Description: Galaxy Storm: Galaxian Invader is, as you might have guessed, an Arcade style action game for Android. It’s based around the classic gameplay of Space Invaders and Galaxian, complete with all the retro-looks and charm you’d be looking for. Galaxy Storm has groovy retro graphics, a pretty realistic difficulty level and a pair of different control methods. Channeling the good old days of gaming, there’s even a scanline mode, and if you choose to insert a little coin to pay for the pro version of the game, there are no ads or in-app purchases for you to deal with and you’ll get more lives to play. Take a look at the trailer below and join me as I take a closer look at Galaxy Storm.
How it Works: As with other titles for Android, you’ll need to download Galaxy Storm from the Play Store. There’s also a free version available to try out. After that, you can start shooting some aliens down.
There are two types of control scheme in Galaxy Storm, one which requires you to drag your ship left and right and tap to fire.
The other control scheme, which I am more comfortable with are buttons for left, right and fire.
Much like Galaxian, you’ll have to fight off waves of enemy alien ships as they swoop down and attack you, you’ll need to be sharp and keep on moving.
Much like the retro games from back in the day, Galaxy Storm is not an easy game you’ll be able to breeze through, as your ship moves fairly slowly. It’s a good challenge though, and when you do get a good high score, it’s fairly gratifying. The free version of the game gives you one life each time, but the pro version gives you three. Giving you more room to post an even higher high score.
Opinion: I’ve played so many different versions of Galaxian and Space Invaders over the years, with my favorite being one I still own for the original Game Boy. Galaxy Storm however, is an excellent homage to all of these games, and while it sticks very close to the original formula, I can’t quite call it a clone. Sure, if you’ve played Galaxian before, you know the score. However, it’s easy to play, has cool retro graphics – scanlines included – and if you haven’t every played Galaxian, then I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Space Invaders and arcade classics like Galaga and Galaxian are staples any gamer should have played, and they’re still lots of fun to this day.
Ratings
- Speed (4/5) – The game runs fine, and while I wish the spaceship was a little faster, the pace here gives Galaxy Storm a challenging difficulty.
- Features (4/5) – An excellent homage to the great arcade shooters that so many of us miss, and even more players might not have experience, Galaxy Storm is a nice throwback to the golden days of gaming.
- Theme (5/5) – It’s not the prettiest game in the world, but it oozes with retro charm, it has scanlines, cool sound effects and it’ll take a lot of players right back to the arcades of their youth.
- Overall (4/5) – A solid, entertaining and challenging shoot ’em up, Galaxy Storm is a great homage that old and young should try out.
Pros
- Not an easy game, which gives Galaxy Storm replayability and offers an excellent challenge.
- Scanlines! You might think they’re a silly addition, but anyone that grew up playing on CRT screens will love them.
- Great homage to an excellent arcade game that will bring back memories, or a cool fresh experience for new players.
- Scoring system will remind older players of the importance of leaderboards.
Cons
- Spaceship could move a little quicker.
- Weapon upgrades would be a nice touch, but then we’d end up something more like R-Type.
Conclusion: All-in-all, Galaxy Storm is an excellent homage to the great arcade games that I grew up with, and that many of you might have as well. For new players, games like these are instantly recognizable and as time-killers go, Galaxy Storm is one of the cooler ones available. While it might not be the prettiest game out there, it’s got tons of retro charm and it runs great. An excellent game for older players to chill out with at home and a great introduction to retro games for those a little younger. Galaxy Storm is well worth taking a look at, especially if you skipped school to hit the arcades when you were younger.