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Crab[1] (also known as the Medium Invader in most instruction guides) is one of the three classic invaders from the first game, and is the most recognizable Space Invader from it's signature appearance, as well as being Taito's mascot.

Appearance[]

Crab has a square body\, 4 appendages, 2 eyes, and 2 antennae. It's sprite is 8 pixels high and 11 pixels wide. 

Before being translated to pixels, its original design was revealed to look like a six legged crab by Tomohiro Nishikado for the game's 40th Anniversary. Its original design has six legs, though they're translated into only a few pixels. Like the other classic invaders, its appearance differs from game to game, though modern versions are practically always pixelated.

Crab concept art (website) 3d crab

Name[]

Though it's concept art and sprites in later games make the name "Crab" reasonable, it has also appeared as its name in Groove Coaster, Puzzle and Dragons, and some promotional material. It is also sometimes called the "Kani," Japanese for "crab." Like other invaders, its design took inspiration from underwater animals.

Gameplay[]

Like the other two classic enemies, it shoots a laser downward and moves from left to right and back again coming down. Also like other enemies, a single shot will kill it. In Space Invaders Part II, it will sometimes split into two shapeshifting cuttlefish. Traditionally, it scores the player 20 points.

References[]

2. "Space Invaders" Celebrates 40 Years of Planetary Conquest in Roppongi

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