Attack of the Memes (stylized as teh internets - Attack of the Memes) is a tongue-in-cheek iPhone game that emerged from the golden era of viral internet culture. Developed by Insurgent Games, this action-packed title combines old-school arcade gameplay with the absurd humor of early internet memes. Players defend their computer from an onslaught of trolls, lolcats, and other digital nuisances, all while navigating a nostalgic world of dial-up sounds and early 2000s internet references.
The game is a love letter to the chaotic, creative, and often ridiculous world of online culture. It challenges players to protect the "internets" from being overloaded by a relentless wave of memes. With its simple controls, addictive gameplay, and clever humor, Attack of the Memes captures the spirit of the early web and offers a fun, nostalgic experience for players of all ages.
Game Overview
Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Insurgent Games |
| Developer | Micah Lee |
| Platform | iPhone |
| Genre | Arcade / Action |
| Price | $1.99 (original release) |
| Release Date | 2009 |
| Features | OpenFeint leaderboards |
| Game Modes | Single-player |
| Theme | Internet Memes, Early Web Culture |
The Premise: Defend the Internets!
The premise of Attack of the Memes is direct and humorous: you must defend the "internets" from an invasion of memes. As the developer, Micah Lee, explained in a 2009 interview, the game is a "tongue-in-cheek" project that was a blast to work on . The game is a celebration of early internet culture, poking fun at phenomena like "lolcats," trolls, and the chaotic energy of online forums .
While going viral would have been nice, Lee focused on ensuring the game had "actual fun and addictive gameplay" . The game balances its humorous theme with solid arcade action, making it a memorable title for those who experienced the early days of the iPhone gaming boom.
Gameplay Mechanics
Core Objective
Your goal is to defend your computer from an onslaught of memes. Memes appear on screen, and you must tap them to eliminate them before they can overload your system. The game requires quick reflexes and sharp aim as the pace intensifies.
Arcade Action
The game is a classic arcade shooter where players must click or tap on enemies to defeat them. The controls are simple: use the D-pad to move and tap trolls to dispatch them . Matches are short, lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, making it ideal for casual play .
Enemies: Memes and Trolls
The game features a variety of enemies drawn from early internet culture:
| Enemy | Description |
|---|---|
| Lolcats | Cats with funny captions, a staple of early meme culture |
| Trolls | Nuisance characters that represent the chaotic side of online forums |
| Other Memes | Various internet phenomena that became popular in the early 2000s |
Old-School Charm
Lee deliberately included "old skool components" like a dial-up modem sound and references to memes from the year 2000 . He also considered adding elements of BBS culture and poking fun at Geocities and AOL, but wanted to ensure the game was accessible to younger players .
Social Features
The game integrated with OpenFeint for global leaderboards and social features . This allowed players to compare scores with friends and compete globally. Lee chose OpenFeint over Agon after consulting with the gaming community .
Controls
The controls are simple and designed for quick, responsive action.
| Action | Control |
|---|---|
| Move | D-pad (left thumb) |
| Attack | Tap trolls and memes (right thumb) |
Control Tips
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Use Both Thumbs: The game is designed for dual-thumb play—one for movement, one for attacking.
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Be Quick: Memes and trolls move fast, so stay alert and tap quickly.
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Focus on the Screen: The enemies can appear anywhere, so keep your eyes on the entire playing field.
Strategy Guide: Tips for Defending the Internets
1. Prioritize the Closest Threats
The memes closest to your computer pose the greatest danger. Eliminate them first to maintain control of the screen.
2. Keep Moving
Staying in one place makes you an easy target. Use the D-pad to keep your character moving while you attack.
3. Watch the Meme Patterns
Different types of memes may have different behaviors. Learn their patterns to anticipate their movements.
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure
The game becomes more intense as the pace picks up. Keeping a cool head is essential for survival.
5. Play for the High Score
The OpenFeint leaderboards encourage competition. Focus on achieving a high score to climb the ranks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Attack of the Memes?
Defend your computer by tapping on trolls and memes to eliminate them. Use the D-pad to move your character around the screen.
What are the controls?
Use your left thumb on the D-pad to move, and your right thumb to tap on enemies.
Is Attack of the Memes free?
No, it was originally priced at $1.99. The developer believed that iPhone developers should be paid for their work and that the "99c Race to the Bottom" is not good for developers in the long run .
What is the goal of the game?
The goal is to achieve a high score by eliminating as many memes and trolls as possible before they overwhelm your computer.
Are there leaderboards?
Yes, the game integrated with OpenFeint for global leaderboards and social features .
Why Attack of the Memes Is So Engaging
Several factors contribute to the game's engaging nature:
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Nostalgic Humor: The game is a love letter to early internet culture, filled with jokes and references that resonate with those who grew up in that era.
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Simple, Addictive Gameplay: The controls are easy to learn, but the increasing pace of the game provides a genuine challenge.
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Quick Sessions: Matches last between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, making it perfect for casual play.
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Cultural Appeal: The game taps into the viral nature of memes and the chaotic energy of online communities.
Conclusion
Attack of the Memes is a nostalgic and entertaining arcade game that captures the spirit of early internet culture. Its simple controls, addictive gameplay, and clever humor make it a memorable experience for those who lived through the golden era of memes. While the game is no longer widely available, its legacy lives on as a tribute to the chaotic and creative world of the early web.
The game stands as a reminder that even a lighthearted project can have a lasting impact. As the developer noted, there are no surefire ways to make a game go viral—sometimes, it just happens on its own . In the case of Attack of the Memes, its charm and humor made it a standout title in the early days of the App Store.