Beyond GalaxyLand is a game that many AAA developers have shifted away from making, being turn-based RPGs, a genre I have been a sucker for. Don’t get me wrong; I understand why they’re very rarely made in the modern era; they’re expensive, take a long time to make and are usually either masterpieces or complete garbage. Expectations can be stupidly high, and why shouldn’t they be? If you’re going to commit 50+ hours to a title it needs to be damn good.
Thankfully, where the megacorps have mostly let us down – Octopath Traveller 2, you get a pass – the indie scene has picked up the slack. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the likes of Sea of Stars and Chained Echoes released; brilliant examples of the genre that puts the modern mainstream to shame. Well, a few months ago another title joined these in the ranks of modern RPG classics.
Beyond GalaxyLand – released September 24th for pretty much everything – is a delightful homage to classic science fiction and RPGs of the ’90s. Developed by Sam Enright, it stands out not only for its engaging gameplay; mixing a number of common JRPG staples into one brilliant system, but also for its impressive retro aesthetic and masterfully written storytelling.
Beyond GalaxyLand follows Doug Dwyer, a suburban teen who finds himself transported to Galaxyland, a refuge for victims of a mysterious threat spreading across the universe. Seemingly the last evacuee of a now-destroyed Earth, Doug and his… I can only describe it as a modified Guinea-pig… set off to discover the truth about GalaxyLand and the intergalactic corporate empire “rescuing” people from the spreading End of all things. Where did the End come from? Why does Dreamcorp forbid refugee civilisations from using advanced technology? Who decided it was a good idea to make a guinea pig sentient?
This mysterious narrative is rich with references to classic sci-fi, blending elements of isekai narratives with self-referential humour and genuinely moving writing. Galaxyland weaves themes of survival, friendship, the quest for truth and dealing with the loss of innocence into the plot, but with a sensitive touch which doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s very obvious that heavy inspiration was taken from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” but it’s a vibe which works well and it’s incredibly well executed.
Don’t get me wrong; this isn’t a literary masterpiece that rivals the works which inspired it, but it’s much more thematically interesting and well-written than the vast majority of indie projects and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it through to its conclusion. My only quibble would be the lack of closure provided by the ending, with plenty of threads left hanging. I don’t know if this was intentional and a sequel is planned, but either way ,I would have preferred a more definitive finale which wrapped everything up.
Beyond GalaxyLand combines turn-based combat with puzzle-solving and exploration. The combat system blends traditional mechanics with interactive elements to keep players engaged.
The core of the combat is turn-based. Players and enemies take turns to attack and defend. This allows for strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making. To add an interactive layer, timed button presses for both attacking and defending are incorporated. Executing a move at the right moment can enhance its effectiveness, adding a skill-based element to the battles. It’s very reminiscent of Sea of Stars and the various Mario RPGs, adding an extra level of engagement to a combat system which could otherwise end up feeling somewhat stale.
One of the unique aspects of the combat system however is the ability to capture enemies of various types. Once captured, you can use these enemies’ abilities in future battles to perform special moves. This adds a level of strategic depth as players must decide which enemies to capture and when to use their abilities. It’s not quite Pokémon, but it’s clearly taken some inspiration from Nintendo’s creature catcher and plays all the better for it.
Each character – there are a few more beyond just Doug and Boom Boom – comes with a set of unique abilities. These range from offensive attacks to defensive manoeuvres and support skills, allowing for diversification of strategies and some level of customisation. Some battles also involve environmental elements that can be used to your advantage. Certain terrains might offer defensive benefits or hazards that can be exploited against enemies, and whilst these aren’t a constant consideration they spice things up when they pop up.
As you progress through Beyond GalaxyLand, you can upgrade your characters and captured enemies, unlocking new abilities and enhancing existing ones. This progression system encourages a greater level of experimentation with different combat strategies. Choices are more limited than what you might expect from the genre, but there’s more than enough to keep things fresh.
Overall, the combat system in Beyond GalaxyLand is both engaging and rewarding. The combination of strategic planning, interactive elements, and the ability to capture and use enemy abilities makes each battle feel unique and dynamic. I would have liked to have seen a more diverse cast of enemies – especially in the early game – but that’s a minor complaint.
Exploration is semi-open, allowing players to travel between planets at their discretion. Each planet offers unique challenges and environments, making the exploration feel fresh and exciting. Beyond GalaxyLand also features a photo-taking mechanic, allowing Doug to gather information on various lifeforms and add them to his bestiary.
The 2.5D pixel style of Beyond GalaxyLand is stunning, with intricate designs that make each world that Doug’s journey takes him across feel alive and unique. Beyond GalaxyLand has been meticulously crafted and combines the retro look with modern graphical effects and processing. The soundtrack is equally as impressive, featuring an infectious musical score which enhances the experience and features plenty of variety. The attention to detail in both visuals and sound design is a testament to the developer’s dedication.
Beyond GalaxyLand is a must-play for fans of sci-fi odysseys and turn based JRPGs. Its combination of engaging writing, strategic combat, and vibrantly crafted art makes it a standout title for the modern rpg fan. Despite a few minor flaws, the game’s charm and creativity shine through, making it a visually stunning, thoughtful and memorable experience.
Beyond GalaxyLand Trailer
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