Space Bat (XBLIG): "Retro-Style Brick Breaking Fun!"

I've probably mentioned this more than once, but I have played many different types of games throughout my gaming career. Among those games I've played various types of brick breaking games. If you're a PC gamer you probably have as well. Dont Press X, the developer of 'Space Bat' has redefined that genre of games with a game that pays total homage to a few retro classics. This take on the brick breaking (arkanoid/breakout) features an invaders/galaxian theme, with pac-man as the ball. Space Bat even takes the sound effects from those classic titles, and incorporates them into the gameplay. This is truly one of the best brick breaking titles out there, and the retro elements really make this game stand out.

Gameplay in 'Space Bat' is pretty much what you'd expect when it comes to modern day brick breaking games. You are given a paddle, and a ball (pac-man) in which you must knock out all the objects on the screen with. There are some significant differences though. In this game you have to knock out the space invaders, and bricks. In some levels the space invaders will move just like they do in the classic game. There are also bricks layed out in various ways to add variety to the game. Like modern day brick breaking games 'Space Bat' also features power-up items. These items fall from certain invaders that are marked with a red hat. The power-ups include such things as a larger paddle, multiple pac-balls, shmup style shots, and a power-up that will make the pac-ball more powerful (red). These unique additions give this game an edge over previous arkanoid/breakout clones.

Space Bat is a score based game, so getting the hi-score is definitely one of the main focuses in the game. 'Dont Press X' added a feature that allows the player to send a challenge message (via the dashboard) to friends about their latest high score. While this may not compare to online scoreboards it still adds some challenge into the mix. Space bat also has another unique option in the menu that allows a player to begin on the latest game level they had made it to. If you don't like starting from scratch then this option will definitely help in that area.

I found 'Space Bat' to be both a fun, and addicting little game. I always enjoy a game that has great replay value, and score based games such as this one definitely provide that type of quality. If you are a gamer guy, or girl that loves to challenge your friends then you'll probably enjoy this 80 msp title. For $1 (80 msp) you'll definitely be getting your money's worth out of it. The retro-style gameplay/design definitely makes 'Space Bat' stand out from the rest of the brick breaking titles out there.