In Cosmo 2010, war was beginning. The Mado syndicate conquers the galaxy, and the only hope of defeating their ruler Madius is the last of the cyborg Universal Police, Galivan! And that's all told to a single image if you wait a bit after the title screen. This obscure Famicom game never saw an English release (at least this version of it), and it's one of those odd games that went unnoticed for doing things that other games became famous for.

The game follows Galivan as he fights his way through 6.5 areas, each with different hazards and enemies, with occasional visits to an alien dimension. The enemies include bipedal lobster things, cyborg centaurs, long-haired jerks with stupid-long flails, floating toadstools, and fairies. Galivan's primary weapons are energy blades, though you also get a variety of subweapons and items that consume "CP" when used. After an early upgrade, Galivan can even block enemy shots with his blades, though it is very tricky to do so and not all projectiles can be blocked (without a second, later powerup). Killing enemies levels Galivan up, boosting his HP and CP, and even his blades eventually level up with enough murder. In addition to HP and CP pickups (which restore more when you level up as well), there's also "GP" pickups that, when the meter is filled, grant Galivan an armoured suit. The armour halves damage, but getting hit will reduce the GP meter and eventually lose the armour. It says a lot that the most useful item in the game bar none is the one that instantly gives you armour and infinite GP until you leave the current screen.

The areas get larger as you go along, and each area has special abilities and items that are required to proceed. Whether it's a crystal to reveal hidden lifts or portals, a new subweapon to open passages, or a passive bonus like seeing in dark areas or jumping higher, each area will have you running back and forth to get new gear and unlock the way forward. Unlike other early Metroidvanias, Galivan has a remarkable feature that sets it apart: NPCs who give you hints on how to proceed. There are some fiendishly-evil tricks, but most secrets aren't too hard to figure out. Not all NPCs are friendly, especially in the alien dimension—some are monsters that will ask you a question, and may attack depending on your choice. Some will even try to bilk you out of your CP (save for the one who actually will give you a vital item if you pay the price). It's amusing when a monster leaves you alone because you say you're not Galivan or you say you're scared to fight it, but quite annoying when you come upon a monster that requires you to blow all of your CP in order to get what you need.

The most major flaw in the game comes from grinding. Not Galivan himself; he actually gains levels at a reasonable rate. Rather, it's grinding your blades. Each blade has three levels, and each subsequent blade requires more and more EXP to level up. You don't have to level up your blades...except each area gives you a new blade, which is the only weapon that can damage the end-of-area bosses. For some of the bosses, taking them on without at least a B-level blade is utter suicide. In addition, the final blade's power is based on how many of the other blades you've trained to A-level. So expect to spend quite a bit of time stabbing things.

All in all, Galivan can be annoying at times, but it is a solid experience without the cryptic jerkwadiness of Metroid or Castlevania II. It's even accompanied by some pretty cool tunes. If only it had gotten the chance to shine in the west...curse you, Japan!