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This the first of a number of Breakout variants that are set to hit the streets soon. It has the novel distinction of being in 3D, which certainly adds a new dimension to the graphics as well as the gameplay.

The first thing you'll notice is a delightful loading screen with a lightning strike - very tasty. The graphics in the game are equally attractive. You view the field of play from one corner. You control a bat on the bottom right face of the square area. The blocks you have to destroy are all up to the left.

A ball appears and you have to keep it in play with the bat. It bounces off the indestructible walls and takes out the blocks in front of you. The ball moves at great pace: you need sharp reflexes and a good eye to keep it going. If a ball is lost another one will replace it, but you have only a limited number.

The blocks come in many different sizes and shapes. Some slow the ball down to make it more manageable. Others speed it up again, so don't get caught unaware by sudden speed changes. One particular type of block destroys all the others when hit. Others come alive when they hit the floor and make life very awkward.

You're armed with some missiles that can be used on troublesome blocks or creatures. Use them wisely; you don't get many. The graphics are delightful and the gameplay very testing. You'll be doing well to complete two screens but as you learn the screens' patterns you can get further.

Ball Breaker is a revamped Breakout. Everything has been given an special sparkle so you won't feel cheated when buying the game. The graphics, ball movement and perspective are stunning. A classic game with many improvements.

Some bricks can be hard to spot.

Beat screen two.

Graphics 81%
P. Superb 3D graphics.
P. Good ball movement and explosions.

Sonics 75%
P. Excellent tune plays throughout the game.

Grab Factor 74%
P. Great for Breakout fans.
P. Variety of features to discover.
N. A bit too tough.

Staying Power 60%
P. Plenty of very tough screens.
N. You keep having to repeat the early screens.

Overall 69%
P. Great loading and start-up sequences.
P. Good variant of Breakout.