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Recent reviews by CatDevPete

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4 people found this review helpful
0.3 hrs on record
Early Access Review
This is more of a first-impression review of the early access of the game, so the review won't go very into depth on the game, and it is more than likely that various things will change over the course of development.

Galagan's Island would probably be best described as a psychedelic arcade-style SHMUP. Though it may not strictly adhere to pixel art (at least, outside of the sprites), the influence of old arcade shooters like Galaga is evident in both its gameplay and its art style. It brings to the table its own unique blend of art & music, and deviates slightly from the typical elements that you see in many SHMUPs.

Gameplay
Whether or not it plays as well the old classics is not the question here. Though it is as SHMUP as it can get, instant death is not a thing here, though the raining bullets is usually more than enough to cover for it. The controls are simple and quick to learn, and though the movement speed might not be as rapid as I'd like, I feel that it helps compliment the lack of one-shot kills (a.k.a the use of a health system) for you. There are also a few additional elements, such as your ship gravitating towards the bottom, an overheat system for your weapon and so on. If you want a hellish or traditional SHMUP/bullet hell, I'd advise going back to Galaga, Raiden or even Touhou. However, I advise giving this a chance, rather than judge before you've tried it out (and it's $4.99 USD, which is close to the price of takeaway).

Artwork
The art direction in this is interesting. Personally, I feel that the overall quality could do with some more work, especially with the GUI. I also feel that there are some stylistic inconsistencies with the sprites, background and effects, without bringing the UI into it. HOWEVER, I am willing to forgive much (at least everything except the UI, that needs more work guys) for the psychedelic experience that's brought out from the art. From the particles to the sprites and down to the enemy patterns, it's best described as "one helluva acid trip" and something I recommend more than taking LSD (additionally because it's probably cheaper to be hooked on this than on LSD). The theme that's brought out is certainly unique, and an experience that's also bolstered by...

Music
I highly praise the music in this game in particular. Though it varies quite a bit (from a chiptune menu theme to a funky, funky tune), it brings out life to the gameplay, to say the least. This, along with the artwork, pushes the experience that the designer of the game wants to bring out (which is to give you the joy of smoking pot without having to find a dealer, it seems). The OST is wonderfully composed (at least, imo), and would be nice to be released as a pack on its own as well.

Rating
I don't like giving a rating system (since my track record indicates I rarely give below 7/10 anyways), so I'll just say this: Buy this game, and try it out. It's an experience worth having (and you have steam refund if you think I'm a dirty liar, so just buy it already).
Posted 14 September, 2015. Last edited 14 September, 2015.
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