Browncoats – and Everyone – Will Be Right at Home in ‘Rebel Galaxy’
Welcome to Indie Spotlight!
I hope you all had a Happy INDIEpendence Day to all who observed it! As we reflect on our freedoms here on Earth with fireworks and barbecue, I thought it fit for us to dive into a game where we find independence in the vastness of space – Rebel Galaxy!
It’s a big universe out there. Not a lot of rules to keep things under control. Your role in Rebel Galaxy is to survive in deep space as the ship’s captain. It takes on a Western feel a la Firefly, particularly with a soothing acoustic opening. The game plays both as an action-adventure game and a space simulator. Don’t fret, mechanics are streamlined (you don’t have to prove your precision to dock, just hold the “DOCK” key like a boss) so any hardcore players hoping to self-teach the ways of an astronaut aren’t quite going to find what they need.
Like the Freelancer days of old, you begin at a modest docking station looking for work. Some incoming messages let you know where you are and introduce to a friend of a friend that could use some help. This sparks the first chain of story missions that get you acquainted with the universe.
Docking stations allow you to stock up on weapons, armor and consumables for your journey, like a space edition of “Pimp My Ride.” You can also enjoy some conversations with the locals Bioware-style – you have multiple responses to choose from at each prompt. This offers you a personal touch to your story, as you get to be Good Guy Greg and make the universe a better place, or Mr. Scrooge and tell everyone to bug off.
Your first pal is Orzu, whom I believe was the station’s chef or bartender. You were tipped off that he had some handy information for you. Of course, nothing comes free. He asks you complete a trade with some nearby merchants that never showed up for their scheduled delivery.
You know what that means: warp drive!
Upon investigating the merchants, you learn they were bombarded by pirates, thus introducing you to the combat system. Rebel Galaxy adopts a naval style of combat; your primary weapons fire from the sides of your ship. Secondary weapons and other tools can be equipped to face forward or back. Controlling the ship is quite intuitive, with large overlays to show you exactly what you’re doing.
I only had enough time with Rebel Galaxy to experience what felt like the tutorial chapter, but there is a lot of potential here. Things can only get more exciting as you build up trade relations, upgrade your ship and prove your place in the Rift.
This is an exciting time for space games. With the latest hype of No Man’s Sky and Elite: Dangerous, there’s a lot to look forward to. Rebel Galaxy gives you a streamlined experience with a hefty side of character that should make your time more than worthwhile.
Rebel Galaxy will be available on Steam some time this year.
