other versions. There is no multiplayer in this version of the game, instead, it was replaced with a real-time leaderboard. A visible hitbox for the cannon was added, in which is depicted by four blue squares that spin slowly. Sound effects, voice effects, and music volume can all be adjusted in the settings. Music does not play if the game is paused. Defeating a boss rewards the player with a bonus that decreases as time goes on if the boss is not defeated. The longer the player takes to destroy the boss, the less points are rewarded when the boss is defeated. If the cannon is destroyed, the weapon level drops by one rather than by two. The maximum Rate was increased to 16, as opposed to 10 on the other versions. A wave display has been added to show the player what wave they are on. The border of the playfield flashed to the beat of the music. Rapid fire was added to allow players to keep firing to the beat. Downloadable content Downloadable content was announced for the Xbox Live Arcade version of Space Invaders Extreme on 17 June, due on the 18th of the same month. It includes three new stages, with new enemies and bosses, and two emulators, allowing the play of the original arcade versions of Space Invaders and Space Invaders Part II. Reception The game has enjoyed critical praise since its release. The game is noted for its fast-paced gameplay with IGN claiming the game "[is] energetic and addictive, and does an absolutely fantastic job retaining the old-school charm of the original 1978 classic"; however, IGN scored the PSP version of the game slightly lower due to its lack of online play and score sharing. GameSpot stated that "the gameplay has been improved" over the original. 1UP.com called the single-player mode "engrossing" and GameSpot later concludes that "Space Invaders Extreme is a very good example of how to update a classic game". Both versions of Space Invaders Extreme were listed as the best shooter game for their respective consoles by IGN. IGN also awarded the DS version as having the best artistic design and best original score, as well as being best shooter for the DS. Sequel Space Invaders Extreme 2 was released in Japan on 26 March 2009, 2 October 2009 in Europe and on 20 October 2009 in North America. There is