The action-packed run-and-gun platformer Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork is currently free, 100% free to keep, for Windows and Mac in a limited-time Indiegala’s giveaway offer! Don’t miss out—Glorkian Warrior normally costs US$4.99!
Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork is a fast-paced indie game that combines shooting, platforming, and cartoon-style visuals in a futuristic setting where the goal is to fight off endless waves of invading aliens. It was developed by Pixeljam and originally released on March 13, 2014.
Published by Pixeljam itself and available for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows, Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork was well-received by critics. Additionally, it boasts hundreds of very positive reviews from players on Steam—at least for now.
You can get the game here!
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Synopsis
A comic-styled mashup of Galaga-style shoot-em-up, simple platforming action, and Saturday morning cartoon. In collaboration with Eisner-award-winning cartoonist James Kochalka!
Gameplay
As mentioned earlier, Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork blends classic arcade elements, especially Space Invaders, with a cartoony aesthetic and a humorous tone. You take on the role of an intergalactic warrior who must face waves of enemies while collecting items and power-ups to enhance their abilities.
The game features simple controls:
- Movement – The A and D keys allow for lateral movement.
- Jumping – The player can jump using the W key.
- Auto-Fire – The player’s weapon fires continuously, without the need to press additional buttons.
During each stage, enemies appear in patterns inspired by classic shoot ‘em ups, requiring quick reflexes to dodge attacks and eliminate threats. Players can also collect cream crackers, which charge the weapon and can be converted into credits.
The game offers a variety of power-ups that modify the player’s shots, including:
- Rapid Fire, which increases the shooting speed.
- Twisty Lasers, which follow curved patterns.
- Fireballs, projectiles that bounce off the ground.
Enemies follow different attack patterns, with some performing aerial dives. Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork also features random events and comedic moments, including quirky interactions between characters.
Despite its cartoony appearance, the gameplay becomes increasingly challenging as the player progresses, demanding quick strategies to survive the ever-growing chaos of battle.
About the game
Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork is a collaboration between Eisner Award winning cartoonist James Kochalka and indie game studio Pixeljam, makers of DINO RUN and POTATOMAN SEEKS THE TROOF.
It’s a goofy mashup of Galaga-style shoot-em-up, simple platforming action, and Saturday morning cartoon.
Help Glorkian Warrior and his trusty Super Backpack fight against an endless onslaught of alien creatures, and be prepared for anything… the Magic Robot appears when you least expect it, and might shower you with exploding basketballs… or kittens… or cakes!
Collect energy crackers and power up an awesome arsenal of double lasers, triple lasers, rockets, fireballs, tennis balls & more while the invaders hypnotize you with their mesmerizing attack patterns. Perhaps you may even uncover the legendary Flarf Gun and save the world.
You will have so much fun trying and dying, again and again…. but no matter how miserable your performance, each play session will add to your progress and unlock new features to keep your fingers and fun zone fully engaged!
Can you reach the rank of Glorkian General or will you forever stay a Soft-Boned Space Cadet?
GLORK!
Features
- Art & story by James Kochalka, First Cartoonist Laureate for the state of Vermont!
- Procedurally generated invader flight patterns and formations, with many landscapes to explore.
- Endearing characters and all-ages humor.
- Based on Kochalka’s graphic novel “The Glorkian Warrior Delivers a Pizza”.
- YES!
Trivia
- Game Engine – Glorkian Warrior: The Trials of Glork was developed using the Adobe AIR engine.
- Release History – The game was initially launched for iOS (iPhone and iPad) on March 13, 2014, followed by Windows and Macintosh versions on November 12, 2014. On March 24, 2015, it was released on Steam, and on March 12, 2015, it arrived on Android via Noodlecake Studios Inc. Later, on June 1, 2019, it was given away for free on Indiegala’s some giveaway offer, and this wasn’t the only time.
- Unusual Art Style – The cartoony design might seem odd at first, but it fits well with the game’s humor and tone. One reviewer even mentioned that they initially disliked the visuals but changed their mind after playing.
- Quirky Dialogues – The game features bizarre character interactions, such as nonsensical conversations and comedic threats—some enemies even say they will “scream” if the player doesn’t obey them.
- References to Classics – While its gameplay is directly inspired by Space Invaders, the game also plays with arcade mechanics, including shooting patterns and power-ups.
- Self-Deprecating Humor – The protagonist (and the player) often make comments about failure or the game’s difficulty, adding an extra layer of comedy to the experience.