GALAK-Z

It's Okay-Z

Why didn't we ever get some proper sequels to this little gem? I loved the graphics, the sounds, the goofy voice acting..all of it. Most of all it was overall just a great little twin stick shooter that I could just pick up and play. I think I still have the vinyl record that I got in a mystery box once upon time some where around here. 17-bit, if you're still reading reviews or care about this IP please make a new Galak-Z!

GALAK-Z is a bold and kinetic space combat game developed and published by 17-BIT that blends arcade-style shooting, roguelike structure, and anime-inspired storytelling into a demanding but deeply rewarding experience. At first glance, its bright cel-shaded visuals and energetic presentation suggest a playful homage to classic 2D shooters, yet the moment you take control of your ship it becomes clear that this is a far more nuanced and skill-driven game than appearances alone might imply. Rather than relying on simplistic twin-stick mechanics, GALAK-Z asks players to fully engage with physics-based movement, momentum, and positioning, creating a space combat system that feels tactile, precise, and punishing in equal measure. The game is structured around episodic “seasons,” each composed of multiple procedurally generated missions that unfold like chapters in a serialized sci-fi anime. You play as A-Tak, a brash pilot caught in hostile territory, and while the narrative never overwhelms the gameplay, it provides a consistent sense of context and personality through stylish cutscenes and character banter. These story segments lean heavily into classic anime tropes—overconfident heroes, dramatic pauses, and bursts of exaggerated emotion—which gives GALAK-Z a strong identity even when the plot itself remains relatively straightforward. Rather than driving the experience, the narrative acts as a flavorful wrapper that frames each run as another episode in an ongoing struggle for survival. Where GALAK-Z truly distinguishes itself is in its approach to movement and combat. Your ship handles with a sense of weight and inertia that forces you to think carefully about every maneuver. Thrusting forward, braking, drifting, and boosting all interact in ways that can either save you in a tense encounter or send you spiraling into danger if misused. Combat becomes a careful dance of spacing and timing, as enemies aggressively pursue, flank, and overwhelm you rather than politely lining up to be destroyed. Missiles, shields, and weapons must be managed thoughtfully, and encounters often reward patience and positioning over reckless aggression. The learning curve can be steep, especially for players accustomed to more forgiving shooters, but mastery brings a level of satisfaction that few games in the genre can match. The roguelike elements play a significant role in shaping the experience. Each run through a season features randomized level layouts, enemy combinations, and upgrade opportunities, ensuring that no two attempts feel exactly the same. Death sends you back to the beginning of the season, stripping away temporary progress but leaving behind the knowledge you’ve gained through failure. This structure can be harsh, particularly when a promising run ends abruptly due to a single mistake or an unlucky encounter, yet it reinforces the game’s emphasis on skill development and adaptability. Over time, players learn when to engage, when to retreat, and how to use the environment—such as asteroids or debris—to their advantage, transforming early frustration into hard-earned confidence. Visually, GALAK-Z is immediately striking. Its cel-shaded art style channels classic Japanese animation, with bold outlines, vibrant colors, and dynamic effects that make every explosion and dogfight feel dramatic. Enemy designs are expressive and distinct, helping players quickly read threats in the heat of combat, while the environments strike a balance between visual clarity and atmospheric flair. The presentation is further elevated by a driving electronic soundtrack that complements the game’s relentless pace, pushing tension during intense firefights and reinforcing the sense that each mission is part of a high-energy animated saga rather than a static arcade challenge. Despite its many strengths, GALAK-Z is not without its divisive elements. The procedural structure, while excellent for replayability, can occasionally lead to uneven difficulty spikes depending on enemy placement or available upgrades. Some runs feel perfectly balanced, while others can feel stacked against the player from the outset. Additionally, the demanding controls and unforgiving combat mean that players seeking a more casual or immediately gratifying shooter may bounce off its systems before they fully click. However, for those willing to invest time and patience, these same qualities become defining strengths rather than flaws. In the end, GALAK-Z stands as a confident and uncompromising indie title that refuses to dilute its vision. It merges old-school arcade intensity with modern roguelike design and wraps it all in a stylish anime aesthetic that feels cohesive and purposeful. The result is a game that rewards dedication, learning, and mechanical mastery, offering thrilling moments of triumph that feel genuinely earned. For players who appreciate challenging systems, expressive presentation, and the thrill of overcoming long odds through skill and strategy, GALAK-Z delivers a memorable and uniquely satisfying spacefaring adventure. Rating: 7/10

A game of Asteroids, but with mode changes for being a giant robot, upgrading hardware on your machine and then some. Frankly if this old title got a bit of an over haul to have co op like Helldivers, and maybe even a third person approach and an ever ongoing story like Helldivers 2 as well as ground missions as well as space and a more serious hard design while keeping humorous, it could be the massive next mech genera Armored Core could've had if they simply realized those Co Op mods for the game, and showing how well they worked out, it could do things for the mech genera that could've lured people back in again. As it is though, it can be challenging, but those who stick in and get use to the challenges of mobility, it makes a nice off and on venture. I haven't played it much on STEAM but have on other platforms.

A fun rogue-like with a beautiful aesthetic, the pixel art, vibrant colors, and synthwave soundtrack transport you straight to the 80s. The gameplay is very tight and mostly fair (looking at you, Void mode) it rewards precise play and most of the time when things go wrong it is because of a mistake you made and not because the game was being unfair. Strafing being tied to the direction of the ship instead of being orientation agnostic does make it kind of useless, as the fast pace of the game makes it hard to orient yourself and strafe in the direction you actually want to. The story is unfinished as everyone else has said before, and the game does feel really short and lacking content, which is a shame since what is here is so polished and fun, but after the 10 hour mark you'll probably have unlocked and seen everything there is to see. Despite its flaws, Galak-Z deserves recognition. If you’re a fan of space shooters I would wholly recommend it , it's not revolutionary by any means, but when you master its controls and dance circles around the enemy with your starfighter it feels awesome.

Very cool Game so far. I don't see the game evolving much past what I've played already but It is a very polished and addictive game. If you just want a quick but engaging experience to fill the void. Then play this. I would recommend getting it on sale.

Los juegos que se salen de la norma, los aplaudo por valientes, pero a mí no acaban gustándome. Se me hacen difíciles de controlar.

Sadly not my cup of tea, but I can see the appeal of this game. It seems to do most things right. My rating 6,5/10, recommended for people that like this type of games.

Questo gioco mi ha sorpreso. Non è il solito giochino di sparatutto spaziale 2D. Abbastanza profondo, gameplay divertente, una sorta di storia. Nel secondo mondo si guadagna la possibilità di trasformare la navicella in un Mec da combattimento. Roguelike il che non guasta mai. Insomma passato. Preso ad offerta vale ogni centesimo

нет