Play Galaga 3 Online

Galaga 3 came out in 1984, and you can play it today through MAME, the arcade emulator. It was developed by Namco, the same company behind the original Galaga, and it arrived during a time when shooters were still defining the arcade experience. This one doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it builds on a familiar formula with a few new ideas.

You control a small ship at the bottom of the screen, moving left and right to avoid enemy fire while shooting back at waves of insect-like aliens. The main goal is to survive as long as possible, clearing each formation before moving to the next stage. Key mechanics include the ability to capture a second ship to double your firepower, and facing boss enemies that require precise timing to defeat. The pacing is relentless; enemies dive aggressively, and the screen often fills with intricate bullet patterns. It feels tense and demanding, a pure test of reflexes and pattern recognition.