Overview

Galax presents an intriguing twist on the vertical shooter genre by blending strategic command mechanics with classic arcade action. Initial player feedback reveals a divisive experience: while some are immediately frustrated by its pacing, others discover remarkable depth beneath its surface. The game's unique "capture-and-command" system transforms traditional shoot-'em-up gameplay into a tactical puzzle where quick reflexes must partner with clever decision-making. This innovative approach earns passionate praise from strategic-minded players, though newcomers may struggle through an initial learning curve and an unskippable opening sequence.

Strategic Space Warfare

Galax revolutionizes vertical shooters through its ingenious enemy manipulation mechanics. Rather than merely dodging and shooting, pilots can freeze hostile vessels mid-flight, trigger premature detonations of incoming mines, or even convert adversaries into temporary allies. This command system demands constant situational analysis, turning each encounter into a dynamic chess match against overwhelming odds. The gameplay brilliantly walks the line between reflex-based action and tactical deliberation, rewarding players who master the rhythm of capturing, commanding, and counter-attacking.

You're unable to survive by only shooting around mindlessly. You've got to use the 'capture-and-command' system wisely.
Evil Wraith

This strategic layer extends to environmental puzzling in later stages, where players must chain commands to disable obstacles or create protective barriers from captured ships. While initially overwhelming, these systems coalesce into an immensely satisfying loop of experimentation and mastery. Traditional power-ups and weapon upgrades complement the core mechanics, offering fallback options when strategic plans unravel amid chaotic space battles.

Presentation and Pacing Challenges

Galax's retro-inspired visuals receive consistent praise for clean enemy designs and vibrant projectile effects that ensure readability during intense firefights. However, the experience is marred by a critical pacing misstep: an unskippable five-minute introduction sequence that tests players' patience before gameplay begins. This front-loaded barrier has proven decisive for some, with one pilot abandoning the mission entirely during the opening moments. While the core gameplay shines once underway, this initial hurdle represents a significant accessibility flaw.

The auditory experience proves equally divisive. While sound effects effectively signal enemy actions and command successes, the optional music add-on's substantial file size discourages some from experiencing the full atmosphere. Those who persist discover a shooter that gradually escalates from manageable skirmishes to elaborate multi-phase boss encounters against XENON's mechanical forces, though the journey's opening moments remain an unnecessary friction point.

Verdict

Innovative shooter with strategic depth but rough start

STRENGTHS

80%

Innovative Gameplay95%

Strategic Depth90%

Visual Clarity85%

Puzzle Integration75%

WEAKNESSES

20%

Pacing Issues80%

Learning Curve70%

Audio Options50%

Community Reviews

3 reviews

Zero

Trusted

Galax is an impressive space action/shooter scrolling game. In Galax a computer called XENON has taken control of the planet and you need to stop it from destroying Earth. Playing Galax can be quite difficult until you get the hang of all the commands. Using the different commands and can take control of the enemy ships flying around and send them one of 3 different commands. You can make them stop exactly where they are, make them self destruct, or make them treat you as an ally. Of course, this is all quite tricky at first as you still need to protect your ship from being damaged. Besides this, you have your normal weapons such as guns and bombs, as well as power-ups to collect along the way. Galax has nice gameplay, as well as good graphics. There is a music add-on that can be downloaded but it is quite large.

Evil Wraith

This is one of the most unconventional and interesting vertical shooting games ever. Moreover, it's kind of a strategy game. You're unable to survive by only shooting around mindlessly. You've got to use the "capture-and-command" system wiseley by freezing enemies or their shots, by making mines explode before they reach you or by converting weapons and enemies into allies. Above this all, there's even some puzzling to do in one or two stages. After all this is an impressingly great game with cool graphics, good sound effects and simple but innovative gameplay.