12.23.2010
Analysis by: Emily Greenquist
Galcon Fusion
“Galcon Fusion” is a treasure of addictive game play that would appease any trophy seeker: simple to pick up, but difficult to master, with many variations to the simple design.
Since "Spacewar!" there have been many permutations on the space shooter theme, and starting in 2006 the “Galcon” games have fit well into this genre. Instead of weapons, the player is redistributing a human population onto planets via spaceships, attacking/racing an alien population which also attempts to colonize. I have been enjoying the PC version, but the above video shows an intriguing touch technology: the player uses both hands, like playing a piano... for domination.
The art of “Galcon Fusion” is not particularly innovative - space, planets, geometric shapes, saturated colors - but this choice is appropriate for the classic feel. ...hmmm, I wonder what it would look like in yarn ;)... Having worked on a 3D space game myself ("Radiance" free download), I know how difficult it is to create a successful diffuse map for spheres - the risk is puckering at the poles. 3D modeling programs have solutions to this, but these are rarely options that are portable to game engines (my situation was no exception). Because I'm a "stinker" and was diligently looking for them, I found that the "Galcon Fusion" planets pucker. To be honest, this "flaw" endeared me to "Galcon Fusion" even more, as we share the same frustration.
Let it be known that I have confined myself to unlocking the 134 achievements (found in the 8 variations of game play and 10 levels of difficulty), and have only surfaced for a moment to write this (message in a bottle) review. Join me...
Play "Galcon Fusion"
Since "Spacewar!" there have been many permutations on the space shooter theme, and starting in 2006 the “Galcon” games have fit well into this genre. Instead of weapons, the player is redistributing a human population onto planets via spaceships, attacking/racing an alien population which also attempts to colonize. I have been enjoying the PC version, but the above video shows an intriguing touch technology: the player uses both hands, like playing a piano... for domination.
The art of “Galcon Fusion” is not particularly innovative - space, planets, geometric shapes, saturated colors - but this choice is appropriate for the classic feel. ...hmmm, I wonder what it would look like in yarn ;)... Having worked on a 3D space game myself ("Radiance" free download), I know how difficult it is to create a successful diffuse map for spheres - the risk is puckering at the poles. 3D modeling programs have solutions to this, but these are rarely options that are portable to game engines (my situation was no exception). Because I'm a "stinker" and was diligently looking for them, I found that the "Galcon Fusion" planets pucker. To be honest, this "flaw" endeared me to "Galcon Fusion" even more, as we share the same frustration.
Let it be known that I have confined myself to unlocking the 134 achievements (found in the 8 variations of game play and 10 levels of difficulty), and have only surfaced for a moment to write this (message in a bottle) review. Join me...
Play "Galcon Fusion"
Special Thanks
To: Steam for the many, many slashed prices this holiday season. I haven't left the house in days.
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