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Galaxy Force

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Galaxy Force[a]is arail shootervideo game developed and released bySegaforarcadesin 1988. The player assumes control of a starship named the TRY-Z, as it must prevent the Fourth Empire from taking over the entiregalaxy.Gameplay involves shooting down enemies using either alaser shotor a limited supply of heat-seeking missiles, all while avoiding collision with projectiles or obstacles and making sure the ship's energy meter doesn't fully deplete. It ran on theSega Y Boardarcade system, and was released with amotion simulatorcockpitarcade cabinetversion like previousSega Super Scalergames (Space Harrier,After BurnerandThunder Blade).[5][6]

Galaxy Force
A spaceship flying towards the camera against a circular rainbow background. A woman with silver clothes and green hair stands behind the ship.
Japanese promotional sales flyer
Developer(s)Sega
Publisher(s)Sega
Composer(s)Koichi Namiki
Katsuhiro Hayashi
Platform(s)
Arcade
Release
Genre(s)Rail shooter[4]
Mode(s)Single-player
Arcade systemSega Y Board

Created by the same group of developers that later went on to formSega AM1,Galaxy Forcewas developed specifically to show off the capabilities of the Sega Y hardware with its usage of large, detailed backgrounds and massive amount of on-screensprites.The game is part of Sega'sSuper Scalerline ofarcade cabinets,alongside titles such asOut RunandSpace Harrier.It was largely inspired byStar Wars.The soundtrack was composed jointly by Katsuhiro Hayashi and Kouichi Namaki, both of whom previously created the music forThunder Blade.The game came in three different cabinet styles; a standard upright, a "Deluxe" machine, and a "Super Deluxe" version that could twist and turn the player around. Almost immediately after the game's release, Sega published an updated version titledGalaxy Force IIwhich added two new levels and other minor additions.

Galaxy Forcewas critically acclaimed, being praised for its graphics, gameplay, presentation, music and hardware capabilities, considered to be visually impressive for the time period. It was ported to several platforms, including theMaster System,Sega Mega Drive/GenesisandCommodore 64,as well as being released under several different Sega classic game re-release labels such asSega Ages.A high-definition remake titledGalaxy Force Neo Classicwas released for the PlayStation 2 inGalaxy Force II Special Extended Edition,alongside the original, which featured smoothed-out graphics and additional visual effects. With the exception of the Master System version, all home versions of the game are based onGalaxy Force II.

Gameplay

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Arcade version screenshot

Galaxy Forceis a third-person rail shooter video game.[4][5]The player assumes control of a starship named the TRY-Z, in its mission to vanquish the Fourth Empire before they take over the entire galaxy.[7]Gameplay involves maneuvering the TRY-Z through six different stages, referred to as "worlds" in-game, all while shooting down incoming enemies and avoiding collision with either them, their projectiles, or an obstacle such as a wall.[8]The TRY-Z is equipped with two weapons to destroy enemies; a standard laser shot, and a limited supply of heat-seeking missiles that automatically track down targets.[8]Additional missiles can be found throughout specific portions of levels.[8]A shield is displayed at the bottom left of the screen that will deplete should the TRY-Z collide with an obstacle or projectile.[7]The TRY-Z has an energy meter at the bottom of the screen that depletes as the level progresses; energy is decreased by firing weapons and coming into contact with obstacles or projectiles. When the energy meter is fully depleted, the game will end.[7]

Development and release

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Created as part of Sega's "Super Scaler"line of arcade games, which also included games such asOut RunandSpace Harrier,Galaxy Forcewas designed specifically to show off theSega Y Boardarcade system, showcasing graphical features such as rotating scrolling backgrounds and many on-screen sprites.[7]Development of the game was handled by a group of developers that later went on to formSega AM1,and was in production alongsideYu Suzuki'sPower Drift.[9]Three cabinet versions of the game were produced; a standard upright cabinet, a "Deluxe" machine, and a "Super Deluxe" version that could twist and turn 335 degrees left and right, and move forwards and backwards at 15 degrees.[7]The Super Deluxe version also included a headphone jack.[7]The music inGalaxy Forcewas composed jointly by Katsuhiro Hayashi and Kouichi Namaki, both of whom previously worked on the soundtrack forThunder Blade.[7]The game was largely inspired byStar Wars,containing several subtle references in-game through its stage design.[7]

Galaxy Forcewas released into arcades bySegain April 1988 in Japan,[2]and later that year in both North America and Europe.[3]The Deluxe version cost £10,000 or$18,000(equivalent to $46,000 in 2023), while the Super Deluxe version cost £17,000 or$30,000(equivalent to $77,000 in 2023).[10]

Galaxy Force II

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Two months after the game was released, Sega publishedGalaxy Force IIas a conversion kit; it is not a sequel, but rather an updated version of the original that adds two new levels, corrects many difficulty balance problems, and allows the player to fire all four missiles at once instead of one at a time.[7]Almost all home releases ofGalaxy Forceare based onGalaxy Force II;[7]the first of these was released in 1990 for theFM Towns,followed by a port for theSega Genesis;both of these were developed by Japanese companyCRI Middleware.[7]A version for theMaster Systemwas also released, which was published by Sega in Europe and byActivisionin North America.[7]The Master System port was completely redone to accommodate for the console's technical limitations, bearing a much closer resemblance toSpace Harrier,and is the only port not to be based onGalaxy Force II.[7]Galaxy Forcewas also ported to several home computers, including theZX Spectrum,Commodore 64,Atari STandAmstrad.[7]

In 1998,Galaxy Force IIwas released for theSega Saturnas part of theSega Agesseries of classic game re-releases, including a brief background on the game's story and the ability to watch a pre-recorded playthrough.[7]APlayStation 2version was released in Japan in 2007 under theSega Ages 2500brand, developed byM2and titledGalaxy Force II: Special Extended Edition.It includes the arcade, Master System and Genesis versions of the original, alongside a new "Neo Classic" remake that features smooth, enhanced graphics, transparency effects and visual cues.Special Extended Editionalso allows the player to select either the original or FM Towns version soundtracks, gain access to a cheat menu, and arranged music tracks.[7]A version for Japanese mobile phones was published in 2008.[11][7]The Sega Genesis version was digitally re-released for theWii Virtual Consolein 2009.[12]In 2013,Galaxy Force IIwas ported to theNintendo 3DSby M2 under the3D Classicsbrand, renamed3D Galaxy Force IIand supporting the system's 3D display. This version was later compiled intoSega 3D Classics Collectionin 2016.[13]

According toSonic the HedgehogcreatorYuji Naka,Michael Jacksonwas given aGalaxy Forcearcade cabinet as a gift during his visit to Sega's offices in Japan.[14]The machine was later sold off in early 2009 when his Neverland Ranch was foreclosed.[15]

Reception

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The January 15, 1989 issue of trade publicationGame Machinelisted it as the thirteenth most-popular coin-operated arcade game in Japan at the time.[26][27]In North America, it was an arcade hit;[28]it was one of the highest-earning games at a number of arcades through 1990, and the top-earner at some arcades, but the game was not widely available at most American arcades.[29]

Galaxy Forcewas critically acclaimed by a number of publications, and is seen among Sega's best arcade games of the era.[7]In late 1988,Sinclair Usergave the game the "Shoot 'Em Up of the Year" award for its impressive graphics and hardware.[25]

Several critics commented on the game's visuals.Commodore Userfound the arcade game's visuals to be much more detailed than those in Sega's previous gameAfter Burner,and applauded them for being stunning and impressive.[1]Sinclair Useragreed, arguing that it usurpsThunder Bladein its graphics.[10]TheOnemagazine also liked the visuals.[6]Reviewing the Nintendo 3DS version,Nintendo World Reportcommented on the graphics for being impressive for a 2D game,[19]whichNintendo LifeandEurogameragreed with.[8][18]Nintendo Lifealso added that the graphics ofGalaxy Forcepresent "a tantalizing glimpse into what interactive entertainment could have looked like had polygons never happened".[8]Mean Machineswas critical of the graphics in the Sega Mega Drive conversion, saying that they only looked good when the player was moving in a straight direction.[21]Mean Machinesalso disliked the port's "crummy" sound effects and mediocre presentation.[21]

Galaxy Forcewas widely praised for its gameplay. WhileThe Onesaid that it felt "more of a simulator than a game", they liked its fast-paced action.[6]BothCommodore UserandSinclair Usercommended the gameplay ofGalaxy Forcefor its focus on speed,[1][10]withSinclair Usersaying that it was "possibly the most mind-blowingly impressive arcade game" of the time.[10]Nintendo Lifelabeled the 3DS version as "arguably the culmination of M2's 3D Classics range" for its great gameplay and overall challenge, adding that it was a great conversion of the game overall.[8]Nintendo World Report,who felt it was the best of the 3D Classics lineup, agreed and said that its extra features made it the best way to play the game.[19]Mean Machineslampooned the Genesis version further for its gameplay and poor job at converting the arcade version for the system, alongside its sluggish pace and overall lack of any real challenge.[21]Sega Saturn Magazineliked the Sega Saturn version for its great effort at converting the game for the Saturn hardware and was still a fun game, but its lack of any real additional extras made it somewhat of a hard sell for consumers.[24]

Retrospectively,Hardcore Gaming 101applaudedGalaxy Forcefor its visuals, gameplay and overall presentation.[7]Although they felt the game felt more like an amusement ride than a game, and was too difficult at times, they liked the game for being impressive for its time, writing: "Galaxy Forceis still an incredibly impressive feat of programming, a work of art in its own way ".[7]In his bookThe Sega Arcade Revolution,Ken Horowitz commented on the game's graphics, presentation and technological capabilities, saying thatGalaxy Force"remains a prime example of the company at its best, combining gameplay and presentation into one of the more memorable arcade experiences".[30]

Notes

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  1. ^Japanese:ギャラクシーフォース,Hepburn:Gyarakushī Fōsu

References

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  1. ^abcdKelly, Nick (18 July 1988)."Arcades - Galaxy Force".Commodore User.No. 59 (August 1988).EMAP.p. 93.Archivedfrom the original on 2 February 2019.Retrieved16 February2020.
  2. ^ab"Galaxy Force (Registration Number PA0000376928)".United States Copyright Office.Retrieved12 June2021.
  3. ^abAkagi, Masumi (13 October 2006).セガ xã (Sega); Sega; G(in Japanese) (1st ed.). Amusement News Agency. pp. 36, 131, 153.ISBN978-4990251215.{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help)
  4. ^abKalata, Kurt (16 August 2017)."Galaxy Force".Hardcore Gaming 101.Archivedfrom the original on 23 February 2018.Retrieved18 February2023.
  5. ^ab"Sega's Wonderful Simulation Games Over The Years".Arcade Heroes.6 June 2013.Retrieved22 April2021.
  6. ^abcd"Conversions Galore from Mediagenic".The One.No. 1.EMAP.October 1988. pp. 15–16.Retrieved16 February2020.
  7. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstKalata, Kurt (16 August 2017)."Galaxy Force".Hardcore Gaming 101.Archived fromthe originalon 6 August 2019.Retrieved15 February2020.
  8. ^abcdefgMcFerran, Damien (13 December 2013)."3D Galaxy Force II Review (3DS eShop)".Nintendo Life.Archivedfrom the original on 14 February 2019.Retrieved16 February2020.
  9. ^DePapier (22 May 2016)."SEGA: 'SEGA 3D Classics Collection Developer's Interview Part 2'".Nintendo Observer.Archivedfrom the original on 15 February 2020.Retrieved15 February2020.
  10. ^abcde"Coin Ops - Galaxy Force".Sinclair User.No. 78 (September 1988). United Kingdom:EMAP.18 August 1988. pp. 74–5.Archivedfrom the original on 16 September 2019.Retrieved16 February2020.
  11. ^"Đoan mạt を khuynh けて cơ thể を thao tác! 『ギャラクシーフォースII』 đăng tràng".Dengeki Online.Dengeki. 2 June 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 5 February 2019.Retrieved16 February2020.
  12. ^Hinkle, David (11 May 2009)."VC in Brief: Galaxy Force II (Sega Genesis)".Engadget.AOL.Archived fromthe originalon 16 February 2020.Retrieved16 February2020.
  13. ^Bowling, Steve (22 April 2016)."SEGA 3D Classics Collection Review (3DS)".Nintendo Life.Archived fromthe originalon 30 July 2019.Retrieved15 February2020.
  14. ^Naka, Yuji (25 June 2010)."その thời にマイケルは xác かギャラクシーフォースのスーパーデラックス khuông thể を thế って quy ったはずだよ. その đương thời はどんな gia に trụ んでいるんだろうと tư ったけど, ネバーランドバレーの gia にはゲームセンター bộ ốc があるので phổ thông に gia に thiết trí xuất lai たみたいだよ.".Twitter.Archived fromthe originalon 16 February 2020.Retrieved16 February2020.
  15. ^Fletcher, JC (21 February 2009)."Who's bad? Whoever buys Michael Jackson's arcade collection!".Engadget.AOL.Archived fromthe originalon 16 February 2020.Retrieved16 February2020.
  16. ^"Complete Games Guide"(PDF).Computer and Video Games(Complete Guide to Consoles): 46–77. 16 October 1989.
  17. ^Harris, Stever; Ed Semrad; Donn Nauert; Jim Allee (July 1989)."Electronic Gaming Review Crew".Electronic Gaming Monthly.No. 2.Ziff Davis.pp. 10–4.ISSN1058-918X.
  18. ^abVítor, Alexandre (27 December 2013)."3D Galaxy Force II - Análise".Eurogamer.Archivedfrom the original on 25 July 2015.Retrieved16 February2020.
  19. ^abcVeillette, Guillaume (17 December 2013)."3D Galaxy Force II Review Mini".Nintendo World Report.Archivedfrom the original on 29 July 2019.Retrieved16 February2020.
  20. ^"Software A-Z: Master System".Console XS.No. 1 (June/July 1992). United Kingdom:Paragon Publishing.23 April 1992. pp. 137–47.
  21. ^abcdRad (December 1991)."Review - Galaxy Force"(PDF).No. 15. United Kingdom.Mean Machines.p. 149.Archived(PDF)from the original on 28 January 2020.Retrieved16 February2020.
  22. ^"Leadership: Sega USA does it again with 'Line of Fire' and some hot kits".RePlay.Vol. 15, no. 4. January 1990. pp. 23–6.
  23. ^"ACME: New Product Review".RePlay.Vol. 15, no. 7. April 1990. pp. 50–80.
  24. ^ab"SEGA SATURN SOFT REVIEW - SEGA AGES/ギャラクシーフォースII"(PDF).No. 21.Sega Saturn Magazine.10 July 1998. p. 206.Archived(PDF)from the original on 16 February 2020.Retrieved16 February2020.
  25. ^ab"Coin Ops: SU Awards 1988 - Shoot 'Em Up of the Year".EMAP.Sinclair User.January 1989.Archivedfrom the original on 16 September 2019.Retrieved16 February2020.
  26. ^"Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - アップライト, コックピット hình TVゲーム cơ (Upright/Cockpit Videos)".Game Machine(in Japanese). No. 333. Amusement Press, Inc. 1 June 1988. p. 25.
  27. ^"Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25"(in Japanese). No. 348. Amusement Press, Inc. Game Machine. 15 January 1989. pp. 24–25.Retrieved9 February2020.
  28. ^"Machines & Markets".RePlay.Vol. 16, no. 4. January 1991. pp. 44–55.
  29. ^"News Digest: Big Bucks Earned by Sega's Galaxy Force".RePlay.Vol. 15, no. 9. June 1990. p. 20.
  30. ^Horowitz, Ken (22 June 2018).The Sega Arcade Revolution: A History in 62 Games.McFarland & Company. pp. 132–134.ISBN978-1476672250.
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