayer options.

"Both SPACE INVADERS and ARKANOID are milestones in computer game history," said Akira Ohtsuki, TAITO's General Manager of CS R&B Development, AM Business Division. "We are thrilled to introduce these legendary games to a new generation of players and reignite the excitement for fans of the original titles."

Simple but addictive, these timeless games are loved by generations around the globe. TAITO has maintained the simple, beloved gameplay, while adding new twists to create exhilarating gaming experiences.

Features: SPACE INVADERS EXTREME

* New Look: The classic design of the original SPACE INVADERS, now with revamped graphics and new background movies that add to the game's excitement.
* New Music: Get in the groove with up-beat techno tunes that are synched to gameplay.
* New Mini-Games: Experience varied gameplay with mini-games (Rounds) that are launched mid-game - they add to the fun, and are a good way to rack up points.
* New Twists: Discover exciting twists to the classic game that provide swift, fast-paced game play.
* New Multiplayer Element: Battle against a friend with the all-new multiplayer element, available on both platforms.

Features: ARKANOID DS

* Explore three game modes that offer varied gameplay designed for a wide range of users.
* Compete against others with two or four person multiplayer options to claim the title of ARKANOID DS champion.
* Decorate ARKANOID DS with colorful designs by trading points gained through gameplay for fun backgrounds and icons.
* Rock to an irresistible soundtrack produced by Zuntata, TAITO's award-winning sound team.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME is rated E (Everyone). ARKANOID DS is rated E (Everyone). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD).

ARKANOID DS will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD).

It's sounding like a fun Space Invader-y mash up of Pikmin and Rampage, something we could definitely get behind. No word yet on whether Space Invaders Get Even is a full-fledged disc release or a WiiWare title, but we hope they clear it up soon.

Taito Announces Space Invaders Get Even [Game Watch]

Space Invaders 30th Anniversary Bath Towel [NCSX via Bits Bytes Pixels Sprites]

Space Invader X New Era [Cap Collector via Strictly Fitteds]

"Taito has the skill and the quality of arcade machines, so they could develop an arcade version of Cooking Mama. A virtual knife and cooking board or something..."

Revitalizing The Legacy: An Interview With Taito's Keiji Fujita [Gamasutra]

The three-way collaboration will give Space Invaders fans a chance to bedeck themselves with bitmapped aliens on backpacks, wallets, messenger bags, totes and more. How much? Don't concern yourself with that. You either can't afford it or simply don't care.

Gallery1950 × Space Invader × PORTER [Conope via Hypebeast]

The dial controller, in particular, brings back that arcade feeling, as the add-on has real weight to it. You'll feel the ball bearings spinning as you move Vaus, the space ship at the bottom of the screen left and right. Stylus controls aren't twitchy and felt very accurate.

The only complaint that DS fans may have is losing track of the ball as it crosses the top and bottom screens, obscured by plastic. It's not a game killing problem, but you may find yourself annoyed.

Arkanoid DS features classic arcade modes and two player options, but is also loaded with some 140 goal oriented challenges. These include smashing a number of bricks in a certain time limit, achieving a certain number of points, or destroying one particular block in a field of dozens.

The real draw, though, is in the arcade accurate experience with the new dial controller. If Taito can bring it out stateside for a reasonable price, fans may should consider picking it up. Arkanoid DS feels like a fun distraction for most, but a solid sequel for hardcore fans.

Cooking Mama 2
Arkanoid DS
Exit DS
Space Invaders Extreme
The Legend of Kage 2
Pet Shop Monogatari DS
Paddle Controller DS (Peripheral)

Boy I hope it's Space Invaders Extreme and not Space Invaders eXtreme or Space Invaders Xtreme.
Taito's TGS List [ITmedia]

For those of you unfamiliar with or not alive for the first Legend of Kage, you have two easy, legal ways to play it. The original arcade release is included in Taito Legends Volume 2 for the PlayStation 2 and PC, with the NES port available on the Wii's Virtual Console since February. Great games? Not necessarily, but they're indisputably ninja-riffic.

The Legend of Kage 2 [Gpara]

More details on game modes over at 1UP's report. Sadly, no DS acronym, such as Arkanoid: Doh's Scorn has been announced.

Arkanoid Breaks Its Way to the DS [1UP]

Frankly, I'm shocked that Taito didn't crap out an updated port of Space Invaders first. It's like I don't even know them anymore. Michael McWhertor

Exit Set for Xbox 360 [IGN]

Some game songs are fantastic songs in their own right. You actually want to listen to them when you're not playing the game. From what I remember when playing Taito's DS girl manner trainer My Happy Manner Book, there weren't any memorable songs that resonated. I'd be hard pressed to hum anything from that game! So it makes perfectly good sense that the game's soundtrack, including the theme song Happy Smiling, is on iTunes for ¥150 (US $1.25) a pop! Brian Ashcraft

My Happy iTunes [Famitsu]

Last year, during a bout of rnadomly buying import DS games without knowing anything about them, I stumbled upon Mawasunda!!, a quirky little mini-game title from Taito. It consists of 24 games all controlled through use of a turntable-like control on the touch screen. The puzzles themselves range from simply, quirky originals to homages to classic Taito games, like Arkanoid and Elevator Action.

Now Majesco is releasing the game in the US this Summer, under the completely underwhelming title, "Turn It Around." It features the same challenges and multiplayer modes of the Japanese title, only understandable people who don't read squiggles.

While the gameplay is kinda light and sjprt-lived, the $19.99 MSRP goes a little ways towards forgiving the downfalls. However short and quirky it may be, I'm glad to see it getting a release on this side of the pond. More quirky titles please. Michael Fahey

Here Comes Topsy Turvy Gameplay On Your Nintendo DSTM As Majesco Entertainment Announces 'Turn It Around'

EDISON, NJ, April 23, 2007 - Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games and digital entertainment products for the mass market, today announced Turn It Around for the Nintendo DS. Developed by 505 Games and licensed from Taito, Turn It Around challenges players to master the Touch Screen turn wheel in 24 arcade-style games.

"Turn It Around's unique spinning premise and wide range of mini-games make it a perfect title for gamers looking for a new handheld experience at a great value," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing, Majesco.

All 24 mini-games in Turn It Around focus on Touch Screen turning. Players must strategically rotate the turn wheel to complete each game based on power, technique or speed. Whether destroying blocks in Arkanoid, transporting guests to their floor in Elevator Action, hitting it out of the park in Pinch Hitter or maintaining your balance in Packed Train, gamers will get a wrist workout on their way to becoming the ultimate Turn Master. Turn It Around also features three different multiplayer turning modes so gamers can "spin off" against a friend.

Turn It Around will be available this summer for a suggested retail price of $19.99. For additional information please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

I posted about Taito Legends 2 coming to North America earlier this year, but today, publisher Destineer Studios (eh?) makes it official, announcing that the second PlayStation 2 collection, as well as the PSP version, will be released in the spring.

Gamespot has the full line-up, but fans of Qix, Ray Storm or Darius Gaiden should take a look. It's loaded with 80s and 90s arcade sexiness. Michael McWhertor

More Taito Legends Headed To The US [Gamespot]

Sporting head mounted warning lights and either maracas or bananas, the two appear to be of the "boxing nun" toy design, but may be require more dextrous, do-it-yourself hand motion. They're only $15 and ship in July from National Console Support, perfect for curing your summer gaming doldrums.

We'll be securing at least a half-dozen for any potential videos and executive interviews when we need the apes to ask the hard questions. Michael McWhertor

Sarugechu Hand Puppets [NCSX]

On top of playing Ibara for ten minute pops, I'm still (can you believe this crap?) playing Metroid Prime 2 Echoes. In fact, I'd much rather be playing that right now than writing this post. Plus, I've finally picked up a copy of Dragon Quest Rocket Slime for the DS, for sit down gaming sessions.

That's about it for me. I'll probably also enjoy some art (read: aht) and some delicious world foods this weekend. But let me ask you this, the Willis to my Arnold, whatchu playin' this weekend? Michael McWhertor

Sega's Virtua Fighter 5 was in full force, complete with tourney and man in tight pants. One of Sega'sbig, new titles was Quiz Answer x Answer, which is a IC-card based nationwide networked game that quizzes players in various categories like anime, sports, entertainment as well as history, geography and science. Slime and co. hit local game centers with Taito's upcoming Dragon Quest title. Still not sure if they've created a really neat cabinet or just something tacky as all hell. Elsewhere, Capcom's Wan-tame (Eds. Note: Dog Entertainment? Not sure!) Music Channel is Love and Berry meets Nintendogs meets little girl's money. The card-based arcade rhythm game features little pet dogs that can be dressed up. How original! Brian Ashcraft

Images via IT Media, Game Watch Dengeki Online

Sure, most gamers know that "Nintendo" loosely translates to "leave luck to the heavens" or even that SEGA is short for "SErvice GAmes." But what about Capcom? Or Namco? Or Koei? I mean, what the hell is a "Koei"? Blog Japanmanship explains:

• Capcom: Short for "Capsule Computers"
• Koei: An anagram of Keio University where the founders studied
• Namco: Nakamura Manufacturing, a company that made coin-operated games

In the original post, there are a couple others, too! Like SNK, Taito, Genki and Overworks, so do check it out. Brian Ashcraft

Game Company Names [Japanmanship]

This must be the third manner game for the DS in the past six months. Taito's My Happy Manner Book, however, is aimed at women. Guess men don't have happy manners or something. Practice manners in categories like "Ceremonial Occasions," "Work," "Personal Interaction" and "Communication (Letter and Email)." The game seems to work like the other non-game DS titles in that players are tested and then a curriculum is devised on how they do. The game goes on sale April 5th in Japan, well-mannered female gamers! Hit the jump for happy screens. Brian Ashcraft

New Manner Game [Game Watch]

Sega brought over the first Taito Legends in late 2005, but North American retro arcade gamers haven't been able to get their hands on the sequel. Loaded with amazing, obscure Taito releases from the past twenty years, the full line-up includes:

Arabian Magic
Bonze Adventure
Cameltry
Chack'n Pop
Crazy Balloon
Darius Gaiden
Dungeon Magic
Elevator Action Returns
The Fairyland Story
Front Line
Gekirindan
Grid Seeker: Project Storm Hammer
Growl
Gun Frontier
Insector X
Kuri Kinton
Legend Of Kage
Liquid Kids
Lunar Rescue
Metal Black
Puzzle Bobble 2
Qix
Rastan 2
Space Invaders 95
Violence Fight

And even more! If you're looking for a shmup fix, lots of brawlers and a handful of Bubble Bobble clones, look no further. It hits the PlayStation 2 sometime in March. 2007 is looking to be a banner year for retro gaming. Michael McWhertor

Did I ever mention just how much Puzzle Bobble (aka Bust A Move) I played on the Neo Geo in college? I pretty much minored in Puzzle Bobble, but have yet to receive credit from the university. Michael McWhertor

Awww... Bubble Bobble! [Wonderland]

Title says it all. Japanese game maker Taito is giving Mama from Cooking Mama and an alien from Space Invaders make cameo appearances in Densha de Go! for the Wii. Sure hope that a bullet train doesn't run over Mama! Brian Ashcraft

Okay, if you physically move this Wii controller, nothing probably happens. But that's not the point! It's swish and says "Wii" on it. This peripheral is for Taito's upcoming Wii train sim and looks awfully like its PS2 train controller. Could care less myself. I WANT. Brian Ashcraft

Wii Train Controller [Insert Controller]

Dear Taito: we know that making games is hard. Heck, that's why we pay you guys to do it. Still, perhaps in the future you might want to budget for more than 30% of the game to be play tested?

Because your latest game? Bubble Bobble Revolution? It's clear no one bothered playtesting this past level 30, the level in which a big boss who is supposed to appear to allow you to proceed absolutely, positively doesn't.

And this? It's not cutting it:

We have been looking very hard into this issue with Nintendo and have now determined that all of the cartridges that have been shipped in North America are faulty. Needless to say we are extremely sorry that this situation has arisen and would like to apologise to you for this issue.

We have already started the process whereby a corrected version is to be manufactured and will ensure that all customers have their copies replaced. Unfortunately this will take 8-10 weeks (simply because of the time required to manufacture new carts). We will update you with what you will need to do to get a replacement game, as soon as this has been determined.

8-10 weeks for people to actually play the game they already paid you for? Are you out of your flippin' gourd? Florian Eckhardt

Bubble Bobble Revolution DS production issues confirmed *UPDATE* [Go Nintendo]

Doraemon is a robotic cat from the future and can pull many wonderful gadgets out of his pocket. The anime is a Japanese institution. Previously, the character's voice actor (Nobuyo Oyama) was known for one thing: Looking like Doraemon. Well, she's also a killer ARKANOID player. She started playing back in 1986 and is able to clear the game using one 100 yen coin. However, she admits that she is only good at ARKANOID. Pretty wild if you are familiar with the cartoon. Though, watching her play ARKANOID while doing the Doraemon voice creeps even us out. Brian Ashcraft

Yoichi Wada, prez. of Final Fantasy maker Square Enix, has long hinted that the company needs to change. For years, Square Enix has relied on immensely popular role-playing-games like Dragon Quest to rake in the profits. In a recent interview, Wada stressed the need for the company to change, even stressing that Square Enix is financially ready to handle such change.

The strategy behind Nintendo and the iPod, to create a new environment based on hardware, is completely valid. But, this is impossible if you don't have experience making hardware. This is one of the reasons Square Enix will collaborate with Taito, a company that produces physical hardware. In our talks with Taito, ideas for an actual physical product have come up. In any case, we will be releasing some 'thing.'

And that "thing" will be tall and slender, have blonde frosted hair and look slightly feminine.

What a surprise, seriously. By "change," I thought Wada meant bye-bye soft focus Final Fantasy pre-renders and not jumping head first into the brutally difficult to crack hardware market. Taito does have experience in this realm, working on a never released CD-ROM console that even boasted downloading. But, a handful of Final Fantasy should help the Square-Taito console. In Japan, at least. Brian Ashcraft

Some very strange footage of the even stranger Japanese HL2: Survivor arcade cabinet, which Eliza wrote about a few days back.

Don't mind the chattering Japanese guys, they're saying nothing particularly coherent, according to Ashcraft. "You don't know who you're playing against!" and "Score big points!" seems to be the central thrust of their jabbering.

I have no idea what's going on in this game at all: who are those strange red guys? Teammates? Half-Life 2 stripped down into some zany, completely nonsensical arcade action game is too wacky to be without appeal, though. Any chance of getting this on Steam, Valve? Florian Eckhardt