Shatter Review
Shatter is a block breaking game on the PlayStation Network that brings back fits of nostalgia that then surpasses those thoughts. You'll have to go through several different levels destroying all the bricks as well as facing off against bosses. You'll have to collect the falling fragments to power yourself up as well as collect the power ups to power up your ball.
Graphically the backgrounds look amazing. The bricks all have a very unique look to them. I do have to say that there are some backgrounds that distract from the game, but overall I can't really complain. The Bosses each have a very unique look to them as well, you're going to have to figure each of thier weaknesses as you play (if you're playing Story Mode).
Music wise you have a variety of techno inspired music (that if you want to you can download them for a price). Most of the music has you bobbing your head and getting more into the game, but there are those couple where you really wish you could just change the song.
The controls are really simply. You're going to use the left analog to move the paddle back and forth to make sure your the ball doesn't fall out of the level. You'll also be utilizing the L1+L2 and the R1+R2 buttons to suck the fragments towards your paddle, or to change the path of the ball, and sometimes some of the falling bricks.
So this is basically your average bricks game with techno music, pretty solid graphics, and levels that vary enough to keep you wanting more. The bosses battles, though difficult, give the player something else to plan for. The bonus levels as well will test the player at how fast they can react, if one can react with lightning speed you're going to see your score soar.
I've really enjoyed this game, and I plan on coming back to it again and again to try to get better. My current weakness is the circular levels where I just don't seem to get my paddle in the right place at the right time. If you're looking for a game that has more than just a rinse and repeat of hit ball break bricks, this is the game for you. Oh and before I forget all those fragments you've been collecting can be used to either unleash a severe attack upon the level, or the stored up power can be used little by little to protect the paddle from falling bricks, which if they hit the unprotected paddle will knock it off the level for a second before returning to its regular spot. This game gets an 8.8 out of 10.
