Developer: Skillpod Media Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 3GS
Galactic Striker is an updated take on the classic space shooter and while the gameplay is very similar, it has it’s own unique look and rhythm. First, Galactic Striker employs 3D graphics which allow for a more versatile perspective. Instead of the standard top-down view, the developers have opted to take advantage of their 3D graphics and use an isometric perspective. Also, the developers have chosen to limit the movement of the player’s ship to one direction. By tilting the device players can move their ship back and forth to dodge enemy ships and attacks. However, the ship stays put in a fixed spot at the bottom of the screen and is unable to move forward or backward.
The action in Galactic Striker takes place in a long lane where the player ship moves forward and enemy ships rush up to meet it from the top of the screen. This lane is straight and the player’s ship moves forward at a constant pace. The challenge comes from trying to move the ship back and forth to avoid obstacles like asteroids or enemy ships and attacks. Most obstacles move in a straight line down the lane from top to bottom, but things like lasers and missiles can move back and forth in the lane to make things more tricky.
The ship’s weapons auto-fire and the player can choose from three types of weapons: lasers, rockets, or plasma guns. Each weapon fires differently and has it unique strengths. In each level, players will find power-ups that will increase the power, size, or rate of fire of a certain weapon. Unfortunately, at the start of every level, the ship’s weapons reset to their lowest level and the player must power them up again level after level.
The games visuals are disappointingly uninspired, but they do the job. The game’s main character, Jack Panic, banters with the enemy forces at the beginning and end of each level and his lines run the gamut from quirky one liners to B-movie script rejects. It adds some character to the game and becomes a little pay off for progression. Galactic Striker isn’t the most inventive or flashy shooter out there but it has some interesting points and is fun to play. Just don’t go quoting it to any friends.