Wired's Chris Kohler writes:
"Space Invaders Get Even is only 500 Wii Points ($5), which sounds like a huge bargain until you realize that that only buys you two levels and a boss battle.
If you like Taito's 30th-anniversary re-imagining of its historic arcade game, and you very well may, you'll have to pony up another five bucks per level."
GDN writes: "With easy controls and fast-paced gameplay, Get Even is a lot of fun. The only real problem is that it is extremely short; the three stages included in the main game can easily be beaten inside of fifteen minutes or less. Those minutes will be very enjoyable, but whether this game is right for you depends on one major question: How far do your gaming dollars need to go? If you have plenty of Wii Points lying around, then this is a nice choice and you'll enjoy it. On the other hand, if you have to be very careful with your purchases, then even your 500 points would probably be best spent on another game that will last longer".
Unfortunately, the game you get for your $5 isn't at all like a full game. You are given three short missions that, if you can manage to beat them on the first try, will last you about fifteen minutes. The game instead gives you the option to pay another five dollars for one of their three extra mission packs, which contain six missions each. The Wii doesn't offer demos like the other two major consoles, but this feels like paying 5 dollars to play a demo. Be ready to pay all 20 dollars if you like it, or else you'll feel cheated when you see credits roll after only playing for half an hour.
It's a great reimagining of the franchise and if money is no object to you you'll have a blast. But when most people buy a game, even if it only costs $5, they expect more than a half hour of gameplay. The meager three levels you get for downloading Get Even is a joke. IGN gives props to the developers for creating something unique and fun from a 30-year old game, but whoever made the decision to chop it up needs to be a little less stingy.
Presentation - 4.0
Graphics - 7.0
Sound - 8.0
Gameplay - 8.0
Lasting Appeal - 4.0
Overall -
