Machine Guides

Game History

Galaxian is a classic fixed shooter arcade game developed by Namco and released in Japan in October 1979, with North American distribution handled by Midway. While inspired by Space Invaders, Galaxian introduced several key innovations that distinguished it from its predecessor. Most notably, it featured color graphics, a significant upgrade from the monochrome display of Space Invaders, and enemies that could break formation and dive directly at the player's ship. These diving attacks added an element of unpredictability and excitement that was absent from the more rigid patterns of Space Invaders.

The game was an immediate commercial success, with Namco selling over 50,000 cabinets worldwide and establishing itself as a major player in the arcade industry. Galaxian's influence extended far beyond its own success, as it established the foundation for its more famous sequel, Galaga, which would build upon its mechanics and become one of the most beloved arcade games of all time. The game also inspired countless imitators and established conventions for enemy AI and attack patterns that would influence the shoot 'em up genre for years to come.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of Galaxian is to destroy waves of alien invaders arranged in formation at the top of the screen. You must eliminate all aliens in each wave to advance to the next one with increased difficulty. The ultimate objective is to achieve the highest score possible by surviving as many waves as you can while avoiding enemy fire.

Controls

• Joystick: Use the joystick to move your spaceship left and right at the bottom of the screen
• Fire Button: Press to shoot your laser at the alien invaders

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your space defense mission.

• Wave Progression: Face waves of alien invaders arranged in rows that gradually move horizontally across the screen.

• Combat Mechanics: Move your spaceship horizontally and shoot at the alien invaders while avoiding their return fire.

• Enemy Attacks: Unlike Space Invaders, aliens in Galaxian can break formation and dive directly at your ship in attack patterns.

• Formation Breaking: Watch for aliens that break away from the main formation to attack you directly, as these are worth more points.

• Score System: Earn points for destroying aliens, with higher values awarded for enemies that break formation and attack directly.

• Wave Completion: Successfully destroy all aliens in a wave to advance to the next one with increased difficulty and faster enemy movement.

• Game Over: The game ends when all your lives are lost (either by being hit by alien fire or colliding with diving aliens). Your final score is displayed based on your performance.