Why is it?

[sandmountainslim]

That so many people seem to prefer the VCS version of Space Invaders over the arcade?

I have saw numerous posts where people claim the VCS version to be superior and I will admit that it has been at least twenty years since I played the coin op version on an actual arcade machine so WHAT are the things which make Atari's version superior?

WP

[+Psionic]

I dunno...colors, game variations, etc. perhaps...or just the fact that everyone grew up with it and is used to that version.

[sandmountainslim]

I dunno...colors, game variations, etc. perhaps...or just the fact that everyone grew up with it and is used to that version.

 

 

That may well be it , the game variations although I personally only play the first game.

The copy which I always play is the Vector version Neo made it LOOKS like the arcade but plays like the Atari.

WP

[mos6507]

That so many people seem to prefer the VCS version of Space Invaders over the arcade?

I have saw numerous posts where people claim the VCS version to be superior and I will admit that it has been at least twenty years since I played the coin op version on an actual arcade machine so WHAT are the things which make Atari's version superior?

WP

 

More variations. SI is a very minimalistic game in the arcade that can get too repetitive. Invisible invaders are my favorite. Brilliant idea.

[Emehr]

Not to mention the sound effects. I love the marching sound of the invaders on the 2600. Fire a few shots to the beat and it's music to the ears!

[accousticguitar]

The gameplay is great, the graphics are great, and the sounds are great. I used to think that there was no way to improve the game until I played Space Invaders Deluxe. Adding color to the game did make it better, and the sounds are even improved.

Edited December 31, 2007 by accousticguitar

[Brian R.]

What struck me about going back to arcade SI was that it seemed so much slower. Even without using the double shot cheat on the 2600, the 2600 game is "faster." And there are fewer invaders to take out per screen. On the arcade game, it seems to take forever to clear a screen.

[SRGilbert]

I guess I liked the idea that I could play a pretty decent version of it AT HOME.

[Deteacher]

I prefer the VCS version over the coin-op because of the controls. I couldn't get used to using buttons to move my base back and forth. Having a joystick to control it was much better. I was never very good at coin-op Asteroids for the same reason.

[Atari-Jess]

As far as game mechanics the 2600 version is a better play than the arcade, but the graphics are much more enjoyable on the arcade.

[+doctorclu]

I generally enjoyed most Atari 2600 ports. Naturally the 2600 for home use was made to be enjoyable, and to let you enjoy hours of playing.

 

The arcade was there to kill you as fast as possible since you had to pop in another quarter. Still fun, but the goal of the game creator was slightly different.

 

I used to always get miffed at home game companies who would say "Play it home, master it in the arcade." Rightt..... Used to play hours of Moon Patrol at home on my Atari computer only to get slaughtered in the arcade.

 

Space Invaders, same thing.

 

So I generally do like the home ports.

[shadow460]

I think it's because the home version is more recognizeable. I tried the arcade and I was like "what's this!?"

 

Also, Vaders still costs a quarter to play on those retro machines. I think it might be ten cents in a place like Gameworks. For the cost of ten plays, you can buy the 2600 cart and play that all night.

[midnight magicman]

I prefer the VCS version over the coin-op because of the controls. I couldn't get used to using buttons to move my base back and forth. Having a joystick to control it was much better. I was never very good at coin-op Asteroids for the same reason.

 

Agreed 100%

 

Also, I really dug the 2 player gametype in which one player controlled the movement while the other controlled the fire.

 

Peace

[Lord Thag]

It's the variety for me. I always liked the different modes and two player options. Keeps it from getting repetative like the arcade, you know? Plus, a lot of times it really comes down to what you play first, and I played the home version before the arcade.

[Vic George 2K3]

Easier to control and play. Game variations. The double-shot trick. And that whoopie-cushion sound when you get hit by a bomb.

[Tom_Explodes]

That and you look like a scrambled egg when you die. Good times.

[Deteacher]

That and you look like a scrambled egg when you die. Good times.

 

Funny! I always thought it looked like an alka seltzer tablet dissolving. I always liked the "farting death sound" too.

[shadow460]

I do recall that in the arcade version, your base would catch on green fire when it was hit. It didn't actually explode like your ship would in most games.