Universal [Beta] BloksOut 3.0 - Arkanoid, Breakout, Krakout brick breaker game

Judging by 2 thousand people on Game Center leaderboards you obviously don’t need my feedback. But since I tried the Beta, it’s customary to get back with at least something...

I agree with the game’s description. It has the feel of ZX Spectrum games. The influence is palpable. It has much modern look, more colors and overall smoothness. Gameplay-wise it’s ok-ish I guess. I’ve played tons of brick smashers in past 35-or-so years, and yours fits somewhere in the middle. It plays well but brings nothing special or remarkable to the table. I wouldn’t say it’s “meh” per se, it’s just ok.

There are power-ups, but nothing outstanding or imaginative. Just classics like increase/decrease of ball’s speed, paddle’s size, laser of different colors and whatnot. Some collectibles but no customization of any kind. Two game modes.

It has typical free to play aspect implemented. Monetizing in general. It has ads, they’re removable with IAP. It has hearts to play, pretty much energy system. Of course they’re purchasable in form of another IAP. I’m not judging. It’s your choice to go f2p. I don’t like it. I don’t appreciate it. But I get it.

As the biggest design flaw I consider keys though. Missing a single falling key means automatic failure and necessity to repeat the stage. Losing a ball on the other hand resulting in a loss of heart but ability to continue. During my short gameplay I’ve been put between these 2 choices almost constantly. I just don’t get it. What’s the point of keys anyway except being annoying? You can unlock next stage b6 finishing previous one. No need for a key whatsoever.

And as being forced to make choices like this wasn’t stressful enough, in later stages there are random enemies introduced. Getting hit by a single projectile results in game over. Considering all of that, the game’s actually not that difficult. It’s just annoying. Especially when all three things are happening at the same time. I have to avoid flying projectile, catch the falling key and bounce the ball at the same time.

The worst for the last I guess. Music. It reminds me of something I’d hear in circuses and amusement parks. It’s just terrible. Listening to the same “track” during each stage while playing Endless is a torture. Only thing missing is a monkey on a unicycle holding balloon as an enemy. Seriously. Why this kind of music?

To summarize, for me it’s an ok game. Mediocre. It has its pros and cons. Physics are good. Controls works well, everything’s smooth and responsive. It’s a typical brick smasher hugely influenced by 80’s era. In good and bad way. If there was no other brick smasher out there, I’d be playing this one I guess. Luckily for me (or, unfortunately for the developer) there are more games of this genre available. So, it’s about a personal preference after all.