After an ambitious decade of meticulous development and refinement, coupled with a transformative year of community-driven Early Access, German indie developer Crunchy Leaf Games stands ready to unveil their groundbreaking twin-stick shooter, Galactic Glitch, on June 3rd. This innovative creation from the Berlin-based studio promises to fundamentally transform the genre through its sophisticated physics-based combat mechanics and comprehensive customization options that offer players unprecedented control over their gameplay experience.
The highly anticipated release, available at 14.99 USD/EUR, will launch with an enticing 25% discount during its initial two weeks on Steam. Gaming enthusiasts can anticipate an immersive experience that masterfully combines the strategic complexity and depth of Nova Drift with the seamlessly fluid combat mechanics popularized by Dead Cells, while introducing its own revolutionary physics-manipulation system that sets new standards for the genre.
The landmark Version 1.0 release introduces an impressive array of new content and substantial improvements to the game’s core experience. The introduction of the Quarantine Zone presents players with an intricate and challenging mid-game environment, while the sophisticated Cybervoid offers an endgame arena filled with dynamic, constantly evolving challenges that test players’ mastery of the game’s systems. This major update brings more than 20 meticulously designed new enemies, each featuring distinct mechanical interactions, alongside two formidable new final bosses and six intricately crafted level bosses that push the boundaries of combat engagement.
The game’s combat system has undergone significant expansion, now featuring over 40 new upgradeable powers that complement the existing arsenal, bringing the total to more than 90 distinct abilities for players to master and combine. A particularly noteworthy addition is the innovative Prototype ships system, allowing players to discover and capture unique vessels in the wild to use as starter ships, introducing an entirely new dimension of strategic decision-making to each playthrough.
At its heart, the game’s revolutionary mechanics revolve around an ingeniously designed physics-based combat system where players harness the power of a sophisticated gravity gun to manipulate their surroundings with unprecedented precision. This groundbreaking approach enables players to strategically grab and utilize debris, skillfully redirect enemy missiles, and systematically dismantle multi-component enemies to expose their critical vulnerabilities. The comprehensive exploration system motivates players to carefully navigate through an intricately designed glitched starfield, uncovering hidden secrets and valuable equipment along numerous branching pathways.
Lead developer Max Dohme reflects on the vital importance of community involvement in shaping the game’s evolution: “Community feedback guided us all through Early Access, and we’re incredibly thankful for that. It led to big changes—like adding mid-run saves early on, or reworking the weapon system after players told us the old one just wasn’t fun.”
The development team’s unwavering dedication to excellence is clearly demonstrated in the comprehensive list of enhancements included in the 1.0 release. The user interface has undergone a complete transformation, while the newly implemented Boss Orb system creates a more refined and engaging progression experience. The Hub area has been extensively expanded with additional rooms and sophisticated helper systems, complemented by the introduction of more than 15 specialized room types, engaging challenges, and intricate mini-bosses that ensure each playthrough remains fresh and exciting.
The development journey of Galactic Glitch carries a particularly poignant humanitarian dimension. Nearly half of the dedicated development team consists of Ukrainian developers who have persevered in their work despite the immense challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in their homeland. Several team members have endured multiple relocations, yet maintained their unwavering commitment to the project throughout these difficulties. In recognition of their remarkable resilience, Crunchy Leaf Games has made the compassionate decision to donate a significant portion of the game’s launch profits to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.
Operating from their Berlin headquarters under the visionary leadership of Max Dohme, Crunchy Leaf Games has established itself as a pioneer in creating innovative, community-driven action games. Their impressive portfolio showcases notable achievements including the acclaimed titles 3030 Deathwar Redux, Rise of Legions, and Crystal Clash, each demonstrating the studio’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
Through its masterful integration of physics-based gameplay mechanics, engaging roguelite elements, and extensive customization options, Galactic Glitch promises to deliver an exceptionally engaging experience that richly rewards both technical skill and creative problem-solving. The game’s impressive arsenal of over 100 powers and weapons, combined with more than 70 distinct enemy types and a sophisticated dynamic New Game+ system, ensures that players will consistently discover fresh challenges and exciting opportunities for experimentation throughout their gaming journey.
