Galaxian

Game Details:

"Galaxian" pioneered the "flocking formation + dive attack" mechanism: the alien fleet first lines up in a neat formation at the top of the screen, and then dives to attack the player according to a predetermined trajectory. After the enemy aircraft are shot down, they will re-position, forming continuous pressure. The player's fighter can only move left and right at the bottom of the screen and shoot one-time bullets. Each shot must wait for the previous one to hit or fly out of the screen, testing the rhythm control and positional prediction.

The game uses bright pixel color blocks and a single-track BGM, and the sound effects of hitting and being hit are concise and impactful. The first-generation PCB set infinite loop levels, and the accumulation of scores determines the ranking of masters, which is also the ancestor of later series such as "Galaga" and "Galaxian 3D".

Editor's Recommendation:

"Galaxian" established the core template of fixed-shooting games: neat formations, dive harassment, and scoring loops, which is an important milestone in the history of shooting games. Although the screen looks extremely simple today, its rhythm control and high-pressure barrage still make people's adrenaline soar. The game only has left and right movement and firing, but it can present a tense atmosphere that increases with the score, which is very suitable for experiencing the charm of the "golden age of arcade" in fragmented time. Whether you are a nostalgic player or want to understand the origin of shooting games, it is worth trying this pioneering work.

Game Guide:

Master the single-shot rhythm

The Galaxian fighter can only have one bullet on the screen at a time. It is recommended to predict the path of the next batch of enemy aircraft immediately after hitting the first wave of dive bombers, and fire in advance before the bullets disappear, which can improve the hit rate.

Prioritize shooting down flagships and high-scoring insectoids

Colored flagships (BOSS Bee) often appear on both sides and the top of each formation, with high scores and more fierce dives. Start by locking the flagship, which can both reduce pressure and quickly accumulate points.

"Safe Zone" positioning

Most enemy aircraft will fall along a fixed parabolic route when diving, around the middle and lower area of the screen. Keeping the fuselage slightly off the edge of the screen can reduce the probability of being sandwiched, and then dodge single shots through short movements.

Use the enemy's repositioning gap

When the upper row is penetrated, the enemy in the rear will reposition and pause briefly. Take this opportunity to enter the bottom of the formation and sweep horizontally, which can kill multiple aircraft and trigger high combo scores.

Cycle level mentality

The game has no end, and the difficulty increases slightly after each round of the cycle. It is recommended to set "stage goals" - such as saving one life for every 10,000 points, and clearing one side of the formation for each cycle - to maintain focus and avoid mistakes caused by long-term high pressure.