Y*A*S*I (Vectrex review)

Developer: Alex Herbert
Publisher: Classic Game Creations
Released: 2003

Y*A*S*I is a clone of Space Invaders (1978, Arcade) that features raster graphics instead of the console's typical vector graphics.

+ Includes gameplay variations that can either help players (e.g. guided missiles) or provide a greater challenge (e.g. moving bunkers).

+ With singular fire capability comes increased anxiety, and being able to cancel enemy shots by downing them creates intense standoffs.

+ Having the option of destroying one of your own bases to get a better shot at an enemy is a cool gameplay strategy.

+ While the analog stick can be used to move left/right, two buttons can be used instead to mimic the Arcade original.

+ The optional VecVoice speech add tons of personality and being on the receiving end of robot smack talk is hilarious!

+ Raster graphics look gorgeous with their sharp scanline effects, and the game saves your high scores to the cartridge.

- The included overlay looks terrific and adds colour rows to enemies, but it also darkens the playfield a little too much.