The Final Frontier
I have to admit, Beyond Galaxyland is quite a delightful indie gem that does some neat things to help distinguish it from the pack of other indies. From the moment you step into the shoes of Doug and embark on your journey through a mysterious portal to the planet Neo, players will find themselves in for an unforgettable adventure.
MSRP: $14.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $14.99
Beyond Galaxyland begins with our protagonist Doug finding himself teleported away from Earth, moments before its apparent destruction. Doug fins himself on Galaxyland, which is galaxy that was created by an ancient race to save species from destruction. Each species exist in Galaxyland has their own planet in the system; Doug begins on Neo, which is a hub world for refugees. What follows is a story that goes from serious, to silly and back again; I loved flow of the story. And to tell a good story, you have to have great characters, and hands down Boom-Boom, Doug’s pet guinea pig is the best character in this game. The duos relationship is one of the highlights of the adventure for sure.
The gameplay is another highlight. The battle system is well-designed, offering a mix of strategy and action that keeps combat exciting. You can customize your character’s abilities and equipment, allowing for a personalized playstyle. There is even a ‘Pokemon’-esque type of system that allows players to capture enemy creatures and use them for attacks in future fights. The platforming elements are fun and add a nice variety to the gameplay. Plus, the game rewards exploration and curiosity, encouraging you to uncover all the secrets Galaxyland has to offer. The puzzles are cleverly designed, providing a satisfying challenge without being frustrating.
Id be remiss if I didn’t mention what I think is a standout feature of Beyond Galaxyland; and that feature is its soundtrack. The music is beautifully composed, perfectly complementing the game’s atmosphere. From the serene melodies that play as you explore the peaceful areas of Galaxyland to the intense, adrenaline-pumping tracks during battles, the soundtrack enhances every moment of the game. The sound effects are equally impressive, adding to the immersion and making the world feel alive. Of course I am a sucker for sci-fi anything, so this game really hit all the notes for me.
Despite a few minor bugs that can be patched, Beyond Galaxyland is a testament to what indie developers can achieve with passion and creativity. With a wonderful combination of beautiful graphics, a fantastic narrative and engaging gameplay makes Beyond Galaxyland feel like a must play for fans of scifi epics and RPGs. It’s a journey that will stay with players after finishing, and it’s yet another shining example of the strength of the indie games.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.