The roguelike genre has exploded in popularity in recent years, both among gamers and developers. Some of the most successful indie games of the past decade have come from this genre. Galactic Glitch is one of the latest entries, blending the classic roguelike structure with the fast-paced mechanics of a twin-stick shooter, all wrapped in a charming retro-futuristic style that brings a wave of nostalgia.
A Loop in Space and a Character Called Siren
The game’s story follows a character named Siren, who is trapped in a mysterious loop in space. As the player, you pilot a small spacecraft, navigating through environments and battling enemies in search of a way to escape. The narrative is mostly minimal — scattered story hints are delivered through Siren, but there isn’t much depth or detail to explore.
In fact, if Galactic Glitch has one major weak point, it’s the lack of strong storytelling. While the minimalist approach might appeal to some, it feels like a missed opportunity. A richer narrative could have added emotional weight and given players a stronger reason to push forward beyond just gameplay.
Where the Game Truly Shines: Gameplay and Variety
The game’s biggest strength lies in its engaging, addictive gameplay loop. You control a small spacecraft armed with multiple weapons, along with a unique mechanic that lets you grab and throw environmental objects — which can also be used as weapons.
The core objective is simple: progress through each environment, defeat the boss enemy at the end, and move on to the next area. Each level consists of several circular arenas linked by portals, which may sometimes be locked until certain conditions are met. Once you’ve unlocked multiple areas, you can use the game’s map system to fast travel between them.
The game does not follow a linear path, and you’re not required to clear every single room. Instead, the level design incorporates a risk-versus-reward system — a common but welcome trait in roguelikes — encouraging players to choose between rushing through for safety or exploring more thoroughly to find valuable loot.
Strategic Choices Make Each Run Feel Fresh
This system introduces a layer of strategic depth. Rushing through may help you survive longer, which is vital in a roguelike where death means starting over. But exploring every corner can reward you with powerful items and upgrades. Choosing which approach to take — and adjusting your strategy when things go wrong — becomes part of the fun.
Upgrades are plentiful. Between runs, you can spend resources to unlock permanent upgrades, while during runs you’ll come across temporary items that improve your weapons, boost your shield strength, or enhance other elements of your ship’s performance. This adds a satisfying sense of progression, both short-term and long-term.
Combat That’s Tight, Challenging, and Satisfying
The combat system in Galactic Glitch is one of its best features. Like any good twin-stick shooter, you move your ship with one analog stick and aim/fire with the other. The enemy variety is strong, and the combat challenges scale nicely, keeping you on your toes throughout each run.
Some enemies are shielded from the front, making your regular shots useless. In these cases, you’ll need to either use your special weapon — which has a cooldown — or maneuver behind the enemy to land a hit. Boss fights are particularly well-designed, each requiring different tactics and presenting unique challenges.
The game demands adaptability, forcing players to rethink their approach depending on the enemy type and the tools they have available. This keeps the combat consistently exciting.
A Retro Visual Style with a Modern Touch
Visually, Galactic Glitch delivers a sleek, minimalistic look with a colorful sci-fi aesthetic. While the art isn’t overly detailed, it’s clean and well-composed, allowing the action to remain clear and fluid. Combined with the fast-paced electronic soundtrack, the game creates an energetic and immersive atmosphere.
The music plays a major role in enhancing the gameplay experience. Its pulsing rhythm matches the tension and pace of combat, while also making exploration feel more dynamic and fun.
A Strong Roguelike Experience That Could’ve Used a Better Story
In the end, Galactic Glitch is a well-crafted roguelike that delivers an addictive gameplay loop full of exploration, upgrades, and intense combat. It embraces the core strengths of the genre and executes them with style. The lack of a deeper narrative might turn off players looking for story-driven adventures, but if gameplay is your top priority, this game will likely hit the mark.
If you’re searching for a challenging, fast-paced, and replayable roguelike with tight mechanics and a sci-fi twist, Galactic Glitch is well worth your time.
