Shatter (2009)

 PC
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 83
  3. Negative: 8 out of 83

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  1. Jinx
    Mar 30, 2011
    9
    This game may look like it's just "Breakout", but it's so much more. They add in a lot of different elements - different kinds of bricks and balls, power ups, even excellent boss battles. The music is also some excellent electonica (they sell it separately on their site). The effect of the graphics and music together is mesmerizing, it's a pretty entrancing experience.
  2. TrentS.
    Apr 22, 2010
    9
    Awesome game with nice new graphics but a very old school play style. It's Arkanoid, Galaga, Galaxian, etc all wrapped up nicely with a great soundtrack to go along with it. Recommended! Can't beat the price!
  3. ish
    Dec 24, 2010
    9
    Great gameplay, awesome music, the no limit mode is very addictive, for less than 5â
  4. LevelsAndGear
    Sep 5, 2011
    9
    Shatter is one of those games that might slip through generations, as the Breakout/Arkanoid formula has all but disappeared from the gaming landscape. But as modern remakes of classics like Galaga, Pac Man, and Space Invaders have shown, these titles can be successfully updated while remaining their core gameplay. Available on both PS3 and PC (Through Steam), Shatter is the definitiveShatter is one of those games that might slip through generations, as the Breakout/Arkanoid formula has all but disappeared from the gaming landscape. But as modern remakes of classics like Galaga, Pac Man, and Space Invaders have shown, these titles can be successfully updated while remaining their core gameplay. Available on both PS3 and PC (Through Steam), Shatter is the definitive modern Paddle/Ball game. Boasting a story mode which takes you through gorgeous stages with an incredible soundtrack, this mode does a great job of introducing you to the mechanics. Once you complete story though, youâ… Expand
  5. AdamR
    Dec 12, 2010
    7
    It's Breakout. Oh it's twisted this way and that, stretched and molded and made more nuanced, with a fresh can of paint and a fancy soundtrack and some game modes. But at its core, it is still Breakout, and the more you play it, the more you are going to remember the underlying fact that you have basically played this before. It's not as innovative or creative as so many other uniqueIt's Breakout. Oh it's twisted this way and that, stretched and molded and made more nuanced, with a fresh can of paint and a fancy soundtrack and some game modes. But at its core, it is still Breakout, and the more you play it, the more you are going to remember the underlying fact that you have basically played this before. It's not as innovative or creative as so many other unique games, although what is there is polished and well executed. But with game play as simple and iconic as Breakout, it's unlikely that you will regret your investment very much. If you are looking for a few hours to kill on a casual game, there may be better choices for you, but there few that are safer. It is guaranteed to be decent.to any gamer.… Expand
  6. suneater
    Dec 11, 2012
    6
    Arkanoid clone where you can "suck" or "blow" objects around the arena. 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. Nothing special apart from the music; I wouldn't recommend it to outsiders of the genre.
  7. Tal_Kalon
    Sep 13, 2012
    9
    I bought Shatter on the PSN more than a year ago. As I write this, Steam is selling Shatter with its soundtrack for $2.87. I am gladly paying for it again. You can't ask for more from the genre.
  8. sh4dow
    Oct 16, 2012
    9
    An innovative approach to the Breakout formula with great gameplay, decent graphic and an awesome soundtrack. The only thing that bothers me is that their leaderboard isn't independent of Steam, which reduces the replay value for me. Otherwise, I would have considered it the best puzzle game in years.
  9. GolovA
    Sep 11, 2017
    7
    Arkanoid / Ricochet clone.
    Well made, fun, nice music.
    Can be finished in a couple of sittings (finished in 2 hours).
    . . .
  10. mrnice
    Mar 25, 2015
    5
    I enjoyed it, but you should know that it's like Pong or Space Invaders but with more effects, gimmicks and variation. Without gameplay-altering unlockables, except for a few extra game modes, its replay value comes from online high score tables. That's that.
  11. Greenball10
    Oct 21, 2012
    9
    Shatter may seem like one of those lame, brick-breaking games that you've played a million times before; but it's not. It has so many extra features, like boss battles, awesome power-ups, and even different angles to play at. It even has some of the most awesome music I've ever heard in a game. Definitely worth it, if you get it, you won't regret it!
  12. Mykwon
    Aug 5, 2013
    9
    Stunning graphics, awesome soundtrack and clever/innovative game mechanisms make the brick-breaker genre reinvented. Enemies are usually dropping lives when you're about to die and the continue option helps sustain the fun so you never quit rage, having to restart all over again. Different bosses and bonus stages break the continuity that would make the game too repetitive. Multiple gameStunning graphics, awesome soundtrack and clever/innovative game mechanisms make the brick-breaker genre reinvented. Enemies are usually dropping lives when you're about to die and the continue option helps sustain the fun so you never quit rage, having to restart all over again. Different bosses and bonus stages break the continuity that would make the game too repetitive. Multiple game modes are also offering a good replay value. Very nice game.… Expand
  13. jcasetnl
    Jul 1, 2013
    7
    Shatter is good clean arcade fun. It's very easy to just pick up and play.

    It has a lot of similar elements to Arkanoid, however, I probably wouldn't recommend it to Arkanoid fans because it's not nearly challenging enough. Any decent player will beat the arcade mode within five hours of gameplay. Still, it's a great game for when casual gamers come by. The music and visuals also    Shatter is good clean arcade fun. It's very easy to just pick up and play.

    It has a lot of similar elements to Arkanoid, however, I probably wouldn't recommend it to Arkanoid fans because it's not nearly challenging enough. Any decent player will beat the arcade mode within five hours of gameplay. Still, it's a great game for when casual gamers come by.

    The music and visuals also make it a good game for those who like pot. hahahaha    … Expand
  14. cukiemosta95
    Mar 15, 2014
    8
    I bough this game in a Humble Bundle, didn't expect anything from it, but it is awesome! Short, but exciting levels, challenge, fun! Don't expect too much, have fun!
  15. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    8
    Shatter is a ery enjoyable Arkanoid clone with some variations in stage format and ball behavior. Interesting boss fights. Excellent soundtrack. Both coop and competitive multiplayer modes available.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PC Game of 2010
92
#92 Most Discussed PC Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. My Gamer
    90
    If you have enjoyed any version of Arkanoid, or Breakout, then Shatter is worth a purchase. It might even be worth it for some people that don’t even enjoy the genre that much, it is that good.
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  2. Digital Chumps
    88
    Shatter, whether the original PSN version or this updated PC one, is a solid game and well worth the price.
    Read full review
  3. GameZone
    85
    Whether your interest is massive or mild, I highly recommend giving Shatter a try. It reminds us what we love most about the genre, and maintains excitement rather than prolonging itself to uncomfortable limits.
    Read full review
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