This Download Will Shatter Your Expectations (Shatter PSN Review)

Have you ever played Breakout or Arkanoid? Don't worry, I haven't either. Most reviews of Shatter have compared it to brick-breaking games of the past, but I've decided to judge it on its own merits. This PSN download definitely draws from games like Pong, Breakout, and Arkanoid for inspiration, but it's so much more.

Instead of simply hitting a ball back and forth to break blocks, you'll find yourself using the effects of gravity. You control a small ship that can reflect balls back at other objects. Your goal is to destroy every object in your path, while accumulating as many points possible.

Instead of merely reflecting the ball at various angles however, you'll be able to affect the ball's line of motion by sucking and blowing. There are various power-ups and abilities that add even more complexity to Shatter, but really, it's still a game that I'd classify as pick-up and play.

In Shatter, you'll encounter a variety of mission types. These include levels played from a horizontal perspective, a vertical perspective, and inside a circle. The horizontal levels are generally the easiest, with three walls to bank shots off of. In these missions, your ship is rather large in comparison to other objects, so it's easier to reflect the ball back at obstacles.

It's important that you intercept the ball as it comes towards you; otherwise, you'll lose your lives and will have to start the level from the beginning.

Throughout the game, you'll shatter stationary blocks, dodge blocks that try to explode on you, and you'll have to watch out for blocks that are holding different-colored blocks in place. You won't die if you're hit by these obstacles, but they will temporarily knock you off screen, which may cause you to miss the ball and lose one of your precious lives.

Shatter's vertical and circular missions contain obstacles that differ little from those found in the horizontal levels. These missions play similarly, but the directions in which you can aim the ball are different, and so are the gravitational effects.

The circular missions are particularly hard, because you have a smaller space to work with, and it's easier to get hit by obstacles. You'll constantly be dodging blocks and moving your ball by blowing and sucking, so you'll certainly have your hands full.

I haven't yet described exactly what sucking and blowing do, so it's important to do so now. Sucking generally draws the ball towards you, and will cause the sphere to change direction depending upon your location and other gravitational forces. This move also allows you to inhale shards released from objects you've destroyed.

When you collect these shards, a meter on the side of your screen charges that will enable you to execute a special move. Once this meter is full, you have the option of pressing a button to release a rapid-fire spray into the object of your choice. This effect will last until the meter is once again, empty.

Your rapid-fire shot is especially useful against incoming objects and bosses. Yes, you heard that right, bosses. One of Shatter's greatest features is its impressive roster of bosses.

Throughout the game's nine worlds, there are several stages that are each concluded by spectacular boss fights. Some of these bosses are rather simple--you might have to aim the ball at a particular weak point such as a head or tail. Despite the easy nature of certain bosses, other enormous foes with no noticeable weak points may stump you (A hint: make good use of your suck and blow abilities).

What's great about Shatter is that it not only makes use of your reflexes, but it also utilizes your thinking capabilities. Some of the game's difficult bosses may cause you to lose continues, but that's a good thing, as the game is fairly short.

Even though Shatter has nine worlds--each with several stages, this brick-breaker doesn't have much replay value. It'll probably take most players a few hours, but after that, you're only in it for the score. There's not much of an incentive to play again, unless you're someone who can compete on the leader boards.

Shatter won't let you unlock much more than a Boss Rush mode, but many players will want to revisit it at some point anyway, because of its excellent gameplay.

Newcomers who aren't familiar with video games may need some time to adjust to the gameplay mechanics of Shatter, but veteran arcade gamers will like the physics-based gameplay. The excellent gameplay isn't the only thing that'll draw players in however--the music will bring people back as well.

The developer of Shatter thankfully hired a skilled composer who crafted an excellent set of techno tunes. Each song fits the theme of the environment it accompanies, and really adds to the experience. Shatter's futuristic vibe, its intensity, and its sometimes relaxing nature are all accurately conveyed by the music.

Unlike in Space Invaders Extreme, the beats are never in your face, and they feel like they transcend gaming.

If you'd like to play a fun arcade brick-breaking/shooter-hybrid, Shatter is your best bet. Forget brick-breakers like Arkanoid that your grandpa played; you really can't go wrong with a new eight dollar game that has production values that eclipse many XBLA titles.

Like XBLA games, new PSN titles can do well, so it's time to encourage more quality content by purchasing innovative games like Shatter.

Score: 8.5

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