Chris InglisBeyond Galaxyland is a single-player turn-based RPG developed by Sam Enright and published by United Label. The game launched on September 24 and encompasses a charming sci-fi tale with engaging combat and vibrant pixel art. This adventure takes you on a journey across the galaxy filled with quirky characters, creatures to capture for their skills, and epic boss battles.
What first attracted me to the game from its trailer was the art style and fun music. The pixel art is meticulously crafted, reminiscent of classic RPGs, with vibrant colours and detailed environments. Each planet you visit offers a unique visual experience, from the neon-lit streets of cyberpunk-style rainy cities to lush forest-filled planets teeming with strange, fantastical creatures. These settings are brought to life with detailed sprite animations and dynamic lighting effects that add depth and atmosphere to every scene.
The game’s story follows Doug, a young man who finds himself thrust into a cosmic conspiracy. With the help of his mischievous guinea pig companion, Boom-Boom, Doug embarks on a quest to uncover the truth and save the galaxy from impending doom. As Doug travels from planet to planet, he encounters a diverse array of allies and adversaries, each with their own unique backstories and motivations. This narrative is delivered with well-written dialogue and intriguing lore scattered throughout the game.
The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring 50 catchy tunes that span a myriad of genres from electronic to hip-hop to piano-heavy blues. The music not only complements the different settings but also enhances the mood and immersion of each location, making every planet feel distinct and alive. Whilst playing, I was reminded of a game I played a long time ago called 3030 Deathwar Redux – A Space Odyssey that had similar humour and eclectic characters to interact with.
One of the game’s standout features for me is the ability to photograph monsters to learn about their weaknesses and strengths. By capturing these images, you can gain valuable information that will help you strategise during upcoming battles. Additionally, you can attempt to capture monsters, which grants you access to their unique and powerful abilities. The turn-based combat system is simple to learn but becomes increasingly complex and rewarding as you capture new skills and abilities. This strategic element adds depth to the combat system, allowing you to customise your party’s approach to challenges in different ways.
Another mechanic that I found interesting is the foreground/background platforming system. As you explore various levels, you’ll encounter platforming areas where you can switch between the foreground and background layers. This allows you to discover hidden paths, secret areas, and valuable loot that otherwise looks inaccessible. The level design takes full advantage of this mechanic, offering a variety of puzzles and obstacles that require keen observation and timing to navigate successfully.
Overall, Beyond Galaxyland is a fantastic turn-based RPG that offers an engaging story, charming characters, and vibrant visuals. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging pixel art sci-fi adventure, Beyond Galaxyland is definitely worth checking out.
This review utilised a key provided by United Label Games and Beyond Galaxyland is available now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
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