Play The Next Space Online

I picked up The Next Space a while back, an arcade release from 2020 by Galactic Studios. It came out during a time when a lot of smaller developers were putting out these tight, focused shooters that really respected the classics without just copying them. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it does its own thing really well.

You pilot a small, nimble spacecraft through vertically scrolling stages filled with enemy ships and intricate bullet patterns. Your main goal is to survive as long as possible, racking up a high score by destroying everything in your path. The key mechanics involve collecting different weapon power-ups that change your shot type and a screen-clearing bomb you earn by grazing enemy fire. The pacing is relentless; it gets tough quickly, demanding sharp reflexes and smart positioning. It feels incredibly satisfying when you slip through a tight gap in the bullets and unleash a counterattack.