A classic arcade game where you pilot a
spaceship, at
the bottom of the screen, shooting aliens that fly from a
formation above you and dodging their own projectiles. I can't believe no one has tried to define this term yet.
(Example is from
The Simpsons):
Willy: It's
impossible for me to fire a pistol. If you'll check me medical records, you'll see I have a cripplin' arthritis in me index fingerrrs. Look at 'em! holds them up I got it from "Space Invaders" in 1977.
Wiggum: Aw, yeah. That was a pretty addictive
video game.
Willy: surprised Video game?