You want a quick game you can start in seconds, with no story to follow and no menus to learn. Brick Buster from TimWin Software is a paddle-and-ball brick breaker. The ball bounces, the bricks drop, and falling bonus chips keep changing your odds from one moment to the next.
Quick facts
- Version: 1.0
- Platforms: Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT, XP and Vista
- Input: mouse or other pointing device
- Sound: a soundcard is recommended
- Price: $9.95 to register
- Setup: download the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions
Key features
Bricks that take one, two or three hits
The bricks come in different colors, and the color tells you how tough each one is. Maroon bricks need three collisions, red bricks need two, and pink bricks go down with one. You can read the board and pick your targets.
Bonus chips that help or hurt
Chips fall while you play, and you decide whether to catch them. Helpful ones include +1 Life, +10 Laser Shots, 15 Sec Invulnerability, Multiple Balls, Super Ball (any brick falls in one hit) and Wide Paddle. Risky ones include Darkness, Narrow Paddle, Reverse (your paddle controls flip), -5 Paddle Hits and Raise Bricks. The Mystery chip is a gamble, and you only find out what it does by catching it.
Lasers for the harder rounds
Laser shots go into your arsenal when you catch the chip. The game advises saving them for the more difficult rounds later on.
Speed bonuses and a changing ball
In Fast mode the ball speeds up and all points double. The Slow chip calms the ball, but only briefly, because it accelerates again the longer it stays in play. Wrap Paddle lets your paddle exit one side of the field and reappear on the other.
A high score Hall of Fame
The game has its own high score page, so you can compare your best runs with other players.
Who it's for
It suits you if you want a short, arcade-style game on a Windows PC and you like chasing a higher level or score. It also suits you if you already know brick breakers and want the extra chaos of good and bad chips. If you want a big campaign, online play or modern 3D graphics, this isn't that game.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple to learn: you only need a mouse.
- The wide range of bonus chips keeps each round from playing the same way.
- Each level gets harder, so the challenge builds.
- It runs on very old Windows versions as well as Vista.
- You can try it before you register.
Cons
- The vendor lists requirements only up to Windows Vista.
- It's a single-concept game, so it's a short-session pick rather than a deep one.
- Some chips, such as Reverse and Darkness, can end a good run unexpectedly.
FAQs
Do I need a special controller?
No. A mouse or other pointing device is all you need.
Do I need sound?
A soundcard is recommended, so you get the game's effects.
What does the Mystery chip do?
The game doesn't say. Its description is just to catch the bonus to solve the mystery.
How do I install it?
Download the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions. The vendor says it only takes a few minutes.
Where do I get help?
The game includes a help file with strategy and help information.
System requirements
- Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT, XP or Vista
- Mouse or other pointing device
- Soundcard recommended