Genre: Action
Developer: APh Technological Consulting
Publisher: Mattel Electronics
Year: 1981
Platform: Intellivision
Space Armada is a fixed-screen shooter released for the Intellivision in 1981. Developed by APh Technological Consulting and published by Mattel Electronics, the game is a clone of the popular arcade title Space Invaders. Players control a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, aiming to destroy descending waves of alien invaders before they reach the ground.
The game features bunkers that provide temporary protection against enemy fire, but these can be destroyed by the invaders’ bombs. Occasionally, a flying saucer appears at the top of the screen, offering bonus points if shot down. The gameplay becomes progressively more challenging as the player advances through levels, with aliens increasing in speed and frequency.
Space Armada was notable for being the first Intellivision game to utilize sequencing GRAM to create the illusion of more than eight moving objects on-screen simultaneously. This technical achievement allowed for more dynamic and engaging gameplay. The game was initially scheduled for release under the Action Network label and had a limited release in the red box format; some early blue box editions still featured the Action Network branding.
Despite its technical innovations, Space Armada received mixed reviews. Some players appreciated the colorful graphics and engaging gameplay, while others found the action sluggish and the aliens too large for the screen. Nevertheless, the game remains a significant part of the Intellivision library, showcasing the console’s capabilities and contributing to the early era of home video gaming.
