Manticore: Galaxy on Fire Reviews
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.
If you are itching for a new space shooter on Switch, you may be able to squeeze a bit of enjoyment out of Manticore – Galaxy on Fire, but you are probably just better to wait until Everspace or a new Star Fox comes to the system. If the game still interests you, it's probably best to just check it out on mobile, where it is available for free. While I do see the potential in bringing mobile games over to consoles like the Switch and improving upon them, Manticore – Galaxy on Fire's mobile origins still hold it back in too many areas to make it a proper example of what can be done with that transition.
A fun experience full of space battles and a good plot for an experience that feels long enough on its genre.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
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 is an enjoyable third-person space combat game set in a well thought out universe, pitting you as the newest member of a mercenary team investigating a horrifying event.
If you like these kinds of games it's still worth checking out.
Visually impressive, but contentless, soulless spaceballing without pretension, which is only suitable for short sessions between two stops.
Review in German | Read full review
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.
Manticore: Galaxy on Fire is a solid but unspectacular space shooter.
While it shows some of its mobile roots, Manticore: Galaxy on Fire makes for a pretty fun flight combat game on the Switch.
Manticore - Galaxy on Fire is a simple but very satisfying romp through 3D space. For those like me who were waiting eagerly for this genre to arrive on Switch, Manticore makes a great premiere showing. While its origins on smart phones show through in spots, it still holds up remarkably well on console. Manticore is an easy pick for fans of the genre, and a great premier space shooter on Switch.
As a total package if you enjoy space combat there’s quite a lot to like about Manticore as long as you reign in expectations you may have from other series...
"Turns out you can turn mobile games into fine console experiences."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
All in all, Manticore: Galaxy on Fire is a very traditional arcade-like space battle title that often tries too hard to stick to conventions rather than to push the galactic boat out – Missions feel repetitive, enemies offer little variety, and locations feel samey, however when taken in short bursts, this game is a delight – Marathoning Manticore is probably the biggest disservice you can give it, as you will most likely get bored after an hour. Manticore: Galaxy on Fire isn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, rather it’s not amazingly good either – It’s almost stuck in the middle, in the endless void of ‘just better than average’, much like the ships you’ll spend hours piloting.
MANTICORE DOESN’T JUST THROW IN A STORY MODE JUST BECAUSE THE PUBLISHER PUSHED IT – IT REALLY DOES DRIVE THE CAMPAIGN AND ADDS TO THE INTENSE SET OF EVENTS
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.