Lately here at AppSmile, we’ve cringed when we hear that a retro game is being ported for the iPhone. Usually, great games of yesteryear just don’t work well with the iPhone OS control mechanisms. Unfortunately, this reality has tarnished many a classic arcade titles in the App Store.

Fortunately, Taito’s new iPhone game Space Invaders Infinity Gene is no mere port of the original (although they had previously released one of those too). Infinity Gene takes the original Space Invaders idea and evolves it into a significant modern game that will leave you astonished -- whether you’re a fan of the original or not. Of particular note, and to our glee, is that Infinity Gene walks you through the evolutionary process while you play.

Starting off players are given a very abridged version of the original game. Side to side scrolling/shooting quickly evolves into free roaming and weapon upgrades. Taito has incorporated 38 levels into the game and a transformation takes place between each. Soon you’ll be collecting unlockables that become available throughout the game. New and useful weapons like search laser, wave, lock-on, and gravity appear at certain stages. Ship stock can be increased from three to seven allowing for longer gameplay sessions. Supplementary stages can also be unlocked that lead to further challenges.

Our team has been frustrated with many top-down shooters in the App Store because they require finger controls that obscure the object you’re trying to control! Not the case with Space Invaders Infinity Gene. Taito has allowed finger control of the ship by touching any part of the screen with the ship position staying relative to your finger. Firing is automatic, furthering the ability to keep you focused on the onslaught of attacking hordes.

Now it must be said that if you’re looking for an iPhone game that delivers highly rendered graphics and menus, you might be disappointed with Infinity Gene. In an honorable nod to its roots, Taito has kept the style very basic and clean. We personally love this approach as it melds both retro and futuristic minimalism into one attractive package. AppSmile highly recommends you take a look at Space Invaders Infinity Gene. We give it our 5-Dimple stamp of approval.

Space Invaders Infinity Gene gets our AppSmile 5-Dimple rating: