Galactic Lords
- November 13, 2017
- Xeneder
Get on Steam"Galactic Lords" is an experimental indie strategy game, where players lead a group of Galactic Lords through 7 levels with elemental themes to uncover a universal threat. The game features a unique combination of turn-based map and real-time units combat, as well as an elemental weakness system and 6 playable lords, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Save and load options are also available for a more flexible gaming experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a unique concept that blends turn-based strategy with real-time combat mechanics.
- It's a simple and fun game that is easy to learn and can be completed quickly, making it suitable for casual play.
- The poorly translated dialogue adds a humorous element to the game, making it entertaining despite its flaws.
- The gameplay is repetitive and lacks depth, with battles feeling monotonous and unchallenging.
- Graphics and audio quality are subpar, with visuals reminiscent of outdated games and generic music.
- The game suffers from poor AI behavior and limited tactical options, making it feel shallow and unengaging.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some praising its unique blend of turn-based strategy and real-time combat mechanics, while others criticize it for being bland, repetitive, and poorly polished. Many players find the core gameplay loop monotonous and feel that the game lacks depth and respect for player time, leading to a frustrating experience despite some interesting concepts. Overall, while there are elements of potential, the execution leaves much to be desired, making it hard to recommend for those seeking engaging gameplay.
“I really like the system and simple mechanics. If this stays the same, then I would like to see much more of this, albeit slightly more polished.”
“Balanced gameplay - fair and equal.”
“The gameplay is actually quite unique because it initially plays like a turn-based strategy RPG using squads (wherein 10 generic soldiers form one individual unit similar to Advance Wars) but then combat between these squads is resolved using a real-time horizontal shoot 'em up system.”
“Performance or gameplay falls significantly below the passing mark.”
“Overall, I don't recommend it because the gameplay is extremely bland and repetitive despite employing a unique concept, the graphics are mediocre except for the battles which look like they're straight from the 8-bit era, and the music is very generic.”
“And this monotonous combat is further compounded by the fact that each faction will join you after you beat them but each successive army that you face will also increase in size to surpass yours which leads to battles becoming longer and longer while the core gameplay loop stays the same and becomes stale.”
- music6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as repetitive and generic, primarily featuring sci-fi adventure tracks that fail to enhance the gameplay experience. Reviewers note that the compositions are neither memorable nor fitting for the game's theme, contributing to an overall sense of blandness.
“Overall, I don't recommend it because the gameplay is extremely bland and repetitive despite employing a unique concept, the graphics are mediocre except for the battles which look like they're straight from the 8-bit era, and the music is very generic.”
“The music is composed primarily of sci-fi adventure songs which are neither good nor even particularly fitting.”
“It has repetitive music, a short game with bonus achievable Steam achievements.”
- story6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a compelling and surprisingly deep narrative, exploring themes of ontology, but it suffers from a poorly executed translation that detracts from its coherence. While some players find the awkward dialogue amusing, the overall consensus is that the story alone is not enough to redeem the game, with recommendations to wait for a significant price drop to experience it.
“Compelling storyline - engaging narrative.”
“The game does have one positive: the story and dialogue is translated so poorly that it ends up coming full circle and being good in a comical fashion, but this isn't nearly enough to salvage it by any means.”
“The story is the only redeeming quality of the game and is actually quite a bit deeper than one might initially suspect because it revolves around ontology; however, it's unfortunately marred by a horrendously nonsensical translation which simultaneously makes some of the dialogue and banter between characters very entertaining.”
“If you really want to experience the story and its horrible translation for yourself, then I recommend waiting until it goes on sale for $0.50, which has been its average sale price since release (although recently it went on sale for $0.27).”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning visual aesthetics and unique art style, while others criticize the overall quality as mediocre, particularly noting that in-combat sprites resemble outdated 8-bit graphics. The inconsistency in visual quality, especially between the maps and battle scenes, leaves players divided on the game's graphical appeal.
“The visual aesthetics are stunning, showcasing impressive graphics.”
“The art style is unique, adding a distinct charm to the game.”
“The graphics evoke nostalgia for early 2000s freeware games.”
“Overall, I don't recommend it because the gameplay is extremely bland and repetitive despite employing a unique concept. The graphics are mediocre except for the battles, which look like they're straight from the 8-bit era, and the music is very generic.”
“The graphics are all over the place: while the maps and sprites look passable, the in-combat sprites look like they're from the 8-bit era and look very out of place.”
“Graphics - nostalgic of early 00s freeware games.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Galactic Lords" primarily stems from its poorly executed translation, which users find amusing despite it being the game's only redeeming quality. Additionally, the absurd pricing of the game's soundtrack adds to the overall comedic experience, though many agree that these elements do not compensate for the game's shortcomings.
“Galactic Lords is an experimental sci-fi blend of turn-based strategy RPG using squads and real-time horizontal shoot 'em up, which also has a hilariously atrocious translation that is easily the only redeemable part of the game.”
“Furthermore, the OST costs nearly twice as much as the game, which is hilarious and ridiculous.”
“Despite having a hilariously awful translation that is intriguing to read, that alone unfortunately doesn't redeem the game.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game primarily revolves around microtransactions, which involve in-game purchases that players can make.
“Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
“The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
“I appreciate that the monetization model allows for free play while offering optional purchases.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Users emphasize that the game offers strong replay value, highlighting its longevity and the ability to engage players in multiple playthroughs.
“The replay value is incredible, offering longevity and endless fun.”
“This game has amazing replayability, keeping me engaged for hours on end.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes ensures that every playthrough feels fresh and exciting.”
“Replay value is lacking, making it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
“The game offers little incentive to replay, as the experience feels the same each time.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's not much left to draw you back in.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is notably poor, with performance and gameplay failing to meet acceptable standards.
“The performance and gameplay fall significantly below the passing mark.”
“The game struggles to maintain a stable frame rate, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“Optimization issues lead to frequent crashes and long loading times, severely impacting the overall experience.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as immersive and captivating, effectively drawing players into its environment.
“The immersive atmosphere creates a captivating environment that draws you in.”
“Every detail contributes to an enchanting atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
“The game's atmosphere is rich and layered, making every moment feel alive.”
