By looking at a screenshot of Shatter, you might think it is just another Arkanoid clone. Think again. Shatter offers a fresh take on what has become a dated genre.
Like Geometry Wars 2, players collect shards from destroyed blocks. The gameplay mechanic consists of pushing and pulling a wind current from the ball in play. This allows you to aim your ball, but it is difficult, likely by effect, to place the ball exactly where you want it to go.
Once you collect enough pieces, you can unleash a move that wipes out your foes extremely quickly, for a short period of time. Powerups like extra life and breakability also fall from the blocks.
Once you clear all of the blocks, you move to the next wave. At the end of all of the waves in the level, you will battle a boss with a bright red weak point. Bosses are varied and are rare to see today in this variety of shoot 'em up.
If the action isn't fast enough for you, extra balls can be shot out and you have the power of creating multiball action when you want it. This is a unique way to change up the difficulty and add an additional level of strategy.
Shatter's levels are very short, only taking a couple of minutes and the lack of loading makes the game even harder to put down. The 10 stages are extremely varied, with some horizontal, vertical and circular varieties. Simple, crisp graphics complement the suburb electronic/futuristic soundtrack.
In another tribute to Geo Wars 2, your friend's next highest score is shown at all times to entice you to keep playing.
The only minor shortcoming of Shatter is the amount of content. You will be having so much fun that you can blast through the single player mode in a couple of hours. Co-op or versus mode would have been an interesting addition but there are a couple of small modes, unlocked after completing the story mode, that don't offer much replayability.
Shatter adds a lot of flavor to a traditional block breaker game. With definite influence from Geometry Wars and other HD remakes, Shatter is a must buy for almost anyone.
Pros: Addictive gameplay, appealing graphics and soundtrack, interesting take on outdated genre
Cons: Could use more levels
GamePro Score: 4.5
Editor's Choice
Shatter is best viewed in motion. Check out some gameplay after the jump!
The Info – Developer: Sidhe, Publisher: Sidhe, ESRB: E, Players: 1, Price: $10
