Hyperballoid HD

Hyperballoid HD is an arcade puzzle game created by iSquared Games, released on December 10, 2009 on the PlayStation Store.

Gameplay

The game very much resembles earlier "brick-breaker" games such as Arkanoid and Breakout, in which you must break assorted objects using a ball and a paddle to advance through the game. When these objects break, they release power-ups that have good, dubious or bad effects on the game that can make the game easier or harder(Such as an extra life, the ball slowing down, and losing a life respectively. These powerups must touch the paddle to take effect.). These can aid in clearing the screen, and as such, will help to complete the current level.

Lives can also be gained by collecting three purple-coloured gems in a row. These gems are scattered across every level, and are not necessary to complete the game.

Stages

There are two main stages in the game, which have many variations(due to alternating backgrounds and music). The first is called the "Ancient World", and seems to have drawn heavy inspiration from Egyptian and Greek mythology, based on the level names and design.

The second stage is called the "Planet World", and it is very much based on a futuristic, space-age setting. The main difference of this stage is that it utilises a techno soundtrack, instead of the slower paced, more traditional Ancient World soundtrack.

The 1.1 update for the game adds the new "Original World" stage. Unlike the other two, it is not based on any mythology whatsoever, instead using STOCK backgrounds and no music for The 50 new levels.

Downloadable content

On 2 May 2010, a DLC pack was released in Europe. It costs £1.99, and adds the "Original World" campaign and one new trophy.

Reception

The game has received mediocre reviews. IGN writer Greg Miller awarded the game 6.8, stating there was "nothing wrong with Hyperballoid [HD]", but there was "nothing noteworthy about it", either. GameSpot awarded it a similarly mediocre score (55), stating that the levels were "a grind", and that the only noteworthy part about it was its cheap price.