Galaxy Raid

Galaxy Raid is a space shooter submitted to js13kGames 2021. You pilot a ship through enemy-filled space, dodging fire and launching bombs — a classic vertical-scrolling shooter distilled into 13 kilobytes of pure arcade tension.

What sets Galaxy Raid apart is its input flexibility. Most browser games commit to either keyboard or mouse; Galaxy Raid supports four control schemes — mouse, touch, gamepad, and keyboard — making it equally playable on a phone, a laptop, or with a controller. The gamepad support with analog sticks is a rare touch in a jam entry and shows real craft.

The bomb mechanic adds a layer of resource management on top of the dodging: you have a limited supply of screen-clearing bombs, and deciding when to spend them versus when to trust your dodging is the core strategic tension. It earned top recognition in the 2021 competition, a year with 227 entries — a strong showing for a crowded field.

Galaxy Raid supports four control schemes — pick whichever feels natural:

• Mouse: the ship follows your cursor; click to launch a bomb. • Touch: drag your finger to move; tap with a second finger to bomb. • Gamepad: use either analog stick or the D-pad to move; press A, B, X, or Y to launch a bomb. • Keyboard: arrow keys or WASD/QZSD to move; Space or Enter to bomb.

Strategy: bombs are limited, so save them for moments when the screen is too dense to dodge through — bullet patterns that box you in, or clustered enemy formations. Trust your dodging for everything else. Keep moving; a stationary ship in a shooter is a dead ship.