Space Run Galaxy
By Michael Lafferty,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Repetitive space strategy shackled by shallow gameplay.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this game.
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Space Run Galaxy
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
Set 20 years after the events of the original, SPACE RUN GALAXY expands the universe and places the player in the role of subordinate to Captain Buck Mann. The concept is relatively simple: Pick up a cargo and deliver it through hostile space to another planet. Because there are those who will attempt to intercept your ship, you can build it up with thrusters and weaponry (energy shields, laser turrets, and missile launchers), expand the size, and overpower the ship to take on all manner of enemies. The game features more than 100 missions in four solar systems with 50 zones and random enemy deployment. Multiplayer is tossed in as well, with players being able to offer contracts to other players.
Is It Any Good?
Repetitive gameplay in a colorful side-scrolling title can only intrigue for so long before it simply becomes boring. While Space Run Galaxy tries to spice up the action with a minor ship-construction element and tosses in the concept of offering missions to other players, along with a player-based market, the game still can't get past the simple formula that makes up every mission. Players take on a contract, load the cargo, chart the course to the delivery point, and then fly through space on a straight line with enemies coming in from the front and sides. This necessitates having weapons covering all potential attack angles, having shields to reduce damage, and having the thrusters to move through quickly. Exhibiting an understanding of what's expected and then outfitting the ship for any eventuality is vital. Of course, if a ship is damaged, players can visit the mechanic for repairs and upgrades -- assuming that players have the coin and resources while in port.
The graphics are very serviceable, and the characters are different with a lot of unnecessary attempts at humor, usually left to the robot helpers onboard the ships. But Space Run Galaxy isn't a bad game by any means; it's just not a very deep game. Yes, there's an offline component, but online interaction isn't that strong, because it's restricted only to the player market and player-offered contracts. Having other users create challenges that are so difficult as to be borderline frustrating doesn't add to the enjoyment. Space Run Galaxy would've been great if it were deeper, but it's just so shallow and repetitive that it's hard to enjoy after only a few missions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fantastical violence in Space Run. Do you think this title is violent? Is the content justified? Does it have more or less impact than violence in other games? Why?
What other games do you play that require a great deal of strategy? Can you see those skills being applied in real life?
Game Details
- Platform: Windows
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
- Release date: June 17, 2016
- Genre: Strategy
- Topics: Adventures, Robots, Space and Aliens
- ESRB rating: NR for No Descriptions
- Last updated: August 23, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Play
Our Editors Recommend
Great Games That Teach Strategy
Best Strategy Game Apps
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate