Space Defender is a free online shooter in the style of the classic space invaders arcade game. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline once the page has loaded.
Inspired by: Space Invaders (1978) and the fixed shooter arcade games that followed.
How to play Space Defender
- Move your cannon left and right along the bottom of the screen.
- Fire to shoot the rows of aliens. They march sideways, drop down at the edges and speed up as their numbers fall.
- Hide behind the green shields, but remember that both your shots and the alien bullets wear them away.
- Hit the pink saucer when it flies across the top for bonus points.
- You have three lives. Clear the whole fleet to start a faster wave.
- If the aliens reach the bottom, the game is over.
Controls
- Keyboard: Left and right arrows or A and D to move. Space to fire. P to pause.
- Mouse: Press and drag across the screen to move the cannon. Each press fires a shot.
- Touch screen: Use the left and right arrows and the Fire button, or drag your finger on the screen.
Tips to score higher
- Only one of your shots can be in the air at a time, so aim before you fire.
- Shoot the outer columns first to slow the sideways march and buy time.
- Stay close to a shield and step out only to shoot.
- The aliens speed up as they die, so do not leave a single lonely alien for too long.
- Watch for the saucer. It is worth much more than any single alien.
The story behind Space Defender
The original space invaders arcade game was created by Tomohiro Nishikado and released in Japan in 1978. Its marching rows of aliens and growing speed made it one of the most influential video games of all time. It helped turn arcades into a worldwide habit and inspired a long list of shooters. Many of us first met the idea in a dark game parlour or on a handheld, with a coin or a token in hand. This version keeps the same simple loop of move, shoot and hide, with fresh pixel art of our own.
Questions players ask
Is Space Defender free to play?
Yes. It is free, with no sign up, no download and no in-game purchases.
Is this the original Space Invaders?
No. It is our own game inspired by the classic style, with original graphics and sounds.
How do I get a high score?
Clear waves quickly and shoot the saucer whenever it appears. Each new wave starts lower and moves faster.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. On touch screens you get arrow buttons and a Fire button, and you can also drag on the screen to move.
Can I play it offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded you can keep playing without an internet connection.