Galaxian 3 - PlayStation

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Viewed: 3D First-person Genre:
Space
Shoot 'Em Up
Arcade origin:Yes
Developer: Namco Soft. Co.: Namco
Publishers: Sony (GB)
Released: 1995 (GB)
Ratings: 3+, ESRB Everyone
Accessories: Memory Card, Mouse, Multi Tap

Summary

The original versions of Galaxian from Midway and Namco came about in 1979 and was essentially an enhanced version of the arcade smash Space Invaders. Though the majority of the game was the same, with the player controlling a horizontally sliding spaceship and shooting up at enemy ships, Galaxian had a few tricks up its sleeve. The enemy ships could make swooping attacks, descending towards the player’s ship in formation and unleashing a spray of bombs. Some of the larger enemies could suck up your ship forcing you to gamble another life trying to rescue it.

There were several follow-ups in the late 70's and early 80's as well as a plethora of rip-offs on home computers. Then Galaxians died a bit of a death until one day in 1990 a huge, 'bigger-than-anything-seen-before' cabinet was unveiled in some of the world’s more exclusive video arcades. It was Galaxian 3. The “cabinet” could have been more accurately described as a mini walk in cinema. It comfortably seated six people.

The PlayStation version is a faithful reproduction of the arcade original, and can be played by four players at a time. You take the role of a gunner on an attack ship with is on autopilot, trying to fend off hordes of enemy craft. The game follows an impressive FMV sequence with polygonal enemies buzzing about all over the place.

The big drawback of Galaxian 3 is the basic limitation offered by only including three levels. If you feel you spent enough in the arcade to warrant a home version, this could be worth a look.