Galaxy on Fire 2™ Review

By Andrew Nesvadba, on October 26, 2010

Publisher: FISHLABS
Genre: Role Playing
Released: 27 Oct, 2010
Size: 419.5 MB
Price: FREE!

PROS

Epic storyline with tonnes of side-missions.
Huge game world with detailed environments.
Streamlined control system with tilt options.
Retina ready.

CONS

Auto-pilot not always a safe option.

VERDICT

Galaxy on Fire 2 tries to bring a console level of content to the App Store in a genre that guarantees a huge amount of gameplay time even before factoring any side-missions you partake in.

Full Review
App Store Info

UPDATE (17th Feb, 2012): With update after update pushing Galaxy on Fire 2 further and further forward, there's no question that this title represents the best the platform has to offer in the Privateer-style of games currently available. From its numerous tweaks including visual overhauls and content updates (with Valkyrie), you'd be hard pressed to find a better example of the genre for handheld devices. As such a score deserving of these updates has now been awarded to Galaxy on Fire 2.

Galaxy on Fire 2 by FISHLABS isn't lacking for scope, indeed it challenges the established 'short and sweet' style that has dominated the App Store, but when a game tries to tackle something as complicated as an interstellar sandbox it's going to be the small things that get under your skin.

Something that may be overlooked by some is just how smooth the transition between badass space pirate to galaxy faring trader can be thanks to the streamlined controls. Depending on your ships equipment you will be able to scan areas for valuable ore or salvage and should thing heat up you can break off and engage your enemies instantly. However, the streamlining can get in the way of the combat and without more control over the speed of your ship and variety of weaponry the fights become a bland mix of seemingly low-speed twists and turns followed by short bursts of whatever exotic weapon you have equipped.

The true meat of the game comes in following the story of Keith Maxwell as he explores a large and complex galaxy filled with dangers. The variety of environments is wonderful and even without exploring all the game has to offer you'll be set for hours wasting time on trading and improving your diplomacy with various factions.

Other smaller issues like having the autopilot slam you in to the occasional asteroid or losing precious ore to a random swing of the drill can pull you out of the moment as well, but it's the voice acting that really gets jarring only a couple hours in. Still, Galaxy on Fire 2 aims for the stars and despite small questionable moments it succeeds in creating an epic world filled with adventure. Worth grabbing if you're after something with real lasting power.

Screenshots