In a dystopian future, Rion awakens in a hospital with no memory of his past. He discovers he possesses powerful psychic abilities and hears a mysterious girl’s voice urging him to save her. As he escapes the facility, Rion uncovers the dark truth behind the “G Project,” a series of experiments designed to unlock human potential, and confronts the genetically enhanced beings known as the Galerians.
Galerians is a survival horror game developed by Polygon Magic for the PlayStation. Released in 1999, the game follows Rion as he navigates a cyberpunk world filled with danger and mystery. Utilizing his psychic powers, Rion battles enemies and uncovers the secrets of the G Project, all while grappling with his own identity and the consequences of human experimentation.
Gameplay
- Perspective & Controls: The game employs a third-person perspective with tank-style controls, reminiscent of early survival horror titles.
- Combat System: Rion uses psychic abilities such as pyrokinesis and telekinesis to combat enemies. These powers are fueled by a drug-based system, adding a layer of strategy and risk to encounters.
- Exploration & Puzzles: Players navigate through pre-rendered environments, solving puzzles and collecting items to progress through the story.
- Narrative Choices: The game features a branching storyline with multiple endings, influenced by player decisions throughout the game.
Visuals & Style
Galerians showcases detailed pre-rendered backgrounds, creating a moody and atmospheric setting. The character models are rendered in 3D, providing a contrast to the static environments. The game’s visual design draws inspiration from cyberpunk aesthetics, featuring futuristic technology and dystopian landscape
Importance in Survival Horror History
While not as widely recognized as contemporaries like Resident Evil or Silent Hill, Galerians introduced unique gameplay mechanics, such as the drug-based psychic power system, to the survival horror genre. Its cyberpunk setting and psychological themes set it apart from other titles of its time, offering a distinct experience for players seeking something different in the survival horror landscape.
Reception vs Historical Value
- Reception at Release: The game received mixed reviews, with praise directed at its innovative gameplay and atmospheric design. However, some critics noted issues with the control scheme and pacing.
- Historical Value: Galerians has since gained a cult following among survival horror enthusiasts. Its unique approach to the genre and its influence on later titles have solidified its place in gaming history.
Availability & Collectibility
- Availability Today: Galerians was released in Japan and North America. It has not been re-released on modern platforms, making physical copies the primary means of playing the game today.
- Collectible Value: Due to its cult status and limited availability, physical copies of Galerians can be found on online marketplaces. Prices vary based on condition and completeness, with complete-in-box (CIB) editions fetching higher prices.
Intro video: