Beyond Galaxyland review

Beyond Galaxyland review

As a seasoned traveler of countless virtual worlds and a lifelong connoisseur of RPGs, I must say that Beyond Galaxyland has left an indelible mark on my gaming journey. Having traversed galaxies far and wide, I can confidently assert that this gem of a game stands out as a testament to the boundless creativity and passion of its solitary creator, Sam Enright.


Over the last few months, I’ve frequently discussed Beyond Galaxyland because I played two separate previews of it. Initially, I believed Sam Enright’s sci-fi RPG couldn’t get any better for me, but the complete game exceeded all my expectations. Although the game isn’t as lengthy as I initially anticipated, it is filled with a deeply moving narrative about friendship that spans across the cosmos. I owe a debt of gratitude to Sam for creating such an endearing character in Boom-Boom the guinea pig, and for crafting a world brimming with warmth no matter which planet you visit.

Following an apocalyptic occurrence that supposedly annihilated Earth, Doug unexpectedly lands in Galaxyland – a region beyond the farthest reaches of our galaxy, governed by a questionable conglomerate named DreamCore. Initially, Doug feels disoriented and isolated, having been separated from his dear ones with only his oversized, chatty pet guinea pig for company. The journey you embark on is rich with breathtaking landscapes and characters. Almost every alien you interact with can communicate, albeit sparingly, which lends an air of liveliness to each location. Although many characters remain stationary, they all possess unique personalities, and you will encounter various species that differ from one another.

Beyond Galaxyland review

That dread of being away from home has been something we’ve all felt in our lifetime, be it for a few days or months. Unfortunately, Doug is pretty much screwed, and learning the possibility of returning to Earth seems less and less likely the more you progress only fuels your desire to uncover the truth about Galaxyland, about DreamCore, about the Queen, and about every mystery you uncover. Throughout it all, Doug has his friends, and naturally he makes new ones while bumping into some he thought were gone forever. I don’t want to ruin the story too much because it really is special, but there are some sweet moments that highlight how human interaction can be amazing.

Beyond Galaxyland is a side-scrolling role-playing game where, apart from battles, Doug can leap between platforms, tackle environmental challenges, engage with the surroundings, and converse with an array of vibrant personalities. The design elements are striking, and humor is abundantly used in these inventions. A character that particularly amuses me is a hip-hop inspired creature you must battle within a bar (though I might be mistaken as to whether he actually resembles a real hippo). However, I’m almost positive he wasn’t a hippo after all.

Beyond Galaxyland review

Essentially, combat is straightforward yet potent, offering numerous strategies to outmaneuver opponents. Your team expands as you progress, introducing diverse attack styles. The core mechanics involve taking basic attacks, utilizing a character’s unique ability, and summoning reinforcements. Occasionally, you may miss your target, but every successful strike grants an ability point. Accumulate these points, and you can unleash a variety of abilities. One standout character for me was Rosie, who could deal significant damage from afar, proving useful in numerous situations.

In combat, summons play a significant role as well. As you manage to weaken opponents, Doug may attempt to capture them for use in future skirmishes. When summoning these entities, they serve as another strategy within your battle tactics that can be utilized effectively. Some will inflict damage, others will restore health, while some might lower an enemy’s defenses or slow them down. There are numerous ones to discover and capture, providing ample opportunity for experimentation. Additionally, you can come across Artifacts that can be attached to your team, offering benefits such as additional hit points, a chance for follow-up attacks, and more.

Beyond Galaxyland review

In this game, Doug has the ability to utilize his camera during exploration to gather information about potential foes. Once he engages in combat with one of these enemies after photographing them, he’ll uncover details such as their total health, strengths, and vulnerabilities. This feature can be employed in battle at the expense of skill points, making it optimal to use while exploring. The game offers thrilling combats and the opportunity to traverse the cosmos, discovering various plants to investigate. These plants vary in difficulty based on your character’s level, but you can always revisit them when you feel prepared. Many quests within Beyond Galaxyland involve venturing to specific locations, locating items, and then returning to a particular area.

In my gaming adventures through Beyond Galaxyland, I’ve found that most quests aren’t too tough, but every once in a while, something extraordinary pops up. Like when I got to hitch a ride on a speeder as a gigantic, intelligent pig-guy? Totally unexpected, but totally awesome! Moments like these are what make Beyond Galaxyland stand out. It’s mind-blowing that it was created by just one person. The narrative is fantastic, and the dialogue between Doug and his pals or the folks I encounter feels authentic with a perfect blend of heart and humor. Plus, the visuals are stunning, with its pixelated style allowing for a diverse range of locations.

In Galaxyland, located beyond it, lies a thrilling battlefield and a captivating tale that kept me hooked. I found myself equally enthralled by the development of characters’ relationships as I was by the broader storyline featuring DreamCore, Malefactor, and other crucial narrative elements. However, what truly won me over were the characters themselves. They felt real, likable, and made you cheer for them every step of the way. If you haven’t already, and if you enjoy classic sci-fi and traditional turn-based RPGs from yesteryears, this game is a must-play.

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2024-09-24 16:16