'70s game goes 3-D in GameCube

The game retains some classic 'Space Invaders' touches.
By VICTOR GODINEZ
DALLAS MORNING NEWS
In the original "Space Invaders," the synchronized marching aliens seemed bent on invading and destroying for the pure joy of the hunt.
Now, according to Mastiff's new "Space Raiders" for the GameCube, it turns out that the extraterrestrials only wanted to stop us from polluting their world with our television and radio signals.
But they're still determined to destroy the Earth.
In "Space Raiders" ($19; rated for ages 17 and up), developed by the same guys who made "Space Invaders" in 1978, you take control of one of three characters trying to fight through waves of advancing foes.
Instead of a spaceship, you're on foot with a puny handgun, and instead of a solid block of aliens crunching down on you at a steadily increasing rate, little critters pop up all over the battlefield and attack at different speeds with different tactics.
Although the game has gone 3-D, you still get classic "Space Invaders" bits such as barriers to hide behind and floating cargo ships that you can shoot for extra health and power-ups.
Twist on 'Invaders'
It's actually a clever twist on the original "Space Invaders."
There's a variety of aliens, from bugs reminiscent of the insects in the movie "Starship Troopers" to infected humans who resemble the shambling monsters in the PC shooter "Half-Life."
The levels are short, lasting from five seconds to a couple of minutes -- and are perfect if you're looking for some quick shooting action.
Having more weapons at your disposal would have been nice, and "Space Raiders" never gets as frantic as "Space Invaders" did.
But "Space Raiders" does pack a pleasant punch, and for under $20, it's worth picking up.