Galak-Z: The Dimensional is a shooter video game developed and published by 17-Bit. It was released in August 2015 for the PlayStation 4 and October 2015 for Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux. A Nintendo Switch port, subtitled Deluxe Edition, was released in March 2019 by Golem Entertainment.[1] It was announced during Sony's pre-E3 2013 press conference in June 2013. 17-Bit CEO Jake Kazdal describes it as "modern Halo and Far Cry 3 combat in a 2-dimensional shell."[2] Reflecting its inspiration in part by Japanese anime, the game is also known officially by the Japanese title of Uchuu Senshi Galak-Z (宇宙戦士ガラクZ, lit., "Space Soldier Galak-Z").
| Galak-Z: The Dimensional | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | 17-Bit |
| Publisher(s) | 17-Bit[a] |
| Director(s) | Jake Kazdal |
| Designer(s) | Jake Kazdal |
| Programmer(s) | Zach Aikman |
| Artist(s) | Jake Kazdal |
| Writer(s) | Jake Kazdal Mark Macdonald Kristina Drzaik Brian Van Buren Raj Joshi |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 4 Microsoft Windows macOS Linux Nintendo Switch |
| Release | PlayStation 4 August 4, 2015 Windows, macOS, Linux October 29, 2015 Deluxe Edition March 26, 2019 |
| Genre(s) | Shooter, roguelike |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay
edit
Galak-Z is a two-dimensional sci-fi shooter video game with roguelike elements. The game's levels are generated uniquely for each playthrough and are connected as an endless dungeon. The levels include spawners for enemies and traps.[3]
Development
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Former Sega Japan developer Jake Kazdal started the game's development company, 17-Bit, in 2009 to make games similar to that of the 16-bit era. They had previously released Skulls of the Shogun for Xbox 360 and Windows phones in early 2013.[4]
Galak-Z's gameplay was inspired by what senior producer Raj Joshi called "'new wave' roguelikes", especially Spelunky and Don't Starve. The 17-Bit team sought to emulate Don't Starve's "survival mechanics", which encouraged players to plan ahead during their games.[3] The team also liked the game's progression tech trees, which provides the player more options as the game advances.[3] Spelunky's handheld release and its "pick-up-and-play" variable game length inspired 17-Bit to release Galak-Z on the PlayStation Vita.[3] Galak-Z's art style draws from anime influences, including Ichiro Itano's signature Macross series "Itano Circus" missile fusillade.[5]
Galak-Z was announced during Sony's pre-E3 2013 press conference in June 2013.[4] A playable version of Galak-Z was on display at video game merchandiser Fangamer and video game collective Attract Mode's August 2013 PAX Prime combined event in Seattle.[6] The game was planned for release on PlayStation 4 in Q2/Q3 2014, followed by Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Vita versions, successively - this was before the team decided to allow themselves more time for development, pushing the release window into 2015.[7] All versions would contain the same content.[3]
On July 14, 2015, 17-Bit announced that the PlayStation 4 version would be released on August 4, 2015, with the PC version following a couple months later. The PlayStation Vita version was cancelled.[8]
Release
editIn April 2016, 17-Bit joined forces with IndieBox, a monthly subscription box service, to create an exclusive, custom-designed, physical release of Galak-Z. This limited, individually-numbered collector’s box included a themed USB drive with DRM-free copy of the game, the official soundtrack on cassette tape, an instruction manual and Steam key, along with several other collectible items.[9][10]
Reception
editAt Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the game has received an average score of 83, based on 26 reviews indicating "Generally favorable reviews".[11] IGN awarded it 8.3 out of ten, saying "While not a full-fledged roguelike, Galak-Z's superb controls and charming personality make it great."[12] PC Gamer awarded it a score of 88%, saying "Challenging but immaculately calibrated controls power an exciting and enormously rewarding sci-fi roguelike."[13]
During the 19th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Galak-Z for the "D.I.C.E. Sprite Award".[14]
Notes
edit- ^ Nintendo Switch port published by Golem Entertainment
References
edit- ^ "GALAK-Z: The Void: Deluxe Edition Is Firing Onto Switch On 26th March". Nintendo Life. February 28, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
- ^ "Shaun takes to Space in this Galak-Z: The Dimensional Gameplay". GameSpot. August 30, 2013. Archived from the original on September 7, 2013. Retrieved 2014-03-11.
- ^ a b c d e Corriea, Alexa Ray (March 7, 2014). "Galak-Z coming to PlayStation Vita". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
- ^ a b Farokhmanesh, Megan (June 10, 2013). "Skulls of the Shogun developer releasing next game, Galak-Z The Dimensional on PlayStation 4". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
- ^ Funk, John (August 30, 2013). "Galak-Z: The Dimensional PAX trailer shows anime-inspired space shooting". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on September 5, 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael (August 7, 2013). "Fangamer X Attract Mode show brings fine art, indie games to PAX". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on February 27, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
- ^ Pitcher, Jenna (April 15, 2014). "Galak-Z: The Dimensional hits PS4, PS Vita, PC 'late summer to early fall'". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
- ^ Matulef, Jeffrey (July 14, 2015). "Galak-Z is heading to PS4 in August, Vita version canned". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
- ^ "RPGamer > Mystery Box > Indiebox - Galak-Z". www.rpgamer.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
- ^ "The best IndieBox yet: Galak-Z: The Dimensional - Geek.com". Geek.com. May 23, 2016. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2017.
- ^ "Galak-Z: The Dimensional: Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
- ^ "GALAK-Z Review - IGN". Uk.ign.com. August 10, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
- ^ "Galak-Z review". PC Gamer. November 9, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
- ^ "2016 Awards Category Details D.I.C.E. Sprite Award". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
