Pixel Galaxy

Another game I helped create at Serenity Forge, Pixel Galaxy is a fast-paced arcade space shooter - of sorts. Controlling a solitary square, you must survive with your unique power: gathering enemies and making them your friends. By avoiding bullets and ramming enemies to “collect” them, you can build up your own ship and wield the very weapons that threatened you moments earlier.

For me, the game is an metaphor for human relationships. Some people are easy to befriend, while others are very difficult to get close to. And often, those who were more difficult to gain the trust of prove to be the most stalwart of allies. The more friends you have, the easier it is to grow apart from any one. It is easier to hold on to your inner circle (often made of your oldest allies), and losing a single friend can create shockwaves that lose you other friends. The comparisons go on, and I won’t bore you with more, but suffice to say I’m pleased how well it works.

Of course, the game is still very entertaining (and likely more enjoyable) when ignoring all of that.

Perhaps fitting of a game about making friends, Pixel Galaxy was my first big project working with other programmers. Naturally, this required more organization and coordination - as well as increased use of tools like Git. And the necessity of coding conventions, and other boring (yet oh so useful) practices that teachers try to instill in students.

It’s a difficult game, but addicting as well. And rewarding as your skills increase! Challenges are often more rewarding when they’re more challenging. Well, external rewards can skew it, but the feeling of accomplishment will always rise with perceived challenge.

Here’s a trailer:

And if you feel so inclined, you can find the game here on Steam.