Galaxy Express review (iOS / Universal)

♫ ” ’cause the galaxy is crazy,
it doesn’t amaze me”

10 word description: Space themed logic puzzler; set directional waypoints, guide spaceship home.

10 word review: Polished and challenging example from a fairly prolific iOS genre.

You will like this if you enjoy: “Course plotting” puzzle games.

The good news: The story (via comic-strip cut-scenes) is nicely integrated into the game and is also used to introduce additional puzzle elements. Graphics are clear and generally quite attractive. Puzzle elements are well developed and create a good learning curve. Progress is fairly rapid and there is enough variation to keep you playing through the considerably large number of levels.

At this point, I was less than a tenth of the way through the 100+ levels

The bad news: There’s a slight issue with the arrow placement that I am assured is being addressed in a future update. The item is always placed in the square directly below the one where you would logically assume it would go. Once you’re aware of this it doesn’t cause major problems, however a fix would be much appreciated as it would improve the overall experience.

The introduction of moving enemies tends to turn what you have already learned on its head

Arcadelife verdict: I’ve played quite a few of these “course plotting” games recently – forgive me if I haven’t learned the correct term to describe the genre – and this one tends to stand out as one of the more fun ones. The cut-scene characters and dialogue are amusing, which adds some much needed humour to what could essentially degenerate into a series of rather perfunctory item-placing exercises.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable puzzle game with a degree of polish and an admirable sense of fun. Good luck out there.

Arcadelife rating: 79/100

Version reviewed by Arcadelife is 1.2.2

Arctic Empire / Galaxy Express website link

Arcadelife played and reviewed this game on:
4th gen iPod Touch (OS 4.3.5)
iPad (OS 4.3.5)