Space Giraffe
- March 19, 2009
- Llamasoft LTD
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games StoreSpace Giraffe is an abstract shooter game with 200 levels, featuring beautifully responsive graphics and deep gameplay that caters to both novice and expert players. Its intense and satisfying action offers a synaesthetic experience, rewarding strategic and thoughtful play while challenging you to achieve higher scores.
PC
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox
Xbox 360
Reviews
- Space Giraffe offers a unique and psychedelic visual experience that is unlike any other game, providing a sensory overload that many players find captivating.
- The gameplay is deep and rewarding, with mechanics that encourage players to master the art of 'bulling' and navigating through chaotic levels, leading to a satisfying experience once understood.
- Jeff Minter's design shines through with a vast number of levels, creative graphics, and a nostalgic connection to classic tube shooters, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.
- The overwhelming visuals and chaotic gameplay can make it difficult for players to understand what is happening on screen, leading to frustration and confusion.
- The game lacks a clear tutorial and explanation of its mechanics, which can leave new players feeling lost and unsure of how to progress.
- The PC port has some technical issues compared to the original XBLA version, including sound bugs and a lack of vibration feedback, which detracts from the overall experience.
- gameplay17 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a unique blend of mechanics that, while initially disjointed, can become enjoyable once players adapt to its unconventional controls and objectives. The combination of herding, automatic shooting, and navigating a visually overwhelming environment creates a surreal experience, though the emphasis on flashy graphics can sometimes obscure gameplay clarity. Overall, it offers a rewarding challenge for those willing to invest time in mastering its intricacies.
“The gameplay is rather interesting, with a neat premise that can prove rewarding if you can put the time into it.”
“I found it difficult to begin with because I don't like reading instructions, but when I got used to the bull and jump mechanics I found it to be a great twitch game with a nice risk/reward system which lets you get into the zone.”
“The gameplay itself involves herding and shooting (automatically) to maintain the power zone and defend from projectiles, spikes, and other enemies that cannot be bullied.”
“The gameplay feels tight but disjointed; everything by itself makes sense—jumping, pods, power-ups, enemy types, movement, shooting—all of it works fine on its own, but when experienced all together during a level, nothing seems to work well, or at least work how I expect it to after having experienced everything by itself.”
“The over-the-top visuals, effects, and audio come at the cost of obfuscating the already abstract gameplay.”
“Far too often, the emphasis on eye-searing visuals over gameplay can and will cause many unnecessary deaths due to how obscured the playfield can get.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as astonishing and psychedelic, showcasing a unique and overwhelming aesthetic that may appeal to fans of abstract visuals but can also obscure gameplay, leading to frustration. While some players appreciate the surreal experience and emotional depth conveyed through the visuals, others find the chaotic design detrimental, often resulting in missed threats and unnecessary deaths. Overall, the graphics are a defining feature that enhances the game's atmosphere but may not suit everyone’s taste.
“But this is so much more... deeper gameplay, astonishing graphics that could only be done by Jeff Minter, and incredible personal, classic gaming and British culture 'mementos' litter the game.”
“The gameplay is fun, but the graphics along with the sound/music is what makes this game an absolutely surreal experience.”
“When all that comes together with the visuals and audio in the way that it's supposed to, Space Giraffe is simply astounding to play and you can almost feel like you're in a trance when you're on a roll.”
“The main issue I have is that the entire game's aesthetic is a god damn mess.”
“The over the top visuals, effects, and audio come at the cost of obfuscating the already abstract gameplay.”
“Far too often, the emphasis on eye-searing visuals over gameplay can and will cause many unnecessary deaths due to how obscured the playfield can get.”
- music8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered inferior to that of its predecessor, t2k, leading many players to recommend using their own soundtracks for a better experience. While the game allows players to turn off its music and sync their own PC music with the graphics, the overall sound design is described as a mixed bag, with some enjoying the trippy ambiance while others find it less appealing. Ultimately, the game's surreal visuals and soundscapes contribute to its unique atmosphere, but personal music choices may enhance enjoyment.
“Wondrous sights, sounds, and music await you as you clear web after web of abstract monsters, flowers, and bullets.”
“Although you can apparently turn off the music volume in the game and allow music playing on your PC to be responded to in the game graphics - so you could play the T2K soundtrack in the background.”
“Strongly recommend having your own music handy, though...”
“I'm sure there are some people who enjoy shooting things in a trippy space kind of environment with spacey trance music in the background, but I'm not one of them.”
“The gameplay is fun, but the graphics along with the sound/music is what makes this game an absolutely surreal experience.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it genuinely funny and enjoyable.
“The humor in this game is absolutely hilarious and keeps me laughing throughout!”
“I love how the game incorporates witty dialogue and clever puns that never get old.”
“The comedic timing of the characters is spot on, making every interaction a joy to experience.”
