Gameloft’s original Block Breaker Deluxe happens to be one of their top selling titles. There are many breakout-type games out there, but Block Breaker Deluxe 2, the next title from the acclaimed mobile games developer, happens to be one of the best yet. BBD2 brings even more levels, bonuses, challenges and surprises than ever. Note that BBD2 is not a revamp of the original game, nor is it a relaunch with a different title. It comes with some new ideas that make full use of the iPhone’s accelerometer.
Like many other Gameloft titles, this one’s no exception when it comes go graphics and presentation-wise. You get mind-blowing next-gen quality visual effects, smoothly animated bricks, obstacles and explosions. Sound effects are crisp and the soundtrack sets for a blazing mood.
BBD2 comes with eight different environments of play, divided into eight levels each, with the last level being a boss level where the bricks are actually a different sort of puzzle. As with most Gameloft titles, the levels are introduced by good looking gals or hunks.
Playing the game is as simple as any other breakout games. Power ups fall when you hit certain blocks. You have two choices, collect them using your pad as they reach the bottom of the gameplay area, or tap on them to collect them immediately. Gameplay is enhanced, giving you the chance to avoid bad power ups. Some power ups that you collect takes effect immediately, while others may be stored and used later. Slots on the top of the screen shows what power ups are currently active and what you have in store. A progress bar tells you how long the effects remain. As mentioned earlier, you might want to avoid red-colored power ups that do nasty things, such as reducing the speed of the pad, or worst, reducing the size of your balls *gulp*.
Accelerometer use is termed as gravity within the games menu. I’d suggest leaving both options on. They are helpful in their own ways, like controlling the pad simply by tilting the device left or right. Also, some block pieces move when you tilt your device, which helps you when angling the hit. Lastly, when you have a few blocks left, moving the device in a quick forward tilt lets you control the movement of the ball.
There are eight game modes to be unlocked; Endless, Multiplayer, Time Attack, Versus Mode, Crazy Mode, Frenzy, Block Master and Survival. Once unlocked, they are accessible from the main menu’s Game Mode option. I would suggest that you finish the first environment, Neon Rose first as this will unlock the Endless mode. This shall give you an unlimited number of randomly generated levels for the purpose of collecting money, which can be used to purchase upgrades.
Speaking of upgrades, the Shop in the Island allows you to buy power ups that are common in the game. However, you’ll need to earn the credits and collect the required number of stars from the game before an power up is available for purchase.
Multiplayer on this game is achieved thru a single-device hot-seat method. Control is thru opposite sides of the device, made possible thru the iPhone’s multitouch capability. Note that multiplayer is co-operative as both players share the same number of lives given.
Not all games are perfect. I managed to play using the accelerometer only during the early stages of the game. Since I’m not providing input to the game via touch screen taps, the device would automatically switch off, requiring an annoying unlock procedure. Not much of a problem, but may be an annoyance to some. Also, I noticed that the More Games menu (helps Gameloft promote its other games) of the game are sometimes buggy and slow. I have had the game crash on a number of occasions when checking out the other games available. It would be good if there’s an option to delete the More Game menu once I’m done exploring it. After all, it helps to save a little on storage requirements since the game about 42.2 MB in size.
Overall, breakout lovers should give this game a try. It’s one of the best available. Also, the current selling price is only $0.99 as of this writing. The game is compatible with both the iPhone and iPod touch running firmware 2.0 and above.
Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps
Check out the game by following this iTunes link. Also, be sure to check out other titles by Gameloft.
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
how do i unlock the shop?