This seems to be the year of strange arcade revivals, and Atari is also joining the fray. Centipede: Infestation re-imagines the classic arcade game as a twin-stick-style shooter (or Remote pointer and Nunchuk stick in the case of Wii).

The angled, barely overhead perspective joined by a bright, almost pastel environment sticks players right in the center of action. No longer are players limited to the bottom portion of the screen or shooting in one direction.

Of course, the bugs also have less constraints. The centipedes act similarly to those in the original, incrementally running back and forth. The chilopods have weak points that must be targeted, and will split apart just like in the original. The fearsome bugs, or even just their disembodied heads barrel right over you if you don't get out of the way. Spiders and fleas make their re-appearance, as well as new creatures that will actively home in on your character.

There are now various artillery power-ups, such as machine guns, flamethrowers, and a gun that spews toxic acid. These power-ups are quite limited in quantity, and will also disappear if you are hit. The action was pretty brutal overall.

I also played a boss level, which featured a battle against a giant millipede. The millipede alternated among modes of attacks, which included a bullet hell-like burst of projectiles, stampeding across the screen, and sending out attack larva.

The game also includes two-player local multiplayer for twice the bug-blasting fun.

Given WayForward's success in reviving other franchises, Centipede: Infestation is one to watch. It's a frantic experience that I look forward to experiencing more. The game releases later this year on both Wii and 3DS.