Galaga is the iconic 1981 arcade fixed shooter developed by Namco and distributed by Midway. Serving as the smash-hit sequel to Galaxian, it refined the genre by having insect-like enemies fly onto the screen in intricate patterns before settling into formation. You control a lone starfighter defending against the alien forces, famous for their erratic dive-bombing attacks and the unique tractor beam mechanic that can capture your ship.
How to Play
First, insert virtual coins and start the game (typically Shift and Enter in the browser). Move your fighter horizontally using the Left and Right arrow keys, and press Z or X to fire your missiles. Your objective is to destroy all alien swarms in each wave while dodging their attacks and projectiles. Every few levels features a “Challenging Stage” where enemies fly in complex patterns without firingโdestroy them all for a perfect score bonus.
Tips for Galaga
- Get the Dual Fighter: In the early stages, allow a Boss Galaga (the green aliens at the top) to capture your ship with its tractor beam. On its next dive, destroy the Boss Galaga to rescue your ship. They will link up, doubling your firepower at the cost of a wider hitbox.
- Rescue Carefully: Only shoot the Boss Galaga holding your ship while it is diving. If you destroy it while it is sitting in the top formation, your captured ship will turn hostile and fly away.
- Prioritize Entrances: Memorize the entry paths of the enemy formations. You can destroy a large portion of the swarm as they fly onto the screen before they have a chance to settle into their firing positions.
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