Galaxy on Fire 3: Manticore

Manticore: Galaxy on Fire is an outstanding example of mobile-to-Switch done right. A gorgeous looking, content-heavy slice of space shooting action with a deep plot, set in a lore filled universe that has taken years to mature during a decade since the Galaxy on Fire series premiered in the mobile market. True that just like the games of old within this genre, this remains niche and will possibly only tickle the fancy of a very specific target audience with the whole Switch owner population. If you happen to be one of these individuals, jump right in and be prepared for some great space antics ahead, hunting down alien criminals we are very sure were named by the developer's cats running wild in their keyboards. Plus on top of it all: It is an exceptional tease and proof-of-concept for the up and coming conversion of EverSpace to the Switch. See you, space cowboys.

Manticore is a fun and simple space combat game that feels unfortunately marred by a genre that still doesn't understand its audience.

Manticore: Galaxy On Fire offers great on the go play, beautiful scenery and fun customization options. While there isn't much variety throughout the adventure it's still a big step up from it's mobile predecessors.

If you were hoping for the new Star Fox or Eve Valkyrie, this isn't it. Instead, its the only game I've ever played that managed to make shooting lasers in space boring.

With spectacular action, great controls and a lot of emphasis on the story, Manticore: Galaxy on Fire is the best option for those who are looking to bring space battles anywhere on the Nintendo Switch.

If you've been waiting for a quality game to fill that void until Star Fox makes a return on the Switch, you best keep waiting.

Overall, Manticore: Galaxy on Fire is a Nintendo Switch title that space game fans and fans of shooters will definitely enjoy. It’s not an Elite: Dangerous or Everspace since its far more arcade in nature but it’s still great.

While it shows some of its mobile roots, Manticore: Galaxy on Fire makes for a pretty fun flight combat game on the Switch.

Before we go deeper into my thoughts on gameplay, a quick thing you should know: This is one of those "premium mobile game ported to Switch" situations. Now, like a lot of the ones of these I've actually sat down and played, this is a pretty solid port, with solid graphics, and with all of the microtransaction stuff chopped off. This doesn't leave a perfect situation, with some of the seams of old mobile-focused content still showing, but it holds together quite well...and quite frankly, almost certainly ends up working better and less expensively than the original free-to-play form.

It is in the thrill of space combat that Manticore: Galaxy on Fire comes alive, as you get an enemy in your sights and mercilessly hunt them down. It’s not without its imperfections, but genre fans will get more than enough from the spectacle of it all.