Galaga Critic Reviews

Galaga is still the classic game that’s loved by many, but it doesn’t feel right. Whether it’s the iffy controls, the ill-advised border, or the lack of the ability to play Mrs. Pac-Man instead, something doesn’t feel right about the Xbox Live Arcade version of the Namco classic.

Galaga has varied enemies, a cute double ship trick, as well as tough bonus stages that are nearly impossible to get perfect for (Hello Achievements!).

Not flawless, since it’s missing multiplayer online and off, but it still has the leaderboard to keep you playing – and lets face it, back in the arcade, that was you’re only real goal, to achieve the highscore for that day – to remove some previous player’s 3 initial name.

Sure, the title is only five bucks, but there is absolutely nothing new here besides the ability to continue from your last stage, which is something no self-respecting Galaga player will ever use.

It's certainly a true arcade port of the arcade game with the same graphics and gameplay. There aren't many new options however.

The achievements for the game is what gives it most of it’s new luster, with achievements such as find the stingray, mosquito, Gal Boss, Get up to stage 10, 20, 30, so on and so forth. As of yet, this is probably also the best arcade conversion yet on Live Arcade.

For those who've never delved into Galaga's repetitive madness, it's worth the investment even if this isn't the best version available. Still, a co-operative mode would have been much appreciated, online or off.

This frantic game still delivers the twitch frenzy that gamers crave, and deserves its spot in your quick-fix collection.

As a Museum piece, Galaga's beeen almost perfectly preserved, but the missing multiplayer makes us think twice about spending 400 Microsoft Points.

Despite a shameful lack of two-player online mode you'll find yourself dreaming about Galaga and itching for another go.

The original Galaga is an undisputed arcade classic, and this is a fairly faithful version of it.

While many will still enjoy its timeless shooting gameplay, it's a little disappointing to find that it offers no frills. This is, pure and simple, the arcade game, with the addition of online leaderboards and unlockable achievements.

The game is and always will be great, and you’re getting unlimited plays for the price of twenty, don’t get me wrong; but Namco-Bandai made a sloppy port, and the neglect of a multiplayer mode of any sort is a huge mistake.

You know what to do: if you want an arcade perfect, no frills port of Galaga then that's what you'll get, but you can probably get your fix by simply downloading the free trial. The lure of global leaderboards (and a succession of largely identical levels) in the full version adds something of a gloss for the retro obsessives, but that's about it.

The port seems to be fairly close to arcade perfect, but the controls are just a tad sluggish. You’re better off saving those Microsoft Points for the new original content planned for XBLA later this year instead of this tired retro retread.

If Gamerscore records and leaderboards are that important to you, then go wild. Otherwise, save your money for the next Xbox Live Arcade game.

The problem that this and indeed any retro shooter has nowadays is Bizarre Creations 2D tour de force, Geometry Wars. Still one of our Xbox Live download favourites, Galaga by comparison is a poor substitute.