Puzzle Quest: Galactrix Preview

[GameBanshee News]

IGN was able to get some hands-on time with Infinite Interactive's Puzzle Quest follow-up prior to the start of E3.

Instead of one overworld, there is now an enormous star map made up of dozens of solar systems. Each solar system is its own overworld, taking up the entire screen. These areas are presented in a very clean, minimalist style, with heavenly bodies and vessels drawn as wire frames. There are several jump gates in each system that will take you to different sections of the star map, but before you can use these gates you'll have to complete a mini-game. The universe of Galactrix is enormous.

Each solar system is governed by factions with their own systems of government. As long as you're in their good graces, the NPC ships flying around will be green and won't attack you, but you can still engage them if you choose. If a faction isn't happy with you, these ships will turn red and you'll encounter a lot of random battles. When a quest is available, a radar signal will be emitted from a planet or space station. Landing there will trigger a dialogue with an NPC who will give you instructions.