Galaxy on Fire 2 - Supernova

Even a time-displaced galactic fighter pilot has domestic issues. As the second Galaxy On Fire 2 expansion pack opens, protagonist Keith T. Maxwell finds himself being drawn into a life of domestic routine with his new sweetheart.

For this particular Han Solo-meets-James Bond rogue, that's a fate worse than a cataclysmic solar system-shattering event.

Which probably explains why he opts to help out with the rescue effort when a star in the Ginoya system goes supernova rather than help the Mrs pick out some curtains.

Galaxy literally on fire

Keith's humdrum existence soon gives way to high drama and a suitably stiff challenge. Following directly on from Valkyrie, Supernova is meant for seasoned GoF 2 players who have completed both the main story and the previous add-on.

Given the familiarity we all have with the GoF 2 universe by now, it's a wise decision on Fishlabs's part to mess things up a bit. Thanks to an exploding star, the aforementioned Midorian Ginoya system resembles an exploded tin of Heinz cream-of-tomato soup - it's all thick with orange stuff.

This exploded star makes for some seriously hostile territory, and a new (and swiftly depleting) energy bar lets you know that your time in the affected areas should be kept to a minimum.

Fortunately, one of the first items you're given is a new kind of shield (I hope you have some slots free) which lessens the effect of this gamma radiation. In time-honoured GoF fashion, your new shield is upgradeable.

A new hope

This setup acts as both a dramatic backdrop and an elaborate time limit for many of Supernova's missions, as you ferry around survivors and fend off a formidable new foe before you become overwhelmed by radiation.

Yep, a mysterious bunch of cloaked fighters turns up just as the sun goes kaboom, giving you something to think about beyond slapping on the factor 40.

These new foes can take a fair old pummeling from even the most powerful primary weapons (better equip the nukes), and have the irritating habit of popping in and out of view (and thus lock) with their cloaking devices.

Elsewhere there's the expected smattering of new ships, weapons, and items - we'll leave you to discover those for yourself. There's also an arcadey wave-attack mode which is good for a quick blast, but kind of runs counter to the whole GoF philosophy.

Endless journey

Of course, this is still Galaxy on Fire 2 in every respect. Missions remain a mix of fetch quests, shopping trips, escort missions, and full-on assault runs, and the difficulty is generally pitched fairly high - sometimes frustratingly so.

While we're pointing out niggles, the voice-acting is as patchy as ever - one minute putting the cheeky humour of the script across well, another completely mis-reading where the stress should go in a sentence.

But this is all known. This isn't Galaxy on Fire 3 - it's a continuation of Galaxy on Fire 2, and as such we fully expect it to maintain a sense of continuity - both in terms of its strengths and its (relatively minor) weaknesses.

Supernova throws in some new challenges and stunning vistas, too. And have we ever mentioned how good the GoF 2 engine looks now on the new iPad's Retina display? Well, it does. It looks absolutely marvellous, although performance can be variable when things get a little action-heavy - particularly in the swirly supernova areas.

So, more of the same then - and we wouldn't have it any other way.


Galaxy on Fire 2 - Supernova

Supernova continues the fine Galaxy on Fire 2 formula without adding anything radically new. It continues to be tough, beautiful and oh-so-engrossing, and there's still very little to rival it
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Jon Mundy
Jon Mundy
Jon is a consummate expert in adventure, action, and sports games. Which is just as well, as in real life he's timid, lazy, and unfit. It's amazing how these things even themselves out.