Break 'Em All

 DS
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
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  1. Yahoo!
    70
    Some sort of tutorial mode covering all the new features would have been nice, but all-in-all, what's here is a good little time-waster. If you're looking for a break from the mundane, give it a spin.
  2. GameZone
    70
    This is the best of its kind, but understand that the game uses a very repetitive formula. There was no way around that, not with a paddle, balls, and multi-colored blocks being your only gameplay pieces.
  3. Nintendo Power
    70
    As for its single player component, Break 'em All has you competing against high scores, which gives the title an arcade feel that may not appeal to everyone. [Aug 2006, p.85]
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  5. GamerFeed
    70
    At first I thought it was going to put me to sleep because I had played games like it before, but its nuances, however subtle, make it a slick budget title.
  6. Nintendojo
    69
    Although the game isn't the most beautiful out there, the draw is based solely on gameplay, which is rare these days.
  7. Game Chronicles
    68
    The best part about this title is that once you get in, it plays just like the original in all its addictive glory.
  8. IGN
    65
    Break 'em All admittedly feels just as budget-oriented as the price that's attached to it. On the plus side, you're getting a solid playing and controlling Breakout clone for, at most, 20 bucks which isn't a bad deal at all.
  9. GameSpot
    63
    This budget-priced "Arkanoid" clone has its moments of creativity, but mostly it's just a serviceable puzzler that offers little outside of well-worn territory.
  10. GamesRadar+
    60
    We're not harping on how simple the game is (in fact, this is great for casual players), but there's only so much brick-busting one can take before it's time to move on.
  11. Cheat Code Central
    60
    Break ‘Em All is not big on presentation, and that could easily be overlooked if the ball physics wasn’t broken. I would seriously advise that you rent this game first because the more difficult it gets, the more control you will have to exert over the ball and that just isn’t going to happen.
  12. 1UP
    60
    It's not exactly a radical reinvention of the genre -- but, then, it's not meant to be. As simple, straightforward arcade-style action with a few unobtrusive additions at a budget price, it's a smashing success.
  13. Nintendo Gamer
    59
    An imbalanced "Gradius"-style powerup system makes getting multiballs and sticky bats far too easy, so you'll find you attention wandering as you clatter unchallenged through one bland brick wass after another. [Aug 2006, p.67]
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Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best DS Game of 2006
71
#71 Most Discussed DS Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. D.P.
    Aug 27, 2007
    7
    If you want a fairly decent Breakout/Arkanoid game for the DS, this will do nicely. You can use the triggers or stylus to move the bat and If you want a fairly decent Breakout/Arkanoid game for the DS, this will do nicely. You can use the triggers or stylus to move the bat and there's a mixed collection of powerups. There's a large selection of set and random levels.… Full Review »
  2. TonyG.
    Aug 1, 2006
    7
    i say 7.5 to be exact. game reminds me of arkanoid and gradius in one.had alot of fun with this one. stylus control is a big plus on this i say 7.5 to be exact. game reminds me of arkanoid and gradius in one.had alot of fun with this one. stylus control is a big plus on this type game. tons of levels, thousands i think!?!! the best budget title for the system so far. breakout fans will eat up.… Full Review »