Ark: Ricochet [by Stud Soft]

Game: Ricochet
Release: 12/13/02
Genre: Arkanoid
Developer: StudSoft
System Requirements: Direct X8, Windows XP and a good 3D video card (64mb) are strongly recommended. Beyond that, at least 128mb ram and a 600mHz cpu
Price: Free

Ricochet is a 3D Arkanoid style game in which the player's camera angle takes place behind his/her paddle. The paddle is semi-transparent to avoid having your paddle cut off seeing part of the action. Like most Arkanoid style games, the object is to hit a ball with your paddle to try to take out a group of blocks. Along with keeping up with the ball, you must contend with several objects that will float into the playing area after you destroy the block it was in. The objects come in two forms, good things and bad things. A second camera angle lets you follow the balls actual flight path as it bounces around the blocks but reverts to the normal camera angle when the ball needs to be hit by the paddle again.

As with most Arkanoid style games, there is no story line. The main game-play mode takes you through several arenas with different backgrounds and block formations. There really is no "purpose" to the game other than to enjoy yourself.

The game tries to bring the popular Arkanoid style action to 3D. The power-ups are Arkanoid specific (multi-ball, etc.) but some of the power-downs, as I will call them, are very 3d specific (gravity). The second camera angle of following the balls path can be quite enjoyable to watch when you reach 10-block plus combos. The sense of speed during later, harder levels is mind blowing. With three difficulty options, this game will be on your hard drive for a long time.

Ricochet has two game-play modes, regular game and practice. The regular game takes you through a variety of different levels and increasing difficulty. Practice lets you hone your skills with the choice of three difficulty levels and a variety of block formations. Ricochet also allows a High Scores list and a small, but helpful Help screen.

Graphics: 8
Arkanoid games are not going to be eye candy under any circumstances. But the graphics that come with this game get the job done. The floating power-ups and the shadows lend good graphic quality. The backgrounds are interesting but won't direct your attention from the game play.

Sound: 7
Ricochet has good sound effects. From the sounds of the ball bouncing back and forth to the opening of a new level, the sounds work and don't feel out of place. But, bouncing a ball back and forth to try to nail the last block can sometimes become quite a tedium, a little background music wouldn't hurt.

Game Play: 6
Bringing Arkanoid to 3D is a great task. But I feel it could have been executed a lot better. With the camera situated right behind the paddle, it can be hard bringing the paddle around to hit the ball. I also noticed several times that the ball would pass right through my paddle. Other times the ball would pass my paddle then mysteriously come back into play as if I had hit it! With the camera angle, aiming your ball is next to impossible and hitting the darn thing with the least bit of know-how is a miracle in it self.

Options: 5
There is only two game play modes, regular game play and practice. Both of these options are so similar, they only subtract from each other. The lack of really any options outside of the main game play one really hurts this title.

Concept: 8
Arkanoid has always been a 2D game. Bringing it to 3D is a stroke of pure genius. However, execution falls flat in the homestretch.

Fun: 5
To many shortcomings take this title from "Cool a 3D Arkanoid!" to a "Oh man, not another level!". With some fine tuning, this could have been a great game. But shoddy execution put this game in my recycling bin.

Overall: 6
I can't recommend this game. Unless your a hardcore Arkanoid fanatic, move on.Added: January 31st 2003
Reviewer: Ron Pease
Score:
Hits: 4474
Language: english