Space Giraffe

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 84
  3. Negative: 18 out of 84

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  1. zerofudge
    Jan 4, 2014
    10
    This doesn't come easy. It's a game for the dedicated and open minded. You have to work into it. And if you do, you find a perfectly orchestrated game with clean and fun mechanics behind the audiovisual blast. It's clearly one of the best games ever made.
  2. MikeS.
    Aug 22, 2007
    2
    When I'm playing a game, I don't want to feel like I'm an old man who just picked up Steel Battalion for the first time. Space Giraffe felt that confusing to play. The soundtrack is so bizarre that it skips over the so-bad-it's-good line, and straight into so-bad-it's-really-bad. The graphics are muddy, hazy, and extremely psychedelic, which may be a plus to some, When I'm playing a game, I don't want to feel like I'm an old man who just picked up Steel Battalion for the first time. Space Giraffe felt that confusing to play. The soundtrack is so bizarre that it skips over the so-bad-it's-good line, and straight into so-bad-it's-really-bad. The graphics are muddy, hazy, and extremely psychedelic, which may be a plus to some, and to those people, the gameplay is pretty much irrelevant already. It's confusing, it's horrendously ugly, and the rules are astronomically confusing. Avoid it.… Expand
  3. MattL.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    It's basically 'Bizzarro Tempest', so anyone that's a fan of that type of game really owes it to themselves to give this enough of a chance to 'read' what's going on through the tripped-out visuals. Given how Geometry Wars is pretty much universally loved, that tells me that way too many people are writing this one off preliminarily.
  4. AdrianG.
    Aug 27, 2007
    9
    Pure fun, once you understand the game mechanics it's a pleasure to play. Support Minty!
  5. ChrisPatti
    Oct 10, 2008
    8
    This is one of those games which demands the player put aside any snap judgements and simply *play* for a while.

    The visuals here are incredible thanks to the amazing Neon VLM Yak (Jeff Minter, the game designer) designed for the XB360. Game play is fast, furious, and quite a bit more deep and varied than it would seem at first glance.
  6. DeSangreIIDX
    Oct 29, 2007
    9
    Sure, Space Giraffe won't be for everyone, sure, it's (on the surface) very similar to Tempest, but I was expecting part of the critic to at least try this game for more than 15 minutes rather than dismissing it as crap. After you get the hang of it, Space Giraffe is a very solid arcade game that OMIGOSH! requires skill and concentration, something which is rarely seen these Sure, Space Giraffe won't be for everyone, sure, it's (on the surface) very similar to Tempest, but I was expecting part of the critic to at least try this game for more than 15 minutes rather than dismissing it as crap. After you get the hang of it, Space Giraffe is a very solid arcade game that OMIGOSH! requires skill and concentration, something which is rarely seen these days. At 800 points it would probably be an 8 or a 7, but the 400 points price tag deserves a praise.… Expand
  7. GazL.
    Aug 21, 2007
    9
    Loved it, Full on synaesthesic shooter than drags you into the zone. Great depth of play and lots of replay value. Also a 100 levels and only 400 points :)
  8. RickS.
    Aug 23, 2007
    1
    This game is an unplayable rip-off of Tempest. The background is incredibly distracting and to try to look through it at what's going on in the game will make you go blind. If I had epilepsy I would probably be writhing around on the ground in mid-seizure right now. Worst of all, the game is no fun.
  9. KevinA.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Fantastic game, not one for the hard of thinking though. It does take an hour or so to get to grips with the game mechanics but once you do it's just wonderfully addictive. It's just rather sad that there are so many people not willing to put a little effort in to get such a huge reward in return. Their loss. Now then, just one more go.
  10. NigelH.
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    I played the first few levels of this game and thought it a colourful, if somewhat pedestrian tunnel shooter. However, as you play you begin to gain the ability to 'see' the levels properly and the gameplay becomes fantastic. Perhaps if all the low score reviewers were not so blinkered they could open themselves to this great game.
  11. MarkA.
    Aug 28, 2007
    8
    Well, I've never played this Tempest game that everyone keeps going on about so perhaps that might make my comments a little more even-keeled / less fanboy than some. At first I was really confused, but then it did start to make sense. At times I hate it, I hate being confused, but far more I love it and just keep on wanting to play. Its an experience, and provides a certain Well, I've never played this Tempest game that everyone keeps going on about so perhaps that might make my comments a little more even-keeled / less fanboy than some. At first I was really confused, but then it did start to make sense. At times I hate it, I hate being confused, but far more I love it and just keep on wanting to play. Its an experience, and provides a certain indefinable something that I've not really had before from a videogame. Its creative, different, challenging, and well worth 400 points i.e. the price of a pint of lager and some crisps.… Expand
  12. PeteH.
    Aug 30, 2007
    9
    There are no "game breaking" flaws in this game! How do people get this idea? This game is something you'll get or you won't. Download the demo and give it a little while then decide.
  13. BenedictW.
    Aug 30, 2007
    10
    Fantastic game - has replaced geometry wars as my XBLA game of choice. In fact, this week, I've hardly picked up bioshock at all as I've been playing this so much. Best 400 points I've spent so far.
  14. AdrianC.
    Sep 1, 2007
    10
    Revisit the retro vid kid age once again in what is Jeff Minter's/Yak's finest creative moment. Even if you don't like it will grow on you as you fathom the depths of it's superb gameplay. I shat you not! :)
  15. MattO.
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    A pure game for real gamers. Requires some investment time, but once you've paid your dues you'll love it. I can't believe how gaming has lost its way. Has the spirit and excitement of pure games really been lost?
  16. KeithY.
    Sep 1, 2007
    5
    A fun little shooter that seems to reward luck more than skill or technique because of the difficulty posed by the visuals. It will have its fans, but the casual gamer should probably avoid this title.
  17. MunkehMunkeh
    Sep 3, 2007
    10
    Awesome game. Take the time to read the help and play the tutorial. Once you understand how to play, its incredible.
  18. TheEtchasketchist
    Sep 5, 2007
    10
    What an amazing value at 400 points. 100 uniquely designed levels, of which I've barely scratched the first 20, each with it's own strategy and techniques. If you play it like Tempest, shooting everything you see, you will be able to survive for a long time but your score will be crap. Every time I play I pick up new strategies and techniques. And I haven't even gotten to What an amazing value at 400 points. 100 uniquely designed levels, of which I've barely scratched the first 20, each with it's own strategy and techniques. If you play it like Tempest, shooting everything you see, you will be able to survive for a long time but your score will be crap. Every time I play I pick up new strategies and techniques. And I haven't even gotten to the really hardcore levels yet! This thing's got 100s of hours of gameplay in it. And the quirky, personal design is really quite soulful compared to your average genre game.… Expand
  19. JhonP.
    Sep 8, 2007
    0
    Confusing, busy, seizure inducing. Loved games like Frequency and Amplitude before the GH craze, but this is... this is bad Tempest to worse techno with fireworks exploding in front of your screen.
  20. BillyB
    Apr 29, 2009
    2
    Tried to like it, but just could not. It would seem that there is some visual/audio language there that many of the people rating it can decode...and I can accept that, however i am a 56k Gs gamer (right this means not a lot other than i play a lot) and I simply could not see or feel the feedback required to be skillful at the game...it's like 3D posters...if you can't see emTried to like it, but just could not. It would seem that there is some visual/audio language there that many of the people rating it can decode...and I can accept that, however i am a 56k Gs gamer (right this means not a lot other than i play a lot) and I simply could not see or feel the feedback required to be skillful at the game...it's like 3D posters...if you can't see em they're pretty shit, and i thought Space Giraffe was monumentally shit.… Expand
  21. RobM.
    Oct 25, 2007
    9
    Magnificent game - wonderfully trippy visuals combined with sheer arcade perfection. A must buy.
  22. LeonO.
    Aug 23, 2007
    8
    Great game, you'll love it or hate plain and simple. Twitch shooter fan heaven.
  23. CarlB.
    Aug 23, 2007
    9
    This is not a game for the EA/Playstation/Halo-generation. It is a game for gamers, who dare to experiment, try out things, and dare to invest a little bit of effort in a game. Many people complain that they didn't see something coming, because they probably forget to "listen" to the audio cues that tell you what you should be focussing on. It would've scored the full 10 if it This is not a game for the EA/Playstation/Halo-generation. It is a game for gamers, who dare to experiment, try out things, and dare to invest a little bit of effort in a game. Many people complain that they didn't see something coming, because they probably forget to "listen" to the audio cues that tell you what you should be focussing on. It would've scored the full 10 if it had Forza-like leaderboards. But most importantly, addictiveness and playability are back in gaming!… Expand
  24. TimM.
    Aug 23, 2007
    0
    Visually, it may be the converse definition of "less is more", in that all the unnecessary extra video detracts from the enjoyment. The tutorial is nothing short of terrible. To me, this game has combined Tempest, a petting zoo, and a toddler puking up crayons. I was a fan of Minter 'til I saw this ridiculous excuse of a game. I tried to enjoy it...I wanted to enjoy it...but this is Visually, it may be the converse definition of "less is more", in that all the unnecessary extra video detracts from the enjoyment. The tutorial is nothing short of terrible. To me, this game has combined Tempest, a petting zoo, and a toddler puking up crayons. I was a fan of Minter 'til I saw this ridiculous excuse of a game. I tried to enjoy it...I wanted to enjoy it...but this is among the worst games I have ever had the misfortune of playing.… Expand
  25. K3V
    Aug 24, 2007
    9
    Fantastic expansion on the Tempest formula. Adds more strategy and technique to the classic game play, making for a unique and addictive experience. Not for the weak or those unwilling to learn the intricacies of a game without being lead by the hand through the whole thing. Classic, original arcade game play at its best -- and really, isn't that what Live Arcade is all about?
  26. AlexK.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    This game is certainly polarising, but in a good way. Without meaning to be condescending, if you give it a low score, you simply don't understand the game or what it is tryiing to do. As a hardcore, score attack shooter, this is one of the best western examples I can think of. Yes, it's confusing, and can be hard to see what's going on. But try listening, as well. There This game is certainly polarising, but in a good way. Without meaning to be condescending, if you give it a low score, you simply don't understand the game or what it is tryiing to do. As a hardcore, score attack shooter, this is one of the best western examples I can think of. Yes, it's confusing, and can be hard to see what's going on. But try listening, as well. There are always audio cues for every event. There's always a reason for every death - it doesn't punish you unfairly, but slip up and it will punish you for simply not being good enough.… Expand
  27. AlisdairM.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    A real old-school high score game. The tutorial gets you started, but you have to invest the time to really understand how things work. Every level introduces different ways of playing, so it never stops being challenging. Not for the weak of heart, but if you can invest the effort you will reap the rewards. And the rewards are MOOO.
  28. choddo
    Aug 24, 2007
    9
    Initially baffling with an unhelpful tutorial, the game draws you in because you can just feel there's something there and the sense of achievement grows as you figure it out & climb the leaderboard. 3 hours later, you think you've figured most of it out, you've been blasting through 3million points a level and can see spiralling colours in the inside of your eyelids.... Initially baffling with an unhelpful tutorial, the game draws you in because you can just feel there's something there and the sense of achievement grows as you figure it out & climb the leaderboard. 3 hours later, you think you've figured most of it out, you've been blasting through 3million points a level and can see spiralling colours in the inside of your eyelids.... and yet you want just one more go. Great things; Scoring/bonus scheme & scoresave mechanism level design and pacing pictures, sounds and general assailing of the senses. satisfaction of a huge, enemy splattering, well planned MOOOOOO! Not so great things; learning curve, retro humour & insane backgrounds will put some off who would otherwise have enjoyed the superb arcade game beneath if they had been enticed properly.… Expand
  29. HughJ.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    You either understand this game (and love it), or you just don't get it, which will make you hate it. I wish the people who didn't understand it would simply step off and let us cultists have our fun without giving the Giraffe a low score. It's like old-school arcade quarter-munchers such as Defender and Stargate. Difficult, but once you start to understand the scoring You either understand this game (and love it), or you just don't get it, which will make you hate it. I wish the people who didn't understand it would simply step off and let us cultists have our fun without giving the Giraffe a low score. It's like old-school arcade quarter-munchers such as Defender and Stargate. Difficult, but once you start to understand the scoring system and the enemy behavior, you'll get into a deep trancelike "zone" of gaming bliss.… Expand
  30. EricG.
    Aug 25, 2007
    9
    I have to say, the first few times I played the game, I didn't quite "get it". It's like Tempest only not as thrilling and with a whole lot more visual clutter. But after a few hours of exploration, the game mechanics started to reveal themselves and now I'm hooked. It's a more cerebral experience than Tempest, but utterly addictive once you get the hang of it. And I have to say, the first few times I played the game, I didn't quite "get it". It's like Tempest only not as thrilling and with a whole lot more visual clutter. But after a few hours of exploration, the game mechanics started to reveal themselves and now I'm hooked. It's a more cerebral experience than Tempest, but utterly addictive once you get the hang of it. And once you're hooked, the graphics no longer seem overwhelming...it's weird but they start to make perfect sense. Not a game for those with sensitive retinas or a profound need to have their hands held every step of the way, but very rewarding for anyone looking for a unique and challenging experience.… Expand
  31. AndyW.
    Aug 28, 2007
    10
    Superb! Addictive gaming at its best. My very first go resulted in 8 levels and a measly score - because I wasn't playing it properly. As soon as I understood that you don't play it like Tempest (BECAUSE IT ISN'T TEMPEST) then the true game appears. Its beautiful, addictive and above all - fun. I'm now up in the higher levels (40s) and have some mondo scores. 400 Superb! Addictive gaming at its best. My very first go resulted in 8 levels and a measly score - because I wasn't playing it properly. As soon as I understood that you don't play it like Tempest (BECAUSE IT ISN'T TEMPEST) then the true game appears. Its beautiful, addictive and above all - fun. I'm now up in the higher levels (40s) and have some mondo scores. 400 points for this - absolutely worth every damned penny.… Expand
  32. TedA.
    Aug 28, 2007
    9
    It's replaced Geometry Wars as my "quick fix" game and that says a lot. It's unfortunate that the game help or tutorial really doesn't convey how different this game is from Tempest. While mechanically, it looks the same, your objective is entirely different. In SG, you want to accumulate as many ships as possible at the top of the field to bull them off. Once you focus on It's replaced Geometry Wars as my "quick fix" game and that says a lot. It's unfortunate that the game help or tutorial really doesn't convey how different this game is from Tempest. While mechanically, it looks the same, your objective is entirely different. In SG, you want to accumulate as many ships as possible at the top of the field to bull them off. Once you focus on being able to do that and stop trying to shoot everything, the game makes much more sense. I give it a 9, because I think they could have done a better job communicating that to the player. Too many folks walk away from this game being frustrated by not recognizing the basic tenet -- SG is NOT tempest.… Expand
  33. TomV.
    Aug 29, 2007
    10
    This is a masterpiece that far too many people will never understand. Their loss.
  34. Rol
    Aug 29, 2007
    10
    It looks a total mess the first time you play it but if you stick with it things starting making sense. You have to listen to the sound effects and let the visuals flow. And learn the waves patterns. It looks like tempest but you don't play it like tempest. Not for everybody but I'm glad some designers don't make games just for the majority.
  35. KevinF.
    Sep 13, 2007
    9
    An original, fun and score-intensive arcade game. Its medium-to-hard level of difficulty to get a good score, and psychedelic gfx may be too much of a challenge for some, but, all in all it is a game that is pure adreneline arcade action ol'skool style. For around $5 bucks, it is a deal !
  36. BradleyT
    May 26, 2008
    10
    Great game deserving of patience to get you through an initially very confusing first few plays - listen well to the tutorial and you shouldn't suffer this however. This is not Tempest and you will likely get frustrated if you play it this way. All bad reviews show a complete lack of understanding as to why this game is so fab and those reviewing should be fairly ashamed quite Great game deserving of patience to get you through an initially very confusing first few plays - listen well to the tutorial and you shouldn't suffer this however. This is not Tempest and you will likely get frustrated if you play it this way. All bad reviews show a complete lack of understanding as to why this game is so fab and those reviewing should be fairly ashamed quite honestly their inability to recognise well working mechanics. Superb risk vs reward design allows for greater score vs progression depending on your your bravery. Lovely visuals and great soundtrack. Nice work Jeff.… Expand
  37. DanC.
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    Provides an intense visual audio synethesia and has a great, idiosyncratic sense of humor. Like Tempest 2000, but more hyper and more quirky.
  38. RussellH.
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    Not only the best XBLA game ever, but the best video game ever. The pinnacle of Yak's 25 year career. It's pure un-cut perfect gameplay, simple as that. This is the most amatuer and just plain wrong review I've ever read. Sack that fool. Your mag and site suffer by association.
  39. PaulM.
    Aug 22, 2007
    9
    Fantastic fun. Best XBLA game since Geometry Wars.
  40. AlexR.
    Aug 22, 2007
    10
    Excellent traditional arcade shooter with a significant amount of depth for those ready to rise to the challenge.
  41. [Anonymous]
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    Great game if you take a little time to get a grip on the mechanic. 10 for creativity.
  42. PeterH.
    Aug 23, 2007
    0
    Like Tempest 2000, except with an acid flashback thrown in. No way to see what is happening onscreen, so one just goes back and forth until the ship explodes for one reason or another. Makes my eyes bleed after 5 minutes.
  43. MrLoop
    Aug 23, 2007
    1
    This might be fun for someone who loved tempest but wanted it to be annoying and have worse controls. However, that market is very low. I think this is unplayable and boring to the average gamer. In addition, if I hear Giraffictastic again, my head will explode.
  44. JohnG.
    Aug 23, 2007
    9
    What gaming should be about, self contained and there to be discovered. It's a little bit different, it will challenge you, and even for someone of my very average ability it starts to reward play quite quickly. It's a hugely refreshing change from the unstoppable drive for photo-realism, it's photo-unrealisim. At 400Points it worth taking a risk and spending some time What gaming should be about, self contained and there to be discovered. It's a little bit different, it will challenge you, and even for someone of my very average ability it starts to reward play quite quickly. It's a hugely refreshing change from the unstoppable drive for photo-realism, it's photo-unrealisim. At 400Points it worth taking a risk and spending some time outside your comfort zone.… Expand
  45. FaberfoX
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    This game is not for everyone, if you were expecting tempest 4000 you will be disappointed. Once you get past the sensory overload and settle in you will find an amazingly deep game, incredibly playable and highly addictive. The free 10 levels on the demo are more than enough for you to figure if this game is for you. For me, it was so much more than I expected. Thanks Yak, you rock as This game is not for everyone, if you were expecting tempest 4000 you will be disappointed. Once you get past the sensory overload and settle in you will find an amazingly deep game, incredibly playable and highly addictive. The free 10 levels on the demo are more than enough for you to figure if this game is for you. For me, it was so much more than I expected. Thanks Yak, you rock as hard as ever!… Expand
  46. MichaelC.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    Don't let the first impression fool you. It's intimidating, yes. It's distracting, yes. But it's also a beautiful, addictive, engrossing game. Reading the playfield is part of the challenge. Listen to the sound effects, they'll tell you as much about what's going on as you need to know. Don't shrug it off as too confusing, you'll be missing out on a Don't let the first impression fool you. It's intimidating, yes. It's distracting, yes. But it's also a beautiful, addictive, engrossing game. Reading the playfield is part of the challenge. Listen to the sound effects, they'll tell you as much about what's going on as you need to know. Don't shrug it off as too confusing, you'll be missing out on a phenominal gaming experience.… Expand
  47. JustinH.
    Aug 24, 2007
    0
    Seems to equate "indiscernible" with "challenging." Gigantic mess of a rule set, completely indecipherable playing field, the word "Giraffetastic" every three seconds... there's really nothing redeeming about this game. To be clear, it's not one of these things where if you don't like it it's because you don't "get it," it really is fundamentally flawed in every Seems to equate "indiscernible" with "challenging." Gigantic mess of a rule set, completely indecipherable playing field, the word "Giraffetastic" every three seconds... there's really nothing redeeming about this game. To be clear, it's not one of these things where if you don't like it it's because you don't "get it," it really is fundamentally flawed in every significant respect.… Expand
  48. JonathanB.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    The game is about learning to perceive through chaos, and to thrive in it. It's an experience you won't get from any other game. Certainly it's not like most modern games, which hold your hand constantly through an amusement park ride designed to make you feel like you are a winner. Space Giraffe takes some effort to understand and get into, but once you do, it is highly The game is about learning to perceive through chaos, and to thrive in it. It's an experience you won't get from any other game. Certainly it's not like most modern games, which hold your hand constantly through an amusement park ride designed to make you feel like you are a winner. Space Giraffe takes some effort to understand and get into, but once you do, it is highly rewarding in a unique way.… Expand
  49. RichC.
    Aug 25, 2007
    10
    Beautiful design, crazy graphics and Minters usual quirky sense of humour. My be best to play on HD as I suspect SD makes things trickier to perceive. You need to use your brain to get the high scores - playing this like Tempest will not reward you.
  50. MatC.
    Aug 27, 2007
    0
    This is, as many have said, a poor ripoff of Tempest. It's awful, woeful, poorly playable, laughable, and a waste of any meaningful enjoyment. This is like playing a game through a WMPlayer visualization, and a bad one at that. This is the new low mark for XBLA.
  51. StevenR
    May 24, 2008
    8
    Probably not the zenith of Yaks career that many fans proclaim, certainly not the nadir either. While hardly worth a 10 as it's not without it's flaws, SG is more about the original 'soul' of videogaming than the story led "go to waypoint", "hold X to pick up object" that most gamers will be used to now. Very challenging but twice as rewarding, your first few games may Probably not the zenith of Yaks career that many fans proclaim, certainly not the nadir either. While hardly worth a 10 as it's not without it's flaws, SG is more about the original 'soul' of videogaming than the story led "go to waypoint", "hold X to pick up object" that most gamers will be used to now. Very challenging but twice as rewarding, your first few games may - no - WILL leave you stuttering between levels wondering what killed you how and why, but you know what? That happens to me pretty much every time I play Halo on XBL. Most will just pick this up, play the demo and go "ewwww", which is a pity as they're denying themselves the chance - after a bit of patience to one day pick up, play and go "ahhhhhhh!". One of the finer games on XBL and certainly one of the few that I'll keep coming back to again and again. Undoubtedly one of the best 400 points I've ever spent.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
21
#21 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 4 out of 24
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    20
    With incredibly poor visibility(apparently by design)and a thumping electronica soundtrack peppered with sophomoric sound effects, Space Giraffe offers a generous 100 levels of damn-near-unplayable technoslop. [Oct 2007, p.74]
  2. TeamXbox
    43
    A game that will only appeal to a few people. These players will have to be dedicated to the task of figuring this thing out, like a grueling math problem or logic puzzle.
    Read full review
  3. IC-Games
    79
    Space Giraffe is the type of game that high score tables were made for, but only if you have the patience to figure it all out.
    Read full review
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