Previous Next

Galax-I-Birds is - surprise, surprise - a copy of the unique arcade coin-op Galaxians. This game was the next big shoot-'em-up after Space Invaders, and people used to rave about the graphics saying how wonderful it was that the aliens were multi-coloured and fluttered all over the screen rather than edging down towards you in neat rows.

I don't know what's happening to Firebird's budget range. We all expected great things after the two Cheapos of the Month in a row in the shape of Thrust and Raging Beast. Since then it's all been a bit iffy.

After reading the rather short scenario, I reluctantly loaded this thing into my trusty C64, which seemed to scream when I placed the tape in position. On waiting about a minute, I was presented with a loading screen, or rather an excuse for one. There on screen was a large bird [Yeah, yeah!! - Ed] with white wings and a very mean look in its eye. (Oh that kind of bird.)

I was awoken by the sound of beeps and bips, which I thought the C64 couldn't manage, even with the amazing Sid. It must have been in real pain. Anyway, apparently it was the 'Save the World' syndrome again, so I hit the button to start.

My ship popped up, and started to fire away at the white birds, which looked like smaller versions of the title page. The first thing that struck me was the fact that my 'Man' looked like the ship from Uridium, after it's been blown up. Just change the colours and a few details and I bet Mr. Braybrook could sue.

As you probably guessed from the name, this game is a Galaxians rip-off and it is set out in the same sort of manner, just thought I'd let you know.

I quickly dispensed with the first wave, only dying once, but I put that down to being stunned by the absolutely terrible graphics. The second screen features the same birds, but in different colours. But fear not, as there are many kinds of aliens some of which look like the guy from Fist in real agony!

I lost the rest of my men, but decided to have another go. Why? Well, we are supposed to play the game at least twice. Then a funny thing happened to me; I became indestructible! It seems the program had crashed, and I could now fly straight through the aliens. Weird.

Loading the game again, I found the same problem happened again after two or three goes. This must be a serious bug.

Overall, Galax-I-Birds is, how you say, pathetic, the graphics are poor, sound is terrible, and the gameplay is downright non-existent.

Don't buy it. There's still plenty of things you can do for two quid.