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Here we are, almost 1992, 16-bit technology and games like Epic, Cybercon 3 and Thunderhawk knocking about, and what do Domark decide to come out with? Space Invaders. Having said that, doubtless many people welcome a return of the greenie meanies.

Everyone knows how Invaders works. Waves of the blighters slowly move down the screen in formation, and you, a lone gunman, plug away at them until they're all gone. Then, the next lot are shunted on. Now and again a mothership whizzes across the top of the screen, which, when shot, drops a token that gives you extra powers. This may be faster fire (at the start it's strictly, and frustratingly, one bullet on screen at a time), a row of bases to hide behind (as in the original version) or a time-stop feature in the form of a giant butterfly which flies up the screen and freezes all the invaders.

The graphics have been updated, as well they might. Instead of the pathetic monochrome of the original, you get full colour sprites with beyoootiful backgrounds. The animation doesn't seem to have improved much though, and - horror of horrors! - the "thud-thud-thud" sound of the Invaders is hardly audible. Some of the sprites look a bit ropey. When you imagine what could have been done graphically, the graphics in Super Space Invaders come as a disappointment.

Frankly, it could have been better. Although the original game was a classic, it was just a teeny-weeny bit boring after fifteen or so games. Unfortunately, although this new version has many more interest-holders, there's still not enough to make this a just-one-more-go affair. The long, unskippable sequences at the start and between games don't help either. Invaders purists will be horrified at the sacrilege done to their game. New game-players will probably wonder what in space all the fuss was about to begin with. Perhaps the Invaders have been gone for just too long to undergo a successful reincarnation.

1. The game that inspired virtually every other arcade game doesn't seem so very inspiring now.
2. Graphics, sound and gameplay have been improved, but the improvements don't go far enough. Even the ST version of Encounter showed more improvements from its origin.