Galatron
The downloaded zip file is 49.7Mb in size opening up to 122Mb when installed. The zip file unpacks to a read me and dual setup and activation module, and when installed a desktop shortcut is installed as well as a start menu shortcut and uninstaller.
The Shop
Introduction:
Galatron is a new arcade space shooter game. As a commander build and upgrade your own spaceship and compete with others for total universe domination. Humiliate either insidious computer players or you can invite your friends to serve this purpose. All races must face their destiny but only the bravest one can challenge the undefeated emperor. Are you prepared for this quest?
Features:
• Customize your own spaceship!
• Use over 50+ components
• Enjoy advanced physics engine
• Play with your friends and/or AI players
• Battle in 4 amazing arenas
• Choose from 3 unique races
• And much more...
Reference accessed HERE 30th July 2010
The Game:
When the game starts you can choose from three different characters two of which are alien and the third a human.. Once you’ve made your choice by clicking on the portrait the main menu opens up to show you the various choices you have.
Species Selection
Main Menu
Here you’ll find a tutorial that takes you through the basics. It's highly recommended that you try the tutorial before commiting yourself straight to the other options before starting the actual game because the controls are quite hard to master, even though there are few to learn. The main reason for this is because of the real time physics that have been applied to the game.
Tutorial Screen
The options menu allows you to configure up to three ships using different keyboard controls, or you can play against the computers AI. If you intend playing with friends you'll probably need a second keyboard attached (which is possible these days since the advent of the USB socket (I aways have two keyboard attached to my main computer; one of which is specific to gaming).
Controls:
is enables up to three players to compete against each other or for you to compete against the computer AI. If
Up arrow – Ingnites the engine
Left and right arrows - turns the ship
Down arrow - shoots the ships gun
Space – Resets the ship
Esc – ends tutorial or takes you to the main menu
Options Menu
Playing Arena
The aim of the game is to survive. You collect bonuses and money which enables you to upgrade you ship via the shop, where you can buy various parts. The game throws up tips, one of which suggests you purchase better boosters as this will help stop you from being pulled to the surface of whatever planet you may be orbiting. There are four worlds.
As mentioned above the ship is hard to handle because of the real time physcs that have been applied to this game. That is the laws that govern equal and opposite forces, and fuel consumption. You can see your fuel gauge to the bottom left of the screen. Thankfully the ship is fuelled automatically, but rather slowly at the beginning of the game. Any collision with the planet you are orbiting will result in the catastrophic destruction of your ship. To regenerate a new ship press the space bar.
Player Setup
Playing Arena
System requirements:
* Windows 2000/XP/Vista
* 900 MHz processor
* 3D graphic accelerator
* 256 MB RAM
To get a better idea of the game check out the images and video provided below:
Slideshow Images:
http://s571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/Whiterabbit04/Galatron/?albumview=slideshow
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5bVAHjJI7c&feature=player_embedded
Conclusion:
Personally I love this type of space orientated gravity game. It reminds me a little of Gravitron which also uses physics and gravity as part of the game play. You can get Gravitron free via the game discussion forums (see G@rgoyles free games synopsis):
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5261#post-56134
You will require some time to get used to the controls, despite their simplicity as they lack that instant action feel. For example trying to boost you way out of the planets gravitational pull is difficult and if you haven’t got enough fuel, the chances are you’re on a crash course to destruction. You need to think ahead if you are going to control your ship efficiently and correctly. Use your upgrades wisely initially to ensure the control of your ship is improved. Don't let the apparent sluggisness of the controls put you off this game as part of the challenge is mastering the gravity and inertia effects. Once you've mastered these, it's a fun game to spend those odd moments filling in between bigger games or work.
Overall I give this game a 6.5 out of 10. I’d like to have scored higher, but I think a lot of community members will find the game too hard, and some even boring. (I'd give it a 7.5, but I'm biased towards anything with space ships and space involved)
Problems:
I did find that after the first run it would take ages to load (the loading screen shows the three species available and the cursor is a blue orb with a glowing green ring) or even freeze. It's more of an annyance than a problem. If anyone else gets this problem please comment as it could be a global issue that the developer needs to fix.
