Arcade Archives Space Invaders Part II Marks 500th Release Milestone

HAMSTER Corporation has released Arcade Archives Space Invaders Part II on January 1, 2026, marking the 500th title in the acclaimed Arcade Archives series. This milestone release brings Taito's 1979 sequel to modern platforms with the enhanced features that have made Arcade Archives the gold standard for classic game preservation.

A Worthy Sequel

Space Invaders Part II arrived in arcades in 1979, just one year after the original game revolutionized the industry. While the core gameplay remained faithful to the formula that caused a coin shortage in Japan, Taito introduced several enhancements that set Part II apart from its predecessor.

The most immediately noticeable change was the introduction of full-color graphics. Where the original relied on colored cellophane overlays or monochrome displays, Part II featured genuine color sprites with distinct hues for each invader row. The magenta, yellow, cyan, and red aliens created a more vibrant battlefield.

New Mechanics and Features

Part II introduced the rainbow bonus stage, a departure from the relentless alien assault. Between waves, players face cascading colored dots in a formation pattern, offering bonus points for skilled shooting. This brief respite added variety to the gameplay loop while rewarding accuracy.

The sequel also added the memorable "Engine Trouble" mechanic. Occasionally, an invader's ship malfunctions, displaying "SOS!!" on screen as it drifts helplessly. Shooting these distressed aliens yields bonus points, adding a risk-reward element as players decide whether to prioritize the main threat or pursue extra points.

Scoring received an upgrade as well, with Part II featuring five-digit scores compared to the original's four digits. This allowed for higher score ceilings and more competitive play among arcade enthusiasts.

500 Titles Strong

The choice of Space Invaders Part II for the 500th Arcade Archives release carries symbolic weight. The Space Invaders franchise helped establish the shoot-em-up genre and demonstrated that video games could be a cultural phenomenon. By honoring this legacy at such a significant milestone, HAMSTER acknowledges the debt modern gaming owes to these pioneering titles.

Arcade Archives releases include standard features like online leaderboards, display options, and the ability to adjust difficulty settings. Both the original Japanese version and international variants are typically included.

Platform Availability and Pricing

Arcade Archives Space Invaders Part II is available on:

• Nintendo Switch - $7.99
• Nintendo Switch 2 $9.99 (as Arcade Archives 2)
• PlayStation 4 $7.99
• PlayStation 5 $9.99 (as Arcade Archives 2)
• Xbox Series X|S $9.99 (as Arcade Archives 2)

The "Arcade Archives 2" branding on newer platforms indicates enhanced features specific to those systems while maintaining the same classic gameplay.

For fans of arcade history and shoot-em-up enthusiasts, Arcade Archives Space Invaders Part II offers an authentic way to experience one of gaming's most important sequels. As the 500th release in the series, it stands as a testament to HAMSTER's dedication to preserving arcade gaming heritage.