Super Galaxy Squadron Review

Like to shoot stuff? Of course you do!

However, the de-facto shooting genre, the shoot-em-up, is one practically begging for more gamers to undergo its waves of enemies and bullets. Psyche Studios and New Blood Interactive are filling that void with Super Galaxy Squadron, a “shmup” modeled after the games of old. The question is, should you take to its skies?

Super Galaxy Squadron Review

Like the shoot-em-ups from days of old, Super Galaxy Squadron wears its inspiration on its sleeve. With roots tracing back to to classic shooters like Raiden and Aero Fighters, right down to its myriad power-ups and screen-covering bosses. Those familiar with these types of shoot-em-ups know what to do. Simply choose your ship, lay your trigger finger on the fire button, and shoot for survival amidst its kill-or-be-killed world. It’s gaming boiled down to its purest elements, one anybody can understand but few can master.

However, there are also a number of little wrinkles here and there that add to the proceedings. Super Galaxy Squadron takes things in a slightly different direction by making the gameplay far more defensive-based than offensive. Narrowly dodging bullets restores health, offering a solid risk-reward system. However, this does come as a stark contrast to its offense-happy combo multiplier system. Oftentimes it feels like one needs to choose between a healthy ship and a high score, which is made even worse when the screen is covered in bullets and enemies. The game doesn’t always play fair in this regard, but when it works, it works.

The whole shebang won’t take more than an hour or two for seasoned vets to blow through, but the draw of a higher score and a spot on the leaderboards is a definite draw. Its hardcore mode gives some added challenge to the proceedings, as its randomly generated Endless Mode. All of these things are welcome additions, but the inclusion of a co-op mode and an alternative 9:16 viewing mode would be the perfect touches to its frantic proceedings.

Those looking for an homage to the arcade vertical shoot-em-ups of the 80s and 90s will find a lot to like in Super Galaxy Squadron. It might not reach the lofty heights of its inspiration, but it is still a solid title for those looking to flex their itchy trigger fingers.