Game Reviews

Galaga 30th Collection

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Galaga 30th Collection

Some might remember Galaga as the mini-game during the loading screen of Tekken, but most know it as one of the best loved arcade games of all time.

This latest collection has been released on iPhone to commemorate the series’ 30th anniversary, and it adds a welcome host of updates to the arcade classic, even if only the most die-hard fans will appreciate many of them.

Lady Galaga

For those of you who have somehow never played Galaga in any of its incarnations, the formula takes its cue from other arcade shooters such as Space Invaders. The aim is to score as many points as possible by firing missiles from your ship to destroy alien enemies.

Three games - Galaga, Gaplus, and Galaga ’88 - are available through in-app purchases and all add elements to the basic formula introduced in Galaxian, which is included for free.

Each title has been enhanced with improved visuals, touchscreen controls, as well as other features such as a new Score Attack mode and achievements.

Galaga Brothers

Galaga not only lends its name to the series but also introduces more mobile enemies with varying movement patterns and formations, as well as challenge stages.

Galaga ’88 is arguably the pick of the bunch. It’s definitely the most aesthetically pleasing, and the enemies offer the most complex and dynamic movements and attack patterns.

Score Attack mode has been added to all of the games except for Galaxian, and requires you to attain as high a score as possible within the time limit. Playing any of these modes will accumulate Galaga Points which can be used to buy extra ships and larger shot inventories.

The controls have received some attention too, with three touchscreen configurations offered. The first offers two virtual buttons – 'move' and 'shoot' - while the second has just a 'move' button with the rest of the screen acting as a 'shoot' button.

The final scheme offers a dose of nostalgia as it uses a virtual arcade stick and button. All three schemes work reasonably well, so it all depends on preference, although the virtual arcade controls feel the most awkward.

Radio Galaga

No number of new features or visual improvements are likely to change the opinion of those who are averse to Galaga, but this collection is a treat for both experienced players and newcomers to the series.

The fact that Galaxian is included free means that there's something for all players in Galaga 30th Collection, but only die-hard fans will want to purchase the three additional games.

Each game can be bought separately, but the cheapest cost of buying all three is £4.99, meaning that the collection’s value has to be questioned, especially when only the most seasoned of veterans will notice many of the differences between the games.

If you must buy just one of the games then Galaga ’88 is your best bet, but fans of the series will welcome the well-executed touchscreen controls, graphical improvements, and new features.

Galaga 30th Collection

With a host of new features and visual improvements, Galaga 30th Collection is an essential package for arcade fans, while the inclusion of Galaxian for free means that there is no excuse not to try it
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Steve McCaskill
Steve McCaskill
A crippling addiction to Football Manager threatened Steve's education and social life for much of the past ten years, but he has come through it with a history degree and an unparalleled knowledge of zonal marking.