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No, there’s no such thing as too much Space Invaders.
Yes, if you’re aiming for geek-chic you need one of the Space Invaders Charms. Made from a reflective material, they can be used as keychains, necklaces, bag charms, basically any spot where a large 8-bit figure can be attached. They’ll look cool and also protect you from incoming cars at night, how’s that for multi-purpose?
They come in 3 models and 6 colors, with a total of nine aliens available in various combinations, and for once a simple item doesn’t come at an inflated price. Each is $6, so you can get a whole menagerie of invaders for cheap. Just try not to turn geek-chic into geek-kitsch.
How much under $29.99?
A lot: ~$6 on LaTeteAuCube.com.
Via GamerFront
Can you say “brilliant”? The aliens are back, this time in the form of a super-cool t-shirt.
Anybody who’s played the popular Space Invaders game (which turns 30 this year!) can recognize the familiar shapes on the Ground Defenses t-shirt. The brave fighter in the cannon-turned-tank is marking his victories in 8-bit paint - the 80s computers version of notching a knife. And he’s good - he got a bunch of space invaders and two mystery ships.
(He’s also a very fast painter probably, since he’s got to run back to the cannon and kill more of them before he’s overpowered.)
How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.95 on Glennz.com.
Via FashionablyGeek
Space Invaders! Again! We’ve had a lot of 80s computer aliens themed merchandise, from pillows to badges, but the Space Invader Magnet Collection has me all excited.
What’s so special about some kitchen magnets? Well, nothing really, if we’re talking about functionality. But imagine the possibilities: a big white fridge and some black pixelated invaders. With a couple of sets you could turn a boring white space into a replica of the old-school game screen, how cool can that be?
Each set includes 5 pieces - a cannon and four aliens: UFO, squid, crab and octopus. Too bad you can’t buy each separately: you only need one cannon (maybe 3 if you’ve got the extra lives on “screen”), but many more invaders… 10 sets or so should be enough though, so if you like the idea start dropping hints to your friends.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $15 on JList.com.
Via Gizmodo
Space Invaders has achieved cult status and, since this year it’s the 30th anniversary of the game, loads of themed merchandise is popping up, most of it very cool.
The latest example I’ve come across is this Gold Space Invaders Badge. It’s cool indeed. It fits the current handmade trend, it’s geeky, it looks good… But how do you justify the $12.80 price tag? (and that’s on sale) It’s a couple of stitches which take a couple of minutes to make…
All right, I know most people aren’t crafty or just don’t feel like working on something like this, but I still feel it should’ve been cheaper.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $12.80 on IDontLikeMondays.us.
Space Invaders are cool, period. Come on, they were invented 30 years ago and people still know what they are! That’s impressive.
Because of the 30th anniversary, Taito has been releasing all sorts of cool Invaders-themed merchandise. If you think a pillow is too much, you can now get something that doesn’t say “I’m a geek” so loud: a Space Invaders Keychain Set. Each set has three colorful pixelated aliens encased in clear acrylic cubes - to keep them from taking over your pockets?
Either way, evil invaders or cute retro aliens, the Space Invaders have a place in pop culture and in people’s hearts.
(It sounds melodramatic, but it’s true; it was one of the first games I ever played and I always remember it fondly.)
How much under $29.99?
A lot: $8.50 on NCSXShop.com.
Via Tech Digest
Space Invaders is having its 30th birthday and all sorts of anniversary merchandise is popping up. Since Invaders was one of the first games I ever played (and one of its more modern incarnations kept me entertained on my mobile phone), I have a soft spot for it.
The Space Invaders Pillows remind you of the old days of gaming and can be a (relatively) subtle way of telling guests you are a gamer. (What’s a non-subtle way? Having three cupboards full of movie miniatures, one housing a collection of consoles plus game posters on every free piece of wall. Which is called “taking it too far”.) It can also help keep a happy couple environment - you can just tell your girlfriend/wife it’s a decorative pillow and that its presence ensures the absence of some of the above-mentioned things.
How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.90 on ShopNCSX.com.
Via UberReview
Finally, an explanation for all this Space Invaders merchandise that keeps popping up lately: it’s the 30th anniversary of the game. Space Invaders is already a cult game, and it’s still not gone from the public eye. It was one of the games included with my mobile phone and it provided me with a great way of killing time during long waits.
Fans who were unable to enjoy their bath without Space Invaders themed items can rejoice: here’s the Space Invaders 30th Anniversary Bath Towel. It comes in three models, all pictured above, and, unlike other collector items, it’s actually useful. Reasonably priced, nice looking… great gift for a game-lover.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.90 on ShopNCSX.com.
Via Fosfor Gadgets
Not all of you people reading this blog remember the golden period of video games (to be honest, neither do I), but virtually everyone who’s a bit of a gamer or a geek or internet addict knows Space Invaders. (You don’t? Here’s a link to Wikipedia, and you can find dozens of simulators online.)
Either as a a form of nostalgia or as a geek statement, the Space Invader Necklace is very cool. Simple enough not to be tacky, unique, and a suble message for the like minds out there. I’d so wear this.
How much under $29.99?
Some: ~$19.50 on JunkieLovers.com.