Idle Brick Breaker
- July 11, 2020
- Tech Tree Games
- 19h median play time
"Idle Brick Breaker" is a simulation game that offers unique gameplay mechanics, charming graphics, and humor. As a twist on classic Breakout, you earn cash while balls break bricks. However, the game can be quite grindy, has too many ads, and experiences bugs, which may hinder the overall experience.
Reviews
- The game is visually appealing with a relaxing soundtrack, making it enjoyable to play.
- No forced ads, allowing players to choose when to watch ads for bonuses.
- The progression system is engaging, with various ball types and upgrade options.
- Progression can be very slow, especially after reaching higher levels, making it feel tedious.
- The cost of upgrades and new balls increases dramatically, which can be frustrating.
- The game does not allow for offline level progression, limiting the idle aspect.
- monetization693 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the absence of forced ads and the option to watch ads for bonuses. However, there are significant complaints about the high prices for in-app purchases, particularly the $10 fee to remove ads, which some consider steep for a mobile game. While some players find the optional ads beneficial for progression, others feel that the game increasingly pushes for microtransactions, leading to a perception of it being a cash grab.
“I bought the $10 startup pack not because I 'took the bait' of some well-placed in-app purchase dopamine hook, but rather because this is a beautiful, idle twist on a classic game with no forced ads.”
“I'm enjoying this game so far; as others have said, the in-app purchases are a bit high, but I also don't think the ads are overwhelming or too frequent, so if you don't like the price, don't buy it, no big deal.”
“This game is actually really good, and I have even bought the no ads and starter pack.”
“I also purchased the bundle to remove ads and still get loads of ads from the game asking me to buy more bundles.”
“The in-app purchases are massively overpriced considering the game genre, but it at least makes you think twice before making a purchase.”
“It makes this one feel more like a rushed cash grab than anything.”
- music283 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and relaxing qualities, making it a perfect backdrop for gameplay and even for helping players unwind or fall asleep. However, many users express a desire for more variety in the soundtrack, as the current selection can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the game's standout features, contributing significantly to the overall experience.
“The music and visuals are enjoyable; it's almost as if this is more of an interactive visualization than a video game.”
“The music is amazing, so calm!”
“The music is peaceful and even when I stop paying attention to the game, I'm still listening to the music.”
“Could do with more music before it repeats.”
“My main critique is the lack of soundbytes/music can get very repetitive.”
“I just wish there was more music variety.”
- gameplay126 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as simplistic and engaging, resembling a tower defense style where players focus on upgrades rather than complex mechanics. While many appreciate the relaxing nature and visual appeal, there are frequent complaints about heavy monetization, slow progression, and a lack of depth in gameplay options. Overall, it offers a casual experience suitable for idle gaming, but players desire more variety and less reliance on ads and in-app purchases.
“The gameplay itself is even quite engaging and prestiging doesn't feel crippling.”
“Great concept, enjoyable zen-like procession through levels and great gameplay concepts with the various ball types.”
“Simple yet dynamic gameplay, a great idle-style game.”
“The game is extremely basic and heavily monetized; within the first 24 hours, I was prompted to spend over $100 on benefits, some of which use currency so rare within the gameplay that it's laughable to even consider it a part of the game.”
“There's no real gameplay to speak of, just a bunch of mechanics to get you to view ads, install other ad-ridden games, or take surveys.”
“Entire gameplay loop based around perverse mental manipulation to get you spending unreasonable amounts of money for what should be basic gameplay progression.”
- graphics84 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple, minimalist, and aesthetically pleasing, with many players appreciating the calming visuals and vibrant colors. However, some users feel that the graphics could be improved, particularly in terms of detail and effects, suggesting a need for more variety and sparkle. Overall, while the visuals contribute positively to the game's relaxing atmosphere, there is a consensus that enhancements could elevate the experience further.
“The music and visuals are enjoyable; it's almost as if this is more of an interactive visualization than a video game.”
“Very well made game overall, beautiful graphics and visuals to be as simple as it is.”
“Fun, slow progression, beautiful graphics, no forced ads, and simple.”
“Im usually a fan of minimalistic graphics, but the game takes it too far - it needs a little bit of sparkle.”
“Only 4 stars because the gameplay is fun, but the graphics are, well, lacking.”
“Not worth it, the graphics aren't the best; once you get to a certain point, you basically can't do anything but wait.”
- grinding42 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game features a significant amount of grinding, which many players find tedious and time-consuming, especially when it comes to leveling up skills and acquiring upgrades. While some appreciate the grind as a means of progression, others criticize it for being excessive and lacking variety, leading to a feeling of stagnation. Overall, the grinding aspect is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying the casual nature of it, while others feel it detracts from the overall experience.
“Great little time-waster, however it suffers from a massive lack of variety and very grindy leveling of your skills.”
“Honestly too grindy, I don't feel myself getting anywhere with such low prestige rewards (of about 0.1 or 0.2 multipliers).”
“Microtransactions seem to give huge advantages, and progress without paying is slow and tedious.”
- stability22 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- -9 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous reports of bugs, freezing, and glitches, particularly after recent updates. Players have experienced issues with ad rewards not functioning, slow game progression, and problems with cloud saves, making the overall experience feel unfinished and frustrating. While some users find enjoyment in the gameplay, the persistent technical issues hinder its recommendation.
“No glitches so far, and it's a really easy mining game without being pay-to-play.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, making for a seamless experience.”
“I've experienced consistent performance with no lag, which enhances the overall gameplay.”
“Buggy gameplay, broken ad rewards, no backup of player data, game progression is far too slow...the list goes on, but it makes this a hard one to recommend in its current form.”
“Unfortunately, it freezes sometimes when it tries to retrieve an ad.”
“After this last update, I have noticed a few glitches.”
- story19 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a strong desire for a more developed story and mission system within the game, with players suggesting the addition of quests, challenges, and daily tasks to enhance engagement and provide a sense of progression. Many users feel that the current gameplay lacks narrative depth and would benefit from a structured mission framework to keep the experience fresh and motivating. Overall, while the game is considered addictive, the absence of a compelling story and varied missions is seen as a significant drawback.
“Other than that and the UI being a bit clunky, the game is pretty good, but I'd love to see some kind of story like in Armory and Machine or Exponential Idle.”
“I'd like to see quests or challenges.”
“Needs a story maybe.”
“Could use a quests or daily task option for earning diamonds (don't make them easy of course) but just to have a better option for people who can't pay for them or don't have the time or patience for waiting on diamonds to spawn.”
“I love this so far I wish that there was another way to earn diamonds like side quests or something.”
- humor10 mentions
- 90 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it amusing and a good time passer, despite some concerns about in-game purchases and pricing. Many appreciate the light-hearted nature of the game, with some even finding the developer's responses to feedback hilarious. However, a few users noted that the humor may not be consistent across all levels.
“Play a different game edit: even though I still think the game could use a lot of work and fine-tuning, the developer's response was hilarious so I'm bumping this up to a 3.”
“Super funny, and very easy to understand.”
“Funny and easy time consumer.”
“Not funny; all levels are the same.”
“The jokes fell flat and felt repetitive.”
“I expected more humor, but it just didn't land.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers a mixed bag of replayability; while some players appreciate the prestige system and varying unlock orders that enhance replay value, others feel it lacks depth and could benefit from additional upgrade options. Despite these criticisms, many still find it a fun and engaging idle game that keeps them entertained.
“Great game with a lot of replay value.”
“Good replayability because of the different order the balls are unlocked during each prestige.”
“The prestige system is nice and adds replayability.”
“Replayability is lacking.”
“There isn't much incentive to play the game again.”
“Once you've completed it, there's little reason to return.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players report significant performance issues, particularly stuttering and lag, especially as the number of effects and upgrades increases. Many express a desire for options to disable certain visual effects to improve performance, indicating that the game's optimization is lacking and could benefit from user-customizable settings. Overall, while the game offers engaging challenges, its optimization leaves much to be desired.
“The tournaments and challenges add a fun way to see who has optimized their game the most.”
“Decent, definitely needs some user optimization.”
“Would greatly appreciate a way to toggle off effects such as the glow from poison/splash balls and the particle effects when a block is destroyed, as performance decreases as you get more and more balls.”
“It always reaches a point where the stuttering and stalling is so significant that you would make better progress with fewer balls and fewer upgrades.”
“The stuttering up and down is infuriating me after a few hours of game time.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be a heartfelt adventure, particularly enjoying the emotional connection to the act of destroying 'brickons.' While they appreciate the overall experience, they express a desire for additional features and upgrades that could enhance gameplay and emotional engagement.
“Like a heartfelt adventure by destroying the 'brickons'.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is generally described as relaxing and enjoyable, though some players feel it lacks a social element. Suggestions for improvement include the addition of multiplayer features or community events to enhance the overall experience.
“Great game with a chill atmosphere.”