Shuttle Invader

Omori Electric’s Shuttle Invader, released in 1979, offers a two-player take on the classic descending shooter gameplay popularized by Space Invaders. Players control spaceships using two-way joysticks and a single button to fire at rows of alien invaders that steadily move downward across the screen. Successfully destroying the aliens earns points, but failure to shoot back results in the invaders advancing, potentially reaching the bottom of the playfield. A unique element within Shuttle Invader is the bonus ship system, tied to a randomly generated number displayed upon coin insertion. This 'service score' stabilizes when the game begins and serves as a target players must exceed to receive an extra spaceship during gameplay—a small advantage in this challenging shooter. The game was followed by a sequel, Shuttle Invader Part II, released later in 1979. Powered by an Intel 8080 processor and utilizing the SN76477 sound chip, Shuttle Invader provides straightforward, competitive space-faring action for two players simultaneously.