In a 1998 retrospective review, "AllGame" said the strategy stood out amongst other games of its type, describing the gameplay as "perfectly balanced shooting action." Reviewing the NES home version, "GameSpy" called "Galaga" a "must play for arcade freaks", praising the port's accurate representation of the arcade version in terms of its graphics, sound effects and gameplay. "IGN" also praised the NES port's element of strategy within the dual-fighter mechanic and addictive gameplay. "GameSpot", in their review for the Xbox 360 release, stated the gameplay was "as tricky as it ever was", praising the inclusion of online leaderboards and for being a faithful arcade conversion. "Eurogamer" agreed, citing that the leaderboards add to addictiveness.