The Best Games You've Never Played, Vol. 1

Try Galactic Swarm, by Camaj Interactive. Seriously.

I first ran across this game as a Reflexive demo, and I was blown away.

The premise is simple: using a top-down view, fly around shooting enemies, dodging space debris, and collecting ore. Kinda like Asteroids on steroids. Asteroids-steroids. Or something.

But with the weapon power-ups available (the morning star tail has to be one of the coolest ideas I've seen in this type of game) and the varying attack styles of the enemies, you have an intense, fluid game that keeps you saying, 'Just one more level.'

Add to all that the fact that I was able to find a full-version copy at a dollar shop, and this game has to be one of the best entertainment values out there.

The story is practically non-existent, and the tactics don't vary a whole lot -- every level is pretty much 'shoot everything in sight and run for the gate' -- but for a quick break in between marathon RPG or strategy sessions, this game is perfect.

If you've never played it, do yourself a favor and head over to Reflexive's website and take it for a spin (it's listed as 'Swarm'). Then check your local dollar shops and discount stores to score a cheap copy.

And watch out for the energy-suckers. Those beggars get me every time.