OneBit Invaders (Playdate) for Windows

Screenshots

1/5

OneBit Invaders (Playdate) is a free 2D shooter for Windows created by oscarbraindead. The talented indie developer drew inspiration from the hit classic arcade game Space Invaders. For anyone not familiar with the classic title, Space Invaders requires players to fight off vast waves of alien invaders to save their beloved homeworld. 

There have been other ports and independent interpretations of Space Invaders such as Space Invaders for ZX Spectrum. Still, unlike most, OneBit Invaders (Playdate) keeps to the classic feel and gameplay elements of the original game. It also adds a few new mechanics. If you enjoyed Space Invaders, you might also like Doom 95. 

Fresh take on a classic

Any conversation about retro gaming is likely to always spark up Space Invaders as a topic. The game has had such a massive impact on the world of video gaming and has served as the singular inspiration for many subsequent titles. There’s nothing quite as authentic as the original, but OneBit Invaders (Playdate) seeks to bring an experience as close to the original game as possible. 

Made for Playdate

OneBit Invaders (Playdate) was originally made for the Playdate console by Panic. With that end goal in mind, the developer worked some interesting mechanics into the game, such as piloting your spaceship with the Playdate console’s signature crank system. 

This version is specifically for Windows 11, though. Even though you don’t have a crank system to use to control your ship, you can still enjoy the classic visuals and gameplay of OneBit Invaders (Playdate). 

Authentic Space Invaders experience

OneBit Invaders (Playdate) is a delightful interpretation of Space Invaders. In this game, just like in the classic, you’ll still face off against hordes of alien invaders in mini-boss formations. You also still have your shield posts to help absorb some of their deadly attacks. 

Every now and then, UFOs will appear, and if you hit them, you’ll be given much-needed bonuses and power-ups. This is another mechanic that was in the original Space Invaders experience and goes a long way to levelling the playing field and pushing up your score. 

Stop the invasion

OneBit Invaders (Playdate) manages to do what few other retro-inspired titles have. In its approach, it stays faithful to the game upon which it was based while still existing as an entity itself. The various gameplay mechanics and visual design aspects have been done so well that the game doesn’t feel like a poor interpretation of what Space Invaders felt like to play. 

OneBit Invaders (Playdate) is incredibly entertaining and completely reminiscent of the classic Space Invaders experience while being just unique enough in its approach to be a good standalone game.