When I started video game day at work, one of the first games people jumped on was Galaga. I can’t say I was ever a big Galaga fan but playing with people that remembered the game and loved the game made all the difference. Galaga high scores quickly became a daily mission and it’s one that hasn’t left me.

A little history

For those unaware, Galaga is pretty much Space Invaders jacked up on more steroids than Mark McGwire. But under those blocky graphics and 8-color palette is one tough game. Like many of the classic arcade games, it’s simple enough to get started but hard enough to get good…and even harder to quit. To this day I can’t pass up playing on a Galaga cabinet when I pass one (or Ms. Pac-man).

Try before you buy

Then when I got my Xbox I came across Galaga Legions on XBL Arcade. I downloaded the demo and was immediately not impressed. After playing classic Galaga day after day, Galaga Legions was like the minor leagues. Not only was Legions visual overload, but it just didn’t satisfy the challenge.

But that was demo. And that was on our old television.

Armed with a big HDTV, I downloaded the Galaga Legions and gave it a second chance. It’s amazing what a television can do for a game…especially a game that relies heavily on packing as much visual stimulus on the screen at one time. Plain and simple, my 27″ TV just couldn’t handle the awesomeness.

So the new TV saved Legions in the spectacle department, but what about the challenge? It’s the same demo, right? Yes, but when I actually focused on the scoring and the mechanics needed to get a good score, the whole game changed. It wasn’t easy anymore, nor boring.

Looking good and playing good, Galaga Legions was then added to my game library in full…and it’s hard. I don’t consider myself a pro gamer or even a hardcore gamer, but I’ve played my share of shoot ‘em ups - from classic retro titles to the abstract shooters that exist today. I know how to play them, but Legions is a full out high score challenge.

I hate to say it, but the tiny TV held this game back. The graphics are huge part of Galaga Legions despite them not being “state-of-the-art,” but they are gorgeous. All too often I’m finding arcade titles I gave up on a year ago are not making the grade.

However, if you’re a retro arcade purist then you may not enjoy Legions much. Just watch the video and you’ll see just how crazy it is. But really you need a good high quality video to do justice.

Bright lights, giant flashing numbers, lots of enemies, crazy patterns…it is quite chaotic, but that was the goal - to take Galaga to the next level. Much like where Space Invaders Extreme made that classic even more fun, Galaga Legions will challenge the most experienced player, and they’ll have fun doing it.

If you’re a shooter fan and maybe need a new title to keep you busy every now and then, Galaga Legions is a $10 well spent. It won’t keep you engaged for hours on end, but you can pick it up and put it down easily. Perfect for the lunchtime game break. Of course, if you’re out for high score blood like me, then you’ll be addicted.