1UP writes: "If I may channel the spirit of our very own Shane Bettenhausen for a moment: Space Invaders Get Even is secretly the most expensive $5 game ever.
The latest of Taito's creative reimaginings of its most venerable franchise, Get Even allows players to put the shoe on the other foot, or whatever it is that interstellar cephalopods use to get around. We've been chipping away at alien formations in defense of our vulnerable cities for 30 years now, chalking up untold billions of extraterrestrial fatalities in the process. And while it was admittedly all done in self-defense, you can't help but feel a little sorry for the guys. They're pretty endearing...you know, for space sushi."
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 -
