The Galax-O-Matic—A Toy, A Scam, A Cosmic Accident

Spin the dial, own the stars. Or just the tax bill.

On That Other Planet, the Galax-O-Matic is marketed as a harmless plaything, a fun little gadget that lets children design their own galaxies. But here’s the trick—every spin is real. Twist the dial, and somewhere in the PTU, a new star system flares to life. A nebula warps into existence. A black hole decides it’s your problem now. And then the bills start rolling in. Space isn’t free. Every swirl of color, every cluster of stars—somebody’s gotta pay for it. The Capitols giggle as your “game” slaps you with intergalactic zoning laws, gravity fees, and a rapidly compounding cosmic debt. Kids play, adults panic, and somewhere across the universe, a newly formed civilization is filing noise complaints against you.

The Friendly Robot Travel Agency warns that while galaxy creation is thrilling, the paperwork is eternal.

Wishbone Cost: 

Rick’s Review:

"Gave it a spin. Thought I was making a cute little solar system. A week later, I got a notice that my planets had formed a government and I owed them back taxes. Turned the dial again to make it go away. Now I owe two governments."

Rick’s Tee-Hee Rating: