3D Brick Breaker Revolution 2

3D Brick Breaker Revolution 2 – Breakout turns slicker than you’ve ever seen before!

Unless you’ve lived in a box for quite a few years you’ll probably be familiar with the classic brick-breaker style games. This is where you start with a paddle, a ball and a whole load of bricks just waiting for you to smash your way through to clear each level. Well, as you’d expect, this rather classic retro game has seen several attempts on improving on this timeless successful gaming recipe – but few have truly managed to get the balance of sleek design and addictive gameplay just right... that is until now!

I’m pleased to report that 3D Brick Breaker 2 is really something special. You have it all... an irritating omnipotent computer whose sole purpose is to wind you up between each level and make you try harder the next time, excellent controls, beautiful appearance and just about everything has been modified but carefully and lovingly improved to give the retro gamers out there something to be really pleased about and the more modern players to be wowed just as much.

You have three game styles to conquer, time attack, classic and revolution mode. As you’d expect, the revolution mode is an unlimited gaming experience where you must clear the blocks or hit the key blocks to unlock the next level or hidden bonus levels. In classic mode, you have 99 levels which you must clear and only a limited number of lives and three ‘coins’ to continue where you left off – in a very arcade-like gaming experience.

Time attack mode is a challenge where you must try to clear as many blocks and levels as you can against the clock. To access this mode you must first complete three challenges in either of the other two game modes.

As you’d probably be expecting, whenever you clear a block, there’s a chance that you’ll be rewarded by a power-up of some description. These power-ups range from all the normal stuff like unstoppable-ball, bigger paddle, guns, atom-bomb, mine etc. On the other side there are some negative power-ups which you can collect at your own risk e.g. smaller paddle, fast-ball, reverse direction controls etc. The nicest twist on the power-ups, however, is that all the positive ones can be activated at a time that’s best for you rather than automatically. This is done by pressing up or down on the d-pad or keypad and hitting OK or 5 to select the desired one.

The slickest feature by far about this game is the panning camera angles as you move the paddle from side to side. This helps not just give you a very immersing experience but something that surpasses just about all other previous versions of the game. Another nice touch is the close up shot showing your ball approaching and hitting (or missing) the last block on the level – which adds to the tension and excitement this joyful little game gives any player.

Overall, this is a definite must-have for any discerning gamer and quite simply shouldn’t be missed.

Rating 94%

Positives

Excellent detail both in looks and gameplay

Good controls

Nice touches with the camera angles and smooth appearance

Negatives

A tad repetitive

The smug computer who mocks you whenever you’re defeated