Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Game
Game2015
Stardust Vanguards
Developer Zanrai Interactive
STARDUST VANGUARDS is a local four-player dueling game combining arcade-style battling with the ability to summon your own NPC army as support! But be careful: a random event system dynamically alters the flow of battle with NPC space pirates gunning for victory themselves! From the Steam store page
84 reactions from 2 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky) · newest Jun 13, 2026 · last updated Oct 8, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
80
LovedLoved
64 positive · 16 negative
95% range 70–87%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 64 | 16 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 0 | 0 | 0 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
4 newer reactions are still waiting for a label.
Steam's own rating
Mostly Positive
94 of 120 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What people are saying
Summary pending — the reactions are listed below.
Reactions
60 of 84 · most liked firstI highly reccommend this game. One of my favorite games on steam. Oh, and if you are reading this Zanrai, PLEASE add online play. Sure, it's not as good as local, but it's better than solo. I don't have many friends to play locally.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's like a 4-way bullet hell game in space. You pilot your Totally-Not-a-Gundam around the screen and try to kill all your friends. Everything is a one-hit-kill, but you can reflect projectiles with your blade or use a Super Smash Bros. -style bubble shield to block. Alternatively, there's a little dash you can use to dodge or close in on an enemy. The game gets really interesting when players collect "RP", because spending RP lets players call in units from offscreen. The more RP a player…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →(Note: I've only played the single-player portion to any significant degree) Although it's perhaps a little light on content for the price (especially for solo players), Stardust Vangaurds oozes style and boasts a rocking soundtrack to duke it out with friends to. With a few minor balancing tweaks in Co-op (keeping Reinforce points between waves to discourage just blowing them all constantly, always reloading bullets at wave-halfway marks rather than only if you're empty, allied ships sticking…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Stardust Vanguards is a fantastic game for local play. (Note that there is NO ONLINE MULTIPLAYER, only local co-op & local multiplayer) There are quite a few "local multiplayer only" games on Steam these days, and if you like those sorts of games, you will like this game! The singelplayer consist of Wave Survival with 4 difficulties and it's really challenging. But it can get a little bit monotonous in the long run. But the multiplayer is where the game shines, it's fast, hectic, tactical,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →TLDNR: I Bloody love Stardust Vanguards very much. Let me start off by saying I really love Stardust Vanguards a lot. Stardust Vanguards is a great Local multiplayer game, but unfortunately no online multiplayer. It has some of the most fun 4 player craziness. The deathmatch is a lot of fun. Especially when you unlock the custom deathmatch. I had a friend over and we played deathmatch with infinite bullets, full reinforcement points, and the maximum amount of pirate encounters. There was so…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game is fun, fast, light. If you carry around a set of controllers, you can waste time at your job or school playing this. A must for old school gamers and Gundam-Robotech fans.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Amazing game, but really, really needs online multiplayer.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Amazing soundtrack and fun gameplay i recommend this game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →its like ZOE 2 but its 2D
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you don't have people to play this game in person with and you don't have controllers: I wouldn't bother getting this game. You won't get much out of it. If you do however it's pretty great. It's fast paced, it's fun, it's highly skill based. You should get a good few hours of fun out of it at the very least. On top of that it's a really cheap game. Try to get it on sale if you can, but there are much worse ways to spend $4.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Who the hell is this for? This game has no online multiplayer, and expects people to own 4 xbox 360 controllers, and a TV-sized computer monitor (or hook up a tv) in order to fully enjoy this game. This should have just been released on consoles, because this type of game is what they were designed for. Nobody invites 3 other people over to huddle around a tiny (compared to a TV) computer monitor and play on controllers. Got this game as part of a bundle and am baffled by the developers…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →**********Give Away and Video Review************* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZogN4qpqRY&feature=youtu.be _________________________________________________________ Where do I even begin with Stadust Vanguards? The cool music and sounds? The fast paced gameplay? The well balanced and awesome multiplayer? To put it quite simply, Stardust Vanguards is amazing. Very seldom does a game come around that immediately grabs you in and feel this awesome. I'll go ahead and start with the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Addictive little space combat game. Wish I had another ally/opponent to play against at the moment as it really is meant for a social setting. Would LOVE to see this in an arcade box since the style has 90s arcade written all over it. Great soundtrack and solid gameplay.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Not a ton of replayability, but have some friends over and you'll get your money's worth out of the low price tag anyway. Also, the soundtrack is fantastic.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Nice co-op and deat match style game with a good variety of attack and defence strategy. Very enjoyable to play. Somewhat repetitive but good fun with a few friends.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is awesome. The developer managed to create a game with simple and limited mechanics that is SUPER FUN to play. It is impressive how such a simple game can be so good. + Pros: + Beautiful pixel art; + Gundams! + Fast-paced-1-shot-death gameplay; + Bullet reflection through sword swing at right timing; + Balanced, because it is only skill-based; + Limited ammo and ally droids forces you to use you sword frequently; - Cons: - No online multiplayer (PLEASE CODE THIS, DEVELOPERS! I know…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I got this game in a humble bundle the reasons i cant recomend it is that: * no online multiplayer * practicaly all of the game is local multiplayer * its designed for xbox controllers pretty hard to play using keyboard * single player gameplay is just survival not very fun
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Alright... about 20 minutes into this I can easily say 'Get it now'. And by now, I mean while it's on sale at .99 cents. It's a steal, even if you play *local* co-op once in a blue moon. You can always play waves vs. the computer as well. This game oozes 16 bit mecha style. The soundtrack is great as well. Playing as something like a gundam in a sort of twin-stick shooter. You can engage your shields. Slice enemies with your energy sword, which also can bat away bullets with a well-timed…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A very fun and fast mecha game to play with friends. However, I have no friends to play localy with so kind of defeats the purpose. Would love online multiplayer or a lan feature but still, really fun and highly recomended Pros: -simple controls -actuon packed combat -great gameplay
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →You and your friends are now space
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Stardust Vanguards offers a charming old-school experience with a retro aesthetic and simple yet responsive controls. The four-player local co-op mode is captivating and smooth. If you stick a bit longer, you can explore some (mildly grindy) unlockables, like space soccer and custom mode (which are good for some goofy matches). Unfortunately, the allure of Stardust Vanguards begins to fade relatively quickly, and you notice a lack of replayability (and may run into rare resolution and…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fun game to play with friends locally especially for the price
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There is no point to buying this game. It's a local multiplayer game, with no solo campaign or anything to do. Theres a co-op you can solo play but its just fight the same 3 units in the same order for 9 waves on levels with the same background but slightly different obstacles. Theres no online multiplayer. Even if there were the game is boring. You all play the same unit, which can shield, slash, and has a limited number of special shots, and thats it. The worst part is the direction of the…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →great retro-arcade style game. Anyone could easily put hours into this game thanks to its simple, addictive nature. I can imagine it being especially popular at parties and whatnot considering the lower difficulties offer players of any skill-level a chance of winning. Pros Authentic retro feel soundtrack Tons of content Cons Lack of differentiation in playable characters
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great Game! Recommend to bring friends If you want an intense Mecha/Gundam Shoot Em Up Battle!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Simple, yet fun and engaging game for people that still stay true to local multiplayer. During the sales it'd be a waste not to buy this game. There`s just one thing that's holding me off from playing it further in survival mode: I appearently have too good reflexes for this game. If I hit an enemy and instantly face the opposite direction (commonly known as hit and run) Ill get knocked back inside the enemy, which is a simple to fix and minor bug, but it makes the game somewhat unplayable for…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Shake your laser sword to defeat drones. Basically the North Korean defense agency. 10/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really fun, between the soundtrack and the screen being flooded with enemies and bullets, this game gets intense fast! While I'd recomend this game to anyone, I do have only two issues: 1st; This game is local multiplayer only. If you don't have anyone to play this game with, your limited in your options and are likely not getting the full exp for the game. 2nd; And this goes hand in hand with the first issue; I really wish there was an online component to this, would make things way easier to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Saw these guys at SXSW and just had to pickup the game. Had an amazing time playing 4 player battles in my living room after the convention. The game is simple to understand and hard to master perfect for this genre. The new update coming up should give it some nice polish as well.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Ballsy game with mechs and super quick battle between galaxies. Good for coop. Otherwise skip. Only survival mode is available for single player. Deflect bullets and shoot everything that is moving! Under $1 it's ok.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Bought for fifty cents. FIFTY CENTS. The soundtrack alone would be worth that. Only played solo so far, but it's fun -- I imagine with more players it's more fun. Get it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game is F****** Good it is really fun to play with a group of friend just plug your laptop into the tv have hours of fun. I give 10 Hell Yes
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →its a mech survival game if your intrested
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Stardust Vanguards is a great local multiplayer game and a must have for anyone who likes playing with friends locally I managed to get this game for free through a steam code givaway back around late 2015 and let me just say, it's pretty good even today. This game has great potential for anyone with a few controllers and some people to play it with. When it comes to local mulitplayer games, this is a must have. Co-op wave based survival with teammates is a blast if you are looking for a bit…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game: Stardust Vanguards Genre: Action Publisher/Developer: Zanrai Interactive System: Steam (PC) Total Score: 72/100 Value Score: 7.2/10 • Story: 3/10 • Characters: 6/10 • GamePlay: 7/10 • Graphics: 7/10 • Sound: 8/10 • Music: 7/10 • Length: 7/10 • Replay Value: 9/10 • Player Value: 8/10 Pros +Great multiplayer game up to 2-4 players can play +Includes a single player/co-op mode which 1-4 players can play +4 types of difficulty (Easy, Normal, Hard and a Endurance mode) +Custom deathmatch…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is now more popular at my game parties than Smash Bros. I will buy anything these devs make, now. NOW STOP READING AND PLAY!!!!!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Stardust Vanguards is an incredibly fast paced game that captures the feel of giant robot battles very well in spite of being only 2d. From the interesting mechanics like deflecting bullets and dashing, to the ones that make the game feel very rooted in it's inspiration like limited ammo forcing players into knife fights, the game does a good job of being fast paced and fun. The only thing it's missing is a multiplayer mode other than hotseat.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I was shocked by how much I've enjoyed playing this game - but it is truly a great time. The fun of laser swords and bullet hell and the challenge/risk+reward of trying to build up more Reinforcement Points to summon in a major fleet to your aid...Awesome.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Stardust has amazing game mechanics, i love how the best way to win a co-op is not to run in sword swinging but dodge bullets and bide your time to deflect them back, along with the soundtrack this game is top notch. I only wish i could play it online with my friends but i suppose if you're going for the arcade-y look local multiplayer is the obvious option
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Waves upon waves of enemis attack you as you can play with 1-4 players. 4 unique characters with their own skill(s)? Pretty fun, I guess it's okay. 7/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Please please PLEASE add either a singleplayer mode or online mode...the game is so much fun, but forever alone is not helping :c (and the 10 wave limit on the current solo mode is barely enough to get me started >_> ...maybe infinite waves?) Fun fact: bought the game because of the track Chronicle of the Stardust Vanguards by Jason Koohi...it's sooooo good!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →An interesting mix of mecha and anime with simple visuals and awesome music. Playing it with friends is what makes this game great. Playing it solo...not so much.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Check out the video below for full detail! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPACCUc9dCI&index=6&list=PLytCO5xqmu5BjSpszXtkDJnA-BXSz3FM_
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Top 8 Stardust Vanguards - Wanted to give this game its flowers. I've used it once before and it's really, really good. I knew the crowd would react to the incoming ships and they delivered. This game can go anywhere in bracket, opener included.
unlabelledView post →LF: Stardust Vanguards (PC, 2015) Explain to players how the unit summoning mechanic works and watch for who dies first, in case the remaining player loses to the NPC adds afterwards. Otherwise a really sick game that feels great in action. Undeniably cool but still a late round pick only imo
unlabelledView post →Stardust Vanguards is an older game from 2015. It's a venerable 9 years old at the time of this review. And it's an unusual game, being a console (PS4) ported 2D retro pixel (ugh) hybrid co-op/PvP local multiplayer brawler/bullet hell/soldier attack game where you fight with or against other players (if there were any, there are none) but also summon your own units to help fight for you. Some clever ideas all wasted on a console centric retro pixel garbage presentation and the bewildering…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →4 cards worth aroudn 20c.. 420 blaze it Good soundtrack.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good games to play with friends as a couch party game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The online mode sucks, I never can link up to anyone else, and if you play Single Player you are bound to get pwned in unfair ways.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Mech dashes with swords?! You got me!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Tried playing 4 player on a steamlink. Only player 1 worked, the other game pads (360 and ps4 controllers) did not work.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Terrible DirectInput gamepad support. For a 4 player local multiplayer game. Bravo. Blinking mouse cursor bug for me (which makes it difficult to play with a keyboard): http://steamcommunity.com/app/341530/discussions/0/351660338701792490/
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →gf loved this game. crazy price. get it
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →pros -flashy graphics -interesting pixel art cons -feels floaty -unengaging level design
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →First starting out, the controls/UI are weird to look at. But if you like games like Starwhal, Towerfall, or ScreenCheat for local multiplayer purposes, its definitely worth getting this game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Piece of ♥♥♥♥. Says full controller support but it wasn't having none of that and theres no control settings for keyboard. [At least in main menu, the games focuses so much on local co-op that it gets too boring quick enough for you to even use the in-match menu]. Bad game, drink sink cleaner before buying.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →this game is amazing
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →You have a laser-sword and fly a rocket-powered mech suit in *space*! This game is amazing. Extremely well balanced and fun, you can customize matches to be as fair or crazy as you like. I love tons of battle events. The designers did a great job of making the game fast-paced and exciting - every move matters! Highly recommended as a fast-paced fun action game with friends.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →As soon as you understand what-the-balls is going on in Stardust Vangaurds, all you wanna do is laser-slash your friends and beat them down with space-bullets. Now, who wants to help me figure out how to start an indie brawler arcade? 8.5 Full review: http://plus10damage.com/blog/2015/2/25/space-robot-brawlmania-stardust-vanguards-review
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →p. good 9/10 for effort
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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