Remake of a classic game with no changes to the successful original.
Originally released by Namco for Arcade all the way back in 1991. It was actually a sequel to Galaxian with a few changes from the original. The Xbox arcade version doesn't change any of the successful formula the original is based on. The game can be downloaded for 400 Microsoft Points.
Game play: 8/10
This game is a basic fixed shooter. The object of the game is to score as many points as possible by destroying alien insect like enemies. You control a fighter spaceship that can move left and right along the bottom of the screen. Enemies fly in groups of 8 to 12 to a formation encompassing the top of the screen. The player is able to shoot at them while they are moving up to these formations. Once all the group rendezvous then they begin flying down toward the player, firing missiles at and attempting to collide with the fighter. Galaga is the four leaders or bosses at the top of the formation. These aliens require two shots to be destroyed. Ever so often one of the four Galaga's attempts to capture the player's fighter using a tractor beam. The player can decide to get captured and the fighter joins the formation and must be freed by the player by shooting down Galaga while flying down towards him (if shot down during formation the captured ship starts attacking the player and must be destroyed) If the captured ship is freed then the two ship combine to double their destructive capabilities. Stages are marked at the bottom right of the screen. Every three to four rounds there is a bonus round where the object is to destroy all forty aliens to receive the 10000 bonus otherwise its 100 bonus per kill. The player usually starts a standard game with three lives and 30,000 is usually the first bonus life awarded. Being a Xbox live game there is also a leader board but no online play. The only multi player is two players taking turns.
Graphics: 8/10
Considering it's a game from 1982 the graphics are decent. It's a bit pixilated but that the true spirit of this classic release. The game is detailed enough to see each alien and their variants. The missiles coming at your, are clearly visible.
Sound and Music: 7/10
Only music sequences are at the title screens and between stages. You can tell from the era the sounds were basic but yet it didn't hamper the game one bit. Mind you the only grand explosions is when you lose a life.
Difficulty: 8/10
The controls make this a simple game and the only way the game gets harder is by you getting farther into the game. There is certain sequences where is impossible not to lose a life. The unlimited continues gives the player the chance to see how hard this game can get at certain levels.
Final Thoughts:
For the price of 400 Microsoft points, this game has great value. While it does bring back some nostalgia it does seem dated from the games out today.