Space Invaders Infinity Gene

Space Invaders Infinity Gene is a shoot 'em up video game with a theme of evolution. The player controls a ship as it battles against various invader aliens and large space ships. The first stage is based on the original 1978 Space Invaders arcade game, where rows of alien invaders descend towards a laser cannon that can move only horizontally. After completing it, a Charles Darwin quote about evolution displays before progressing to the next level.

As the player advances, new gameplay mechanics become available. Completing levels and obtaining high scores fill a gene gauge; completely filling the gauge triggers an "evolution" that unlocks new game elements. Unlocked elements include vertical movement, options for weapon upgrades, background music, and other aspects that expand the game.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene was developed by Taito, with Reisuke Ishida as the director. He had previously worked primarily on Taito's mobile phone games, such as Trance Pinball, a pinball game with musical elements. A fan of the Space Invaders series and shooting games, several of the director's previous mobile games included Space Invaders characters. Infinity Gene was developed for the 30th anniversary of the original game.

Ishida's boss approached him about submitting a proposal, which was ultimately approved. He was aided by Taito programmers, who created the game's script converters and data compression tools used during development, and sound designer Hirokazu Koshio. The company's band, Zuntata, created the game's music.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene's gameplay and premise received generally positive comments. Retro Gamer's Darran Jones praised the short stages as well as the musical elements and urged readers to download it. Writing for IGN, Levi Buchanan called the game one of his favorite Space Invader variants. In addition to the soundtrack, he praised the short stages for encouraging replays and experimentation.

Eurogamer's Simon Parker expressed admiration for Infinity Gene's concept and called it "the crowning achievement" of the series. IGN's Colin Moriarty was complimentary towards the game's reinvention of Space Invaders and the accompanying aesthetics. He summarized his review calling it a good value for the price. Carolyn Petit of GameSpot considered the level design and gameplay balance as highlights.

Retro Gamer staff noted that many early ports of classic shoot 'em ups did not adequately use touch screen controls. They cited Space Invaders Infinity Gene as one of the games that demonstrated good use of the technology. Taito would later apply the touch control design to the mobile release of Dariusburst Second Prologue in 2012; while not part of the development team, Ishida provided feedback. After Infinity Gene's success on the App Store, the company set higher sales goals for Ishida's next game, Groove Coaster. Under an "Infinity Gene Project" umbrella, he developed Groove Coaster as an extension of Infinity Gene and hoped to make a third title in the project.

Music from Space Invaders Infinity Gene has been included in later Taito projects. L'ab-normal Limited, a bonus CD with the 2010 Dariusburst Remix Wonder World album, includes two tracks from Infinity Gene's soundtrack. The 2011 rhythm shooting game Music GunGun! 2 includes a medley based on Infinity Gene. A 2013 update of the Groove Coaster arcade game also features an Infinity Gene medley.