Time after time, we see our retro board game favourites turned into movies, TV shows and, of course, video games. From the fan-favourite Jumanji, to the mysterious Clue, or even the spine-chilling Ouija: Origin of Evil, games-turned-video is nothing unusual. What we don’t see quite as often, however, is our favourite video games given the board-and-dice treatment to become tabletop favourites.

So, imagine our shock when the big celebration of Space Invader’s 40^th anniversary came with the announcement of a brand new board game. Launched on Kickstarter back in May, the listing promises a “fantastic board game experience while remaining true to the original game’s visual presentation and atmosphere”.

The original arcade favourite from TAITO has always been known to be a vertical shooter, but since it’s release back in 1978, it’s seen countless adaptations, including modern arcade versions, themed video slots and, of course, a film. However, we haven’t had a board game quite yet – until now. The Kickstarter campaign has just come to a finish, earning $122,945, far past the $45,000 goal they began with!

The game will allow for 2-4 players that will work to defend the base on the moon against the – you guessed it – space invaders. They can move their cannons across the board, gathering information about the enemy and destroying space invaders as they go. The game will see a combination of traditional board game strategy and deck-building, as players destroy space invaders and collect the corresponding card.

Thus far, the game has received relatively good reviews, with retro gaming fanatics claiming that it’s done a pretty good job at capturing some of the key atmospheric elements of the original game. Within the board game, you’ll see:

• 20 Action Card Types and 5 Resource Types
• Over 240 Playing Cards
• 64 Game Tokens
• The Game Board/Play Mat
• 4 Laser Cannons
• A UFO
• 40 Bunker Elements
• Card Sorting Tray

Alongside these play pieces, there will also be two different versions available – Standard and numbered deluxe editions. Those lucky enough to have jumped on the bandwagon early on on Kickstarter were treated to the potential to reserve one of a limited number of SPACE INVADERS Art Boxes, all of which come autographed by the original creator of the game.

TAITO president, Tetsu Yamada, commented, “After successfully invading video screens worldwide for over 40 years, we are excited to join forces with 612 Entertainment to help SPACE INVADERS, one of our top brands, invade living room tables everywhere.”

While there is no set release date for the board game just yet, we’re eagerly awaiting the announcement. Will you be picking one up when they hit the shelves?

Carl Williams

It is time gaming journalism takes its rightful place as proper sources and not fanboys giving free advertising. If you wish to support writers like Carl please use the links below. https://www.paypal.me/WCW https://www.patreon.com/CarlWilliams