Space Invaders Virtual Collection

1995 compilation video game

Space Invaders Virtual Collection (スペースインベーダーバーチャルコレクション, lead=yes) is a 1995 compilation video game developed and published by Taito in Japan for the Virtual Boy. It includes direct ports of the arcade game Space Invaders (1978) and its direct sequel Space Invaders Part II (1979), alongside 3D remakes that take advantage of the Virtual Boy's hardware capabilities. Both games feature a number of alternative gameplay modes, such as score attack and time attack modes. Development of the game was headed by director Toshiki Sakai, with music composed by Fumito Tamayama and programming by Tatsuya Kitasawa. Space Invaders creator Tomohiro Nishikado is credited for the remade arcade ports. Virtual Collection was met with a mixed reaction from critics; some praised the game's accurate versions of the included games and 3D effects, while others criticized its lack of content and small amount of titles. It is notable for being one of the rarest Virtual Boy games released, with original copies demanding high prices on online auction sites.

Space Invaders Virtual Collection includes ports of the arcade game Space Invaders (1978) and its direct sequel Space Invaders Part II (1979). In both games, the player controls a laser base that must eliminate all of the aliens that march down from the top of the screen, who plot to take over Earth. Development of the game was headed by director Toshiki Sakai, with programming done by Tatsuya Kitasawa and music composed by Fumito Tamayama. Tomohiro Nishikado, the creator of the original Space Invaders, is credited for the arcade game ports. Like all other titles for the Virtual Boy, it uses a red and black color scheme and 3D visual effects. N64 Magazine disliked the game's lack of a save battery and the player's base being too slow to maneuver. Retro Gamer magazine wrote that the 3D remakes failed to be as enjoyable as the original versions, making for a disappointing update. Several would praise the game's accurate portrayals of the included games and the 3D remakes for taking advantage of the console's hardware. Parish recommended the game to Space Invaders fans for its excellent emulation quality, and for the 3D remakes providing a unique and interesting take on the core gameplay. Space Invaders Virtual Collection is notable for being one of the rarest Virtual Boy games ever released, a fact attributed to a limited production run and the downfall of the console itself. Copies of the game typically command high prices on online auction sites such as eBay, some upwards of over US$1,000 or more. Parish noted that the high price point made the game near impossible to justify a purchase, further saying it would have been a "no brainer pickup" had it gone for $20 or $30. Retrogames UK disagreed with his statement, saying that the 3D remakes and original ports made the game a must own for Virtual Boy collectors.