Chicken Invaders 4 4.10

Overview

Chicken Invaders is a fun and addictive shooter by InterAction Studios. The Ultimate Omelette is the fourth edition of the four chapter space saga. We expect the fifth release any time soon.

The setting of Chicken Invaders is in the far away space - a lone space ranger gets to defend our planet from the massive invasion of kamikaze chickens. Not only those chickens can fly in space, they can also fire highly explosive eggs and electric rays. The latter look like they could be space chicken poop.

The game adopts elements from the famous intergalactic sagas The Star Wars, Star Trek and Galaxian. Children will enjoy watching the introductory videos full of humor and nice music. Goofy sounds of exploding chickens are also aimed at the younger strata of arcade players. The curious kids will learn some Solar System basics, too, so there is an educational element to the game.

The game consists of 100 waves of increasing difficulty where you will have to fight different kinds of chickens and protect your spacecraft from crazy asteroid waves. There can be up to 4 players commanding the fighter ship.

The ship moves with your mouse wherever you need it to move. It can shoot in different directions depending on the weapon and bonuses you gather as you fight. Chickens explode leaving plenty of golden coins, roasted chicken legs and ‘presents’ that contain advanced weapons. Gather the presents, but beware of eggs - those are deadly to your spacecraft.

Installation

Installation is clean and simple. There are no bundled programs, toolbars, adware or any other interfering software.
Requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7/8, 500MHz CPU, 256MB RAM, DirectX 8.0, 3D graphics card.

Interface

Chicken Invaders offer pretty good visuals at par with other popular arcade games. Navigating the menu is easy and intuitive. Even kids who learn how to read will be able to find their whereabouts and click on “Continue the Game” after all 5 lives are over.
The spaceship is small, though, so not much of detailing there. The funny part is the enemy - chickens come with funny hats, clothes and make hilarious sounds when they get shot. They fart with explosive eggs and electric rays.

Features

• multiplayer mode.
• numerous levels of increasing difficulty.
• upgradeable weapons.
• Skill bonus system allows you to collect points for speed, efficiency, or luck.
• Keyboard / Mouse / Joystick / Gamepad control.

Pros

• Simple controls make it an easy choice for players of all ages.
• You can play with a friend and upload your high scores to compete with other players online.
• Multiple upgradeable weapons and bonuses.
• Ability to customize controls.
• Funny visuals and sound effects.
• The Mothership is a gigantic egg you need to crack.

Cons

The same funny chicken sounds we praised for being a Pro factor can become a somewhat annoying element as you get to the 50th level. By level 80, you want to mute the sound.

The visuals are the same in all levels, and the level obstacles and difficulty are pretty much the same, but shuffled.
Asteroid threat is the most annoying because it takes the most of your lives. However, it does not get boring.

Conclusion

Chicken Invaders The Ultimate Omelette is a fantastic treat to both adults and children, provided parents limit the time kids spend at the computer, of course. It is great for fantasy and space fans, and those who appreciate relaxing and unwinding in front of a fun, engaging and addictive shooter.