Galaxy Run Review

Backed by a super-addictive techno soundtrack that I can only assume has been created especially for the game based on its lyrics, Galaxy Run is a single-screen space runner that challenges players to guide an astronaut called Rez back home.

Playing through 360 levels over three galactic environments - Deep Space (Perseus), Desert Planet (Drak-Nok), and Blue World (Aquarian) - players will embark on an out-of-this-world mission to get Rez back to his home planet safely. Running and jumping over sheer drops one will first aim to use the jetpack strapped to Rez's back at just the right moment in order to reach the teleportation field at the end of each level.

The game's controls are pretty straightforward to pick up. Tapping once will see Rez begin to run, and tapping again will cause Rez to jump once - allowing one to avoid dangerous objects or gaps that may be in front of him. Each time Rez jumps he'll let out a “Woo!” sound; a nice touch that adds to the game's overall appeal and at the same time lets players in a little on Rez's personality.

While there is no minimum performance goal they need to reach in order to pass a level in Galaxy Run, players will be ranked in globes. Achieve 3 globes and they will be commended for their excellence. Achieve less than that though, and they'll soon see Rez demanding that they “try harder.” Finding a particular level too difficult? Skipping levels in Galaxy Run is as simple as tapping the appropriate button in the pull out drawer to the right.

Gameplay can also be extended via the game's in-app store. By default players will find a few power-ups to help them during more challenging levels. These include making Rez run in “slow-mo” mode, turning on “invisibility” for dodging hard to pass objects, and being able to skip a level. Eventually though, the game gets a lot tougher and these power-ups run out - requiring the player to purchase more with real cash or simply suffer through the difficulty. Prices go from $0.99 to $19.99 to replenish these, and - although I realize the developers have to make their money back - I wasn't too keen on feeling like I had to to pay to progress.

Whilst Galaxy Run doesn't necessarily bring anything particularly new to the space runner genre, and putting aside my dislike of the included in-app purchase options, Galaxy Run's fun sound effects and triply techno back beat really do set the mood for future replay - if only to hear the soundtrack again. Being able to share a full video of a single level's gameplay via FirstPlay also made for first good impressions, with sharing options being abundant, easy to use, and well implemented overall.