Last week, the authors of Galcon re-released their 2006 space battle title, in a 1.1 version. LGW marks this occasion by taking a closer look at this exciting mutliplayer game and at behind the scenes of the indie developers responsible.
Galcon is a multi-player game of galactic conquest. Distilled to the most basic elements of fun, the game play is fast and focused on concentration and strategy. While you could continue to read about the title, you can pick up the Linux Demo here. Here is what you will find: Imagine 5-12 players using neon-illuminated starship armadas to campaign across a map of 10-100 planets. Sounds slow? This is a lightning-fast game where the winner will be decided in only minutes. The genius is in the extremely simple interface allowing even the most novice participant to feel comfortable in no time. Left click to select your resources, scroll wheel to adjust your percentage used, right click to fire them at your opponent. With the time you normally would be grappling with a user-interface, Galcon will have you assessing your competitors for weaknesses and scrambling resources for defenses.
Along with the interface, the sound is has been well thought-out and yet not overbearing. There is enough in-game sound effects for event identification, yet not so much as to become annoying. Galcon also has some nice electronica music beats in the intro and single-play mode.
While there is a single-player campaign mode, it does not compare to the fun of multi-player action. The computer trains you in both a five-step tutorial and in a series of scenarios. Each scenario teaches a different strategy idea for Galcon. This practice is completely unnecessary in order to jump right into the game, but not knowing how to counter a "kamakazi" rush, and you'll be defeated repeatedly by the maneuver. All that said, the computer opponent is extremely good, and I have yet to beat it above medium-difficulty.
In the Internet multi-player mode, the title shines. A free server allows players to participate in very friendly games. It's so easy to get started (just create a free account) that you can even jump in with your evaluation software. The server will track your wins and losses, giving you a rank to indicate seniority. (You might try a well-known strategy called, "Take out the Admirals!") There is also a team-play where players group up in two or more teams, giving you the option of reinforcing other players. Besides teams, you are encouraged to communicate with other players through in-game chat. (Is an alliance in order?) In general, the multi-player mode is very exciting. You'll assess the battlefield, make some quick calculations, and take an aggressive, stealthy, or cautious approach, depending on the situation. You're not mired by remembering lots of rules and tiny technical details. Galcon has been distilled to the essence of what is fun about multi-player gaming. It is a thrilling experience to endure several exciting minutes in an 8+ person game, ending up being one of the last players standing.
In addition to Internet multi-player, this new version 1.1 offers LAN multi-player, too. Seems to me a great title for LAN-Gaming parties. [Update] Version 1.1.1 released which includes a "headless server" mode.
Perhaps the only failing of Galcon is the length of play. You may want to sink your teeth into a multiple hour campaign or adventure, and you will find the fun to be over too quickly. Many might see this as a good thing, in fact even hard-core gamers will want a shorter diversion now and again. It's something to fill the space of minutes or a half dozen games in a half-an-hour. In that regard, Galcon is a keeper. This is the type of game you can leave installed on your computer because you'll surely come back to it now and again, just for giggles.
As mentioned, the evaluation Linux Demo is generous with functionality. You'll have three days of full access where you can try everything mentioned here. The developer, Imitation Pickles, has a history of generosity in their game development. In fact, fourteen other titles (mini-games, really) on their website are not only available for free but also come with source code. Most of the work is done with Python's Pygame, which is a promising new programming language for games. Having all of this free Pygame source code is boon for any budding developer, and some of the work is very good, for example the path-finding AI in the Escape from Anathema Mines title.
Should you be interested in purchasing this title, LGW is participating in a sales promotion with Imitation Pickles where we will receive a couple dollars from your purchase. Help us cover expenses by clicking through this link. (Cookie-accept required.)
Galcon is a fun entertainment title with real replay-ability. The developer has been a supporter of sharing source code, and they've ensured Linux support for this first commercial venture. This is a title that Linux users should actively show support and acknowledge the commercial gaming accomplishment with purchases. Hope to see you on the Galcon server soon!