Space Invaders - PC Games

Even the pre-game film clip pays homage to the simple 1978 version. While based heavily on a game that is over 20 years old, this newer version contains enough new gaming elements to re-energise the classic into a contemporary contender.

In particular, the addition of 3-D graphics brings new life to this well-travelled game, though it is odd to play without the now-infamous pixilated square enemies creeping toward the bottom of the screen.

There are also a wider variety of enemy ships, guns, special powers, mother ships and squadron formations to contend with. You can try your luck on your own, or get a second player to help you during combat, which is great for players with short attention spans. There are plenty of chances to gain extra lives, which helps those of us who lost more than a few pennies on this game at the arcade. Space Invaders is perfect if you don't want to play a game with a long, drawn-out plot. --Carrie Bell