Shatter
- March 15, 2010
- Sidhe
Shatter's a solid download that offers a terrific sense of style while also bringing you a really good update of the old Breakout/Arkanoid formula.
Get on Steam"Shatter" is a Science Fiction-themed arcade game with single-player, local multi-player, and co-op options for up to 2 players in split screen. Its innovative controls, physics, power-ups, and boss battles offer a highly interactive experience, with multiple modes like Story, Endless, Boss Rush, and Time Attack. The game boasts vibrant 3D visuals, a retro-inspired synthwave soundtrack, and leaderboard rankings, making it a must-play for arcade enthusiasts.
Mac OS
PC
Linux
PlayStation
Playstation 3
Reviews
- Innovative gameplay mechanics, including the ability to manipulate the ball's trajectory with 'suck' and 'blow' mechanics, add depth and strategy to the classic brick-breaking formula.
- The game features stunning visuals and an outstanding soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, making it a joy to play.
- Variety in level design, including circular and vertical layouts, along with engaging boss battles, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
- Some players find the controls awkward, particularly the inability to remap keys, which can hinder the overall experience.
- The game can become frustrating, especially during the later levels and boss fights, where the chaotic visuals may obscure the ball.
- While the game offers multiple modes, some players feel that the replay value is limited once the story mode is completed.
- music242 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many reviewers praising its electrifying and catchy soundtrack that perfectly complements the gameplay. Composed by "module," the soundtrack features a mix of electronic and synthwave styles, making it a standout element that enhances the overall experience. Many players recommend purchasing the soundtrack separately, highlighting its quality as a significant reason to engage with the game.
“The soundtrack is unbelievably fantastic, and the gameplay is just as exciting as it was back in 2010 when this first came out.”
“The entire soundtrack was composed by Jeremiah Ross (a.k.a. 'Module') who, to my knowledge, had never composed a game soundtrack before working on Shatter.”
“Come for the breakout/arkanoid style gameplay, stay for the deliriously good soundtrack by Module.”
“The soundtrack alone is one of if not the only reason to play this game.”
“Nothing special apart from the music; I wouldn't recommend it to outsiders of the genre.”
“Honestly, it's worth getting for the soundtrack alone, which is nothing short of spectacular.”
- gameplay134 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Shatter" is a modern reimagining of the classic brick-breaking genre, introducing innovative mechanics like the "suck and blow" feature that allows players to manipulate the ball's trajectory, enhancing control and strategy. The game combines vibrant visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and engaging boss battles, making it both fun and addictive, though some players may find the new mechanics challenging to master. Overall, "Shatter" successfully revitalizes the traditional gameplay with fresh elements while maintaining its core appeal.
“Shatter is a love letter to the classic brick-breaker genre, reimagining the familiar gameplay with innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, and an electrifying soundtrack.”
“The innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and electrifying soundtrack make for an unforgettable arcade experience.”
“The push and pull mechanics allow the player to feel like they are always in control of the ball and it greatly reduces the 'takes forever to hit the last few bricks' issue that plagues this genre.”
“The graphics were, well, typical of what I had already considered 'dated Newgrounds graphics' at the time, and the gameplay was quite repetitive.”
“You have so much control over aiming it becomes a joke; the slow one-speed ball and blow mechanic make defending a joke as well. The physics objects fail at making breakout more dynamic, there's nothing to make the stages feel different, there's a huge lack of power-ups, and the new mechanics add nothing.”
“Although there are many game modes and a lengthy campaign, I don't feel this has much replay value considering the base game doesn't introduce anything new besides the physics mechanic.”
- graphics88 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Shatter" are widely praised for their vibrant, colorful art style and polished presentation, effectively blending retro and modern aesthetics. Many reviewers highlight the stunning visuals and impressive special effects, which enhance the overall gameplay experience, although some note that the graphics can feel dated or overly flashy at times. Overall, the combination of striking visuals and a captivating soundtrack contributes to a memorable arcade experience.
“Shatter is a love letter to the classic brick-breaker genre, reimagining the familiar gameplay with innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, and an electrifying soundtrack.”
“The graphics are beautiful and the single-player campaign features fun, constantly changing and beautiful level backgrounds and awesome music.”
“Stunning graphics, awesome soundtrack, and clever/innovative game mechanisms make the brick-breaker genre reinvented.”
“Graphics are very shallow and flashy without being deep or detailed.”
“Disliked: graphics are dated; could use an HD overhaul.”
“Has the 'bullet hell' aesthetic, done amateurishly so that it's nearly impossible to actually play the game through all the visual noise, making it extremely unsatisfying.”
- story46 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story mode in Shatter consists of 10 themed levels, each culminating in a boss fight, providing a structured yet brief narrative experience that players found surprisingly engaging for a game of its type. While the story itself is minimal and somewhat abstract, it serves as a framework to unlock additional gameplay modes, including endless and boss rush, which enhance replayability. Overall, the story mode is considered enjoyable but short, with many players completing it in around two hours.
“The story mode takes you on a journey through various worlds, each with its own set of challenges and bosses.”
“The game has a bunch of game modes, story mode which takes you through the 10 chapters which all have a bunch of levels, some are horizontal, some are vertical, some are even round, and at the end of each chapter there is a boss level, which is just super cool.”
“It's as much classic, old school action as it is a challenging modern day shooter; with its slick visuals, an interesting 'story' mode and the siren song of sweet techno lulling you deeper into the fast-paced levels of varied gameplay.”
“The story mode is rather short and easy.”
“I was surprised it even has some sort of story to begin with, but I don’t really know what kind of story this is.”
“The story is as follows: you are a ping pong thingy, made only to bounce a ball, then you escape, and try to give the others freedom.”
- replayability15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while multiple game modes, co-op play, and high score challenges enhance replay value for some players, others find the base game lacking in new content and feel that the story mode offers limited replayability. Despite these criticisms, many users appreciate the addictive qualities and entertaining bonus modes that contribute to a worthwhile experience.
“It also has multiple game modes including co-op to boost its replayability.”
“Shatter also features a ton of modes and co-op play to extend the replayability further.”
“It fills the bill with endless replayability and some surprisingly addictive qualities.”
“It's short, and you may not find much replayability, but it's a clever little game that's worth a play, if for the soundtrack alone.”
“Although there are many game modes and a lengthy campaign, I don't feel this has much replay value considering the base game doesn't introduce anything new besides the physics mechanic.”
“Story mode lacks replay value, but bonus mode and boss time attack are good, entertaining options when you want a quick game.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its humor, featuring clever wordplay and amusing scenarios that enhance the overall experience. Players find it both entertaining and challenging, making it a great choice for a lighthearted gaming session.
“Very funny, great game to chill out a bit.”
“The whole game has a sense of humor about it (see previously mentioned, as well as 'clock blocked,' 'master batter'... you get the idea).”
“Very challenging, and my adrenaline was leaking out by the time I beat Brian Butz's hilariously low score.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, allowing it to run smoothly on a wide range of hardware, with minimal performance issues or bugs reported.
“The game's optimization is impressive; it runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware.”
“I was surprised at how well the game performs even on lower-end systems.”
“The developers have done a fantastic job ensuring that the game is accessible to everyone, regardless of their setup.”
“The game is riddled with performance issues that make it unplayable on even high-end systems.”
“I experienced constant bugs that severely impacted my gameplay experience.”
“The optimization is so poor that it feels like the game was never properly tested before release.”
