There is a colorful cast of characters. You start with Doug and his pet guinea pig- Boom Boom. Doug is homesick and wears emotion on his sleeve. Boom Boom is your loyal companion and rarely talks. Later, you meet Marty bot. It is a robot that helps you during your journey. New characters are introduced as you progress in the story.

In combat, you can use items, character abilities, and each attack charges up your ability points meter. You can control up to 3 characters and even have the ability to capture animals in combat. If you die, there is no penalty for losing and you can reload from your last save.


- Story is interesting and involves getting back to Earth in Season 1. This is a linear game and the player completes quests to move to next scene.
- Can take pictures of alien, animals and other species. There are side quests to take pics to gain gold and you can visit other planets to find new living things.
- Many bosses to beat including Large animals, aliens, etc. The later ones have special abilities that can be "negated" by Boom Boom.
- Puzzles are not too difficult and most players should be able to complete without reading a guide or watching a play through.
- Soundtrack is diverse and adds to the space setting. If you are in a fight, there is tense battle music to match the situation.

- Tutorial should explain equipment for your characters and explain how to use captured monsters in battles.
- Combat could be improved. I don't see the need to confirm or click X for each defend turn.
- Add an image or menu to show enemy and characters turn order. Most turn-based games have this feature.
- Playing with keyboard is rough. It would be nice to have separate menu to reference for controller and keyboard controls.


Conclusion: A charming game with inspiration from Pokemon and turn-based RPG games. You can travel to other planets with the ability to take pictures, participate in races, fight bosses, and survive in Galaxy land. This indie game deserves more recognition and takes about 15-20 hours to complete.

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Some games just hit you differently and the love and care poured into this great little venture is more than apparent.

For those of us who were kids in the 90s this reminds me a lot of the feelings I had playing "Another World" on the megadrive (or Genesis depending which part of the world you're from). The gameplay is completely different but the discovery aspect, the sounds, the variety of alien races and the intricate relationships between the main characters just brought me back to that game somewhat. There's that lovely sense of wonder at times that gives a tremendous amount of joy and takes us back to childhood memories of what space could be.

However "Beyond Galaxyland" is its own thing and although the story may be considered somewhat simple it's written with a surprising amount of depth, especially for the protagonist and their various companions. The gameplay delivers on all aspects and never becomes stale, all whilst making you wanting to see what happens next in your voyage of discovery. I even loved the added collecto-thon of photos, items and enemies as it was implemented in such a way that made me want to get all 100% achievements for the game.

I think Sam Enright (the game dev) is on a path to Indie greatness if he can keep building on this universe or even keep exploring how far he can take his pixel graphic and storytelling skills.

This is a gem and I can't wait to see what comes next with this developper. BUY IT!!! You won't regret it

Beyond Galaxyland is a vibrant and creative blend of classic RPG mechanics, sci-fi storytelling, and unique exploration, all wrapped in stunning pixel art. Developed by solo creator Sam Enright, the game draws inspiration from iconic titles like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII while adding its own fresh twist to the genre.

You play as Doug, a high-schooler who escapes Earth’s destruction by “The End,” only to find himself in Galaxyland—a solar system where an alien race, the Mogodo, has relocated survivors of various apocalypses. Accompanied by Boom Boom, his sentient guinea pig, and a robot called MartyBot; Doug embarks on an interstellar quest to uncover the truth behind Galaxyland and seek a way to undo Earth’s apocalypse. The story combines humor, heartache, and peril, creating a compelling and cinematic experience that feels closer to a movie than a traditional game.

Each planet in Galaxyland feels like a world of its own, from the neon-lit streets of cybernetic cities to lush jungles and frozen wastelands. These diverse environments are filled with quests, puzzles, and quirky characters that bring the galaxy to life. The active turn-based combat system elevates the gameplay, blending strategy with time-responsive mechanics. Players will need to master the system to minimize damage and outsmart enemies. The added mechanic of scanning enemies to uncover their strengths and weaknesses brings a tactical edge, keeping battles engaging and dynamic.

One of the game’s standout features is its monster capture system, allowing players to collect creatures and bosses, each with unique abilities that can be unleashed in battle. This mechanic adds a rewarding layer of depth to combat, encouraging players to carefully build their team and strategy. Epic boss battles, ranging from colossal space dragons to bionic behemoths, keep the action fresh and exciting, while the game’s semi-open 2.5D design and vibrant pixel art create a nostalgic yet modern sci-fi aesthetic.

The gameplay balances exploration, combat, and story progression seamlessly. While some grinding is necessary to level up monsters and unlock their abilities, it never feels overly tedious. Instead, it rewards players with greater power and flexibility in battle. The music, while simple, complements the gameplay and adds to the atmosphere without being overbearing.

Verdict:

Beyond Galaxyland is a triumph of indie game development, offering a heartfelt, engaging, and visually stunning experience. With its rich worlds, memorable characters, and innovative mechanics, it stands as a must-play for fans of JRPGs, sci-fi, and monster-collecting adventures. The ending leaves some questions unanswered, but the journey is so satisfying that you won’t mind. Highly recommended!