Galak-Z: The Dimensional
"Galak-Z is a modern, A.I. and physics-driven open-world action game, viewed through the lens of the classic 16-bit space shooter. It’s 2D combat taken to the next level. Players will take control of a variety of classic spacecraft inspired by anime of the late 70’s and early 80’s, piloted by a cast of characters every bit as colorful as the rainbow-hued explosions erupting all around them. Newtonian physics take center stage as players experience finely-tuned control, blasting enemies, unleashing missile salvos, and tossing enemies into explosive obstacles. The bar is raised for intense deep-space dogfighting with dynamic and life-like enemies, powered by the next generation Cyntient AI platform, developed by Cyntient Inc. Players will be forced to outmaneuver, outgun and outsmart enemies that think, react and cooperate like seasoned pilots. Both stealth and skill are required to defeat enemy squads in a brutal game of cat and mouse. Prepare for an enemy that comes alive like never before." The game was later re-branded as Galak-Z: The Void with the released of a free DLC update for the game.
SCREENSHOTS
HISTORY
Galak-Z: The Dimensional is a shoot 'em up video game developed and published by 17-Bit. It was released in August 2015 for the PlayStation 4 and October 2015 for Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux. A Nintendo Switch port, subtitled Deluxe Edition, was released in March 2019 by Golem Entertainment. It was announced during Sony's pre-E3 2013 press conference in June 2013. 17-Bit CEO Jake Kazdal describes it as "modern Halo and Far Cry 3 combat in a 2-dimensional shell." Reflecting its inspiration in part by Japanese anime, the game is also known officially by the Japanese title of Uchuu Senshi Galak-Z (宇宙戦士ガラクZ, lit., "Space Soldier Galak-Z").
Gameplay
Galak-Z is a two-dimensional sci-fi shooter video game with roguelike elements. The game's levels are generated uniquely for each playthrough and are connected as an endless dungeon. The levels include spawners for enemies and traps.
Development
Former Sega Japan developer Jake Kazdal started the game's development company, 17-Bit, in 2009 to make games similar to that of the 16-bit era. They had previously released Skulls of the Shogun for Xbox 360 and Windows phones in early 2013.
Galak-Z's gameplay was inspired by what senior producer Raj Joshi called "'new wave' roguelikes", especially Spelunky and Don't Starve. The 17-Bit team sought to emulate Don't Starve's "survival mechanics", which encouraged players to plan ahead during their games. The team also liked the game's progression tech trees, which provides the player more options as the game advances. Spelunky's handheld release and its "pick-up-and-play" variable game length inspired 17-Bit to release Galak-Z on the PlayStation Vita. Galak-Z's art style draws from anime influences, including Ichiro Itano's signature Macross series "Itano Circus" missile fusillade.
Galak-Z was announced during Sony's pre-E3 2013 press conference in June 2013. A playable version of Galak-Z was on display at video game merchandiser Fangamer and video game collective Attract Mode's August 2013 PAX Prime combined event in Seattle. The game was planned for release on PlayStation 4 in Q2/Q3 2014, followed by Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Vita versions, successively - this was before the team decided to allow themselves more time for development, pushing the release window into 2015. All versions would contain the same content.
On July 14, 2015, 17-Bit announced that the PlayStation 4 version would be released on August 4, 2015, with the PC version following a couple months later. The PlayStation Vita version was cancelled.
Release
In April 2016, 17-Bit joined forces with IndieBox, a monthly subscription box service, to create an exclusive, custom-designed, physical release of Galak-Z. This limited, individually-numbered collector’s box included a themed USB drive with DRM-free copy of the game, the official soundtrack on cassette tape, an instruction manual and Steam key, along with several other collectible items.
Reception
At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the game has received an average score of 83, based on 26 reviews indicating "Generally favorable reviews". IGN awarded it 8.3 out of ten, saying "While not a full-fledged roguelike, Galak-Z's superb controls and charming personality make it great." PC Gamer awarded it a score of 88%, saying "Challenging but immaculately calibrated controls power an exciting and enormously rewarding sci-fi roguelike."
During the 19th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Galak-Z for the "D.I.C.E. Sprite Award".
TRAILERS
STORES best right now: Fanatical −25%
Prices are cached from each storefront and may be out of date. Last checked 24 Sept 2026.
PRICE HISTORY
Every price change we know of, per shop. Flat means the price held; PC shops reach back through IsThereAnyDeal's archive, console shops start when this site started watching.
Nintendo eShop low: $14.99 (10 Sep 2026) , Fanatical low: $14.34 (2 Apr 2021) , GOG low: $1.49 (21 Nov 2023) , Humble Store low: $2.59 (7 May 2020) , Steam low: $2.99 (25 Jun 2026)
SCORES
RELEASES 5 systems
PHYSICAL RELEASES 1 box
