Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve, a sequel to 2009’s Space Invaders Infinity Gene, debuted this week exclusively on Apple Arcade, bringing a chaotic, psychedelic shoot-em-up experience reminiscent of the Xbox Live Arcade era.
Initially, gameplay involves moving a ship left and right while it auto-fires at aliens; however, complexity quickly escalates into traditional space shoot-em-up scenarios with intricate enemy patterns and bullet-dodging boss battles, all set against minimalistic visuals true to the series’ roots and intense beats similar to those found in Thrasher.
The game’s defining “evolve” mechanic is tied to a blue bar that fills as players complete levels; filling the bar grants evolutions determined by the player’s position on the screen at the level’s end, with additional upgrades branching from these evolutions.
Evolutions fundamentally alter gameplay by, for example, allowing free movement around the screen or unlocking a burst ability that unleashes a potent attack upon being hit with an active shield. New ships and modes, such as Challenge, unlock gradually through this system.
A key upgrade is the Bullet Hell mode, activated by a two-finger tap, transforming the game into an aggressive bullet hell experience with increased high-score potential balanced against a more challenging risk-reward dynamic.
Despite potential repetition and visual complexity in later stages, Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve revitalizes the classic formula within a compact scope, reminiscent of early Xbox Live Arcade titles, a fit perfectly suited for Apple Arcade’s library of pick-up-and-play games alongside titles like Tetris Beat and Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop.
Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve launched April 3 for iOS devices via Apple Arcade
