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Galak-Z: The Dimensional

Galak-Z: The Dimensional

17-BIT·Released Aug 4, 2015·Single player

Platforms
PS4PC
Genres
ShooterSimulationStrategyIndieArcade
Critic84/100
Across 6 reviews
AgreementData pendingNo votes yet
About

"Galak-Z is a modern, A.I. and physics-driven open-world action game, viewed through the lens of the classic 16-bit space shooter. It’s 2D combat taken to the next level. Players will take control of a variety of classic spacecraft inspired by anime of the late 70’s and early 80’s, piloted by a cast of characters every bit as colorful as the rainbow-hued explosions erupting all around them. Newtonian physics take center stage as players experience finely-tuned control, blasting enemies, unleashing missile salvos, and tossing enemies into explosive obstacles. The bar is raised for intense deep-space dogfighting with dynamic and life-like enemies, powered by the next generation Cyntient AI platform, developed by Cyntient Inc. Players will be forced to outmaneuver, outgun and outsmart enemies that think, react and cooperate like seasoned pilots. Both stealth and skill are required to defeat enemy squads in a brutal game of cat and mouse. Prepare for an enemy that comes alive like never before." The game was later re-branded as Galak-Z: The Void with the released of a free DLC update for the game.

Reviews

9 reviews
Rock Paper Shotgun logo
Critic
Agreement

There are plenty of upgrades and the way that you can mix and match them to create new attack types is fantastic, but enemies and objectives are locked into a handful of templates, and those dungeon-rocks all start to look the same after a while. Even so, I've had a tremendous time playing. Galak-Z is a smooth, polished and compelling arcade shooter that trades in tension and tactical awareness rather than screen-clearing power-trips.

Read full review at Rock Paper Shotgun
No vote recorded.
Eurogamer logo
Eurogamer
Simon Parkin·Aug 10, 2015
Critic80/100
Agreement

Galak-Z falls just shy of genius. That it quickly reveals itself to be a demanding game is no surprise considering its lead designer's heritage (Jake Kazdal worked at Sega on exquisite yet challenging titles such as Rez) and the source material from which it draws inspiration.

Read full review at Eurogamer
No vote recorded.
IGN logo
IGN
Vince Ingenito·Aug 10, 2015
Critic83/100
Agreement

Though GALAK-Z's roguelike elements are fairly basic and stripped down, they do succeed in adding extra layers of challenge and replayability to an excellent space shooter. Progressively mastering its wonderful controls and unlocking new upgrades had me totally hooked, and even though its idea of mission variety is something of an illusion, its smart, playful personality kept me too entertained to care.

Read full review at IGN
No vote recorded.
Game Informer logo
Critic80/100
Agreement

Galak-Z is the perfect game to play in short bursts. Its random nature means the balancing feels off, but the tight combat will keep you coming back

Read full review at Game Informer
No vote recorded.
Push Square logo
Critic90/100
Agreement

With perfectly weighted physics that feel nice on the thumbs, tactical combat that allows you to deal with any situation in a number of ways, and a soundtrack that's catchy and euphoric, Galak-Z is one helluva ride. Though the framerate can detract from the experience at times, it makes up for its one notable shortcoming with charm, nostalgia, and by bombarding you with joy.

Read full review at Push Square
No vote recorded.
Polygon logo
Critic
Agreement

The occasional technical hiccup aside, Galak-Z is a brilliant take on so many different genres, but it's the game's roguelike innovations that make it soar. Some lesser entries in the genre use permadeath as a blunt tool, wielded to tack some artificial length onto a repetitive slog. Galak-Z is going to kill you back to a season premiere constantly, but not for lack of content — it's part of a laser-focused intent to make Galak-Z as tense and thrilling a game as can possibly be.

Read full review at Polygon
No vote recorded.