Dude where’s my Delorean? This time you won’t need the quintessential time machine to travel through history. Just load up Taito’s new iPhone game Space Invaders. OK Space Invaders is not new per say, but it has now debuted in the iTunes App Store. And we’re threatening the balance of the space-time continuum to bring you this review. Originally released back in 1978 by Taito, Space Invaders took the world by storm. It was the title that brought video games into the modern age. Even today, Space Invaders is held in high regard by gamers circles globally -- even listed as the Top Video Game by the Guinness Book of World Records -- sorry Mario.

Now Taito has brought the classic game to the iPhone for the next generation of gamers. So, how it is? Well, it’s true to the original in every respect. Like it or not, the screen is even bordered to give the effect of playing on a console. So, if you are looking for an updated modern day experience, look elsewhere. But for those who want to hearken back to the games of yesteryear, Space Invaders rocks.

The goal of Space Invaders is to overcome five rows of 11 invaders before they kill you or reach the bottom of the screen. Your vessel scrolls side to side only while you tap the screen to shoot. Occasionally a mystery ship will cross the top of the screen -- take it out to earn extra points. While you are combating the invaders with your firepower, you have to avoid their offensive shots. Thankfully, four bunkers are place above you to block their fire. However, these too can be destroyed leaving you totally exposed.

For the iPhone, Taito has developed 3 control methods to maneuver your space craft. A simulated joystick is available along with tilt and drag options. The graphics are truly retro and look very dated. Even the new user interface gives the impression of 1978. Sound effects fall in line here too -- extremely simple with no musical track to speak of. We do wish Taito at least let us play the iPod library. But maybe they thought this would break the whole time travel experience…

We’re glad to see Space Invaders make it to the iPhone platform. The title absolutely earns its place in the App Store and Taito did an excellent job of staying true to the game’s roots. If you’re from a younger generation and haven’t even heard of Space Invaders, either this will give you an opportunity to get hooked for the first time…or be disappointed to no end.

AppSmile List of Favorite Features:

• True to the original -- totally groovy man!
• Addition of tilt control method works great here -- and probably would’ve gotten you thrown out of the arcade back in the day

What We Want to See Improved:

• Controller and Drag movement is a bit sticky and it’ll cost you
• No iPod music allowed -- maybe 8 track
• Might turn off new gamers looking for a modern experience

Space Invaders gets our AppSmile 4-Dimple rating: