Rebel Galaxy
Overview -
Developed by Double Damage Games, 'Rebel Galaxy' is a capital spaceship sim. Double Damage is led by Erich Schaefer, co-founder of Blizzard North, and Travis Baldree, creator of 'Fate'. The two previously collaborated at Runic Games, where they made 'Torchlight'.
Video Review
This isn’t a fully 3D experience - the ship cannot move up or down on the celestial plane. To compensate, most enemies spend very little time moving straight up or down, so it’s never impossible to hit them. The textures of ships and stations aren’t beautiful, but the lighting, nebulae, and celestial bodies are. I had a serious issue with the camera during combat. The mouse tends to rubberband all over the place when aiming the turret groups, and broadside shooting can be frustrating as well.
Audio Review
The soundtrack often steals the show. It is audacious Southern rock; a bit country but not the kind of twangy pop you hear on contemporary country stations. There’s a little bluegrass, a little jazz, some alt blues, and a lot of electric guitar. When mixed in with the whines of the starship engines and the relentless blasting, it’s the perfect aural environment for an outlaw space game.
Final Thoughts
'Rebel Galaxy' comes out of left field - an adept and fun space sim from two developers who have spent decades working on RPGs. If you have ever wanted to fly a capital ship of your very own and blow up pirates (or become one), your opportunity has arrived at last.
