Smash Frenzy 3

Breakout-style games are never overly complicated, but they have the potential to keep you playing for hours on end. However, they can also get pretty repetitive after a while, especially if the levels do not feature enough interesting things you can do. Almost all of them are in 2D, which although is part of the charm, it might not be the right move in the age of multi-core computers.

Smash Frenzy 3 is a pumped version of Arkanoid and Breakout, featuring all three dimensions and a hefty collection of levels you have to tackle on your way to success. The underlying concept is the same it was in the classic arcade games mentioned above, but the atmosphere is somewhat different and intriguing. Even the power-ups are similar, although there are enough new ones to make the experience feel original.

To begin with, the game’s theme revolves around pirates, islands and evil wizards that have nothing better to do than to kidnap innocent girls. Obviously, there is always a knight in shining armor ready to go against the entire world and rescue the said girl, so that’s what happens here as well. In order to reach her, you have to destroy entire armies of pirates, gorillas, and many other sea monsters.

Things are not very complicated in the beginning, although you may need a couple of minutes to get used to the perspective. After that, the game should feel more or less the same as the 2D ones did. Power-ups are constantly raining down upon you, some of which enlarge your bat, while others can kill you instantly if you happen to pick them up. There are a couple of weapons you can equip for a while as well, including lasers and cannons.

Visually, the 3D engine is potent enough to render a satisfying amount of detail, but don’t expect anything too epic either. Most of the objects are low-poly and very blocky, but they get the point across, and the textures are colorful enough to help you ignore their shape. The physics engine is quite realistic, at least as much as it is possible for a game in which you can destroy islands with balls.

All things considered, Smash Frenzy 3 does a wonderful job, and it should be more than enough for any arcade fan out there with an affinity toward Breakout games. Not only that, but the 3D perspective should make you view the genre with different eyes for a change.