Galactic – a ‘Must Play’ gravity bending physics puzzler!
by Paul Wilks
Jan 11, 2013 10:33 AM –
Install
Galactic is an impressively challenging space-based puzzle game that blends physics-style gameplay, with ‘Asteroid’ controls. It’s an engaging game that’s also both tricky and fun. The game features two very different modes of gameplay which are great to alternate between to keep the game fresh and it’s an altogether intelligent and engrossing puzzler.
Price: Free, $0.99
Have an iPhone or iPad? Grab it in iTunes!
Tested on: Nexus 4
Content Rating: Low Maturity
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Cool graphics!
- Awesome sound and music!
- Really challenging!
- Addictive gameplay!
- Lots of gameplay scope and depth!
Cons
- Can be frustrating at times due to steep learning curve.
Features:
Galactic is essentially a physics-based space game that gets you to manipulate the same kind of orbit/gravity effects you see in popular games like Angry Birds Space. The aim of each level in the Skill mode is to move your small Earth-coloured planet towards a portal goal. You do this initially by firing yourself like an astral bullet into various orbits around whom you collect stars. By tapping the screen at the right moment you can release yourself from this orbit and be flung into another. You also have limited boosts that allow you to propel yourself but these run out very quickly so use sparingly! When you run out of energy you explode!
The game becomes challenging when you have to time your expulsions from orbit at just the right time; get it wrong and you will find yourself drifting in space with nowhere near enough energy to get back. You also have to find a route that collects enough stars for you to pass the level. When all is considered, the game is decidedly tricky and quite challenging, requiring more than a little patience. OK, so it can be frustrating at times as the learning curve is quite steep, but it does feel rewarding when you complete a level and take on the next challenge.
Watch on Mobile
As mentioned the game has two modes; ‘Skill’ as described above and ‘Sandbox’ where you have to acquire additional mass by completing various missions such as avoiding rockets, catching space objects and more. The missions are hard but the mode is a nice diversion from the main Skill levels. While the game might feel familiar if you enjoyed Angry Birds Space or the space levels of Angry Birds Star Wars, I would say the game is more serious and certainly harder than either, but I would definitely recommend Galactic to anyone who enjoys a challenge.
For me then the game’s solitary con is actually going to be a positive for some people. The game isn’t easy and doesn’t pretend to be, while the learning curve is steep it remains enjoyable and fun, in a masochistic kind of way. There are 60 different levels which will test your reflexes, timing, ingenuity and, at times, patience, but the game is altogether enjoyable and certainly one of the more engaging physics/gravity games out there at the moment.
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Galactic – While in orbit, time your release just right to aim for the portal
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Galactic – Fire your plent towards the circle of stars
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Galactic – Jump points are also ther to help
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Galactic – MIssion complete
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Galactic – Menu
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Galactic – Level select
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Galactic – Instructions
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Galactic – Loading screen
Fun Factor:
The game is fun to play although if you lack good timing you’re going to struggle and possibly find it very hard going. Veering off into the abyss of space and missing your goal by very little is enough to make you weep in later levels but get it right and it’s incredibly rewarding.
Addictive:
If you play the first few levels and get the hang of it, the momentum will keep you plugging away at it.
Graphics:
At first look the graphics look a little basic, all in 2D and while there is detail there isn’t much to see initially. However, I noticed that the more you play the more detail you notice. The game is almost a firework display of colour and lights with lots of glowing orbs, planets, stars and impressive effects. It’s also very smooth to play and responsive.
Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:
The in-game music is of very high quality- quite ambient so as not to be annoying but y’know, spacey and futuristic at the same time. Some games can be fun to play but suffer from utterly terrible music which make you urgently search out the settings in order to mute. This certainly isn’t the case with Galactic, the music and sound compliment the gameplay well and enhances the game nicely.
Tags:
Android App,
Android Apps,
Android Game,
AndroidTapp.com App Review,
Angry Birds,
Galactic,
Galaxy,
physics,
Physics-Based,
Physics-based puzzler,
Puzzle,
Space
Categorised in: Arcade & Action
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