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Review of BreakThru! on PlayStation

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Dec 1995
Cover image of BreakThru! on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 01 Dec 1995
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Zoo Corporation
Publisher: Shōeisha

Introduction

In the grand tradition of puzzle games that seek to bring us closer to the absolute zenith of colorful confusion, 'BreakThru!' emerges from the recesses of the mid-90s video game landscape. Like a Tetris cousin that fell on its head a few times, this game aims to challenge your brain while giving your thumbs an unexpected workout. But does it break new ground, or merely shuffle old ideas around like a well-meaning but misguided house guest? Let's dive in!

Gameplay

At its core, 'BreakThru!' invites players to engage with a grid of colored squares, much like a painter faced with a perfectly blank canvas. You're not just any artist, though; you're the kind that needs to stick two or more squares of the same kind together in order for your masterpiece-cue explosions and disappearing colors-to truly come to life. Squares are only 'removable' when they're mingling closely together, creating that satisfying tile-matching mess we all secretly crave. The clock ticks as you navigate your little cursor, removing blocks to your heart's content, or until you find yourself frantically yelling at the screen because you've run out of matching squares and the game has merely decided to mock you in strange and psychedelic colors. Thankfully, special items-like a bomb that does more damage than my kid brother's school lunch-can clear blocks that are sitting sadly alone in the grid. Feel free to drop in new, randomly generated squares whenever you're cornered by misfortune, which is honestly the adult life in a nutshell. While enthusiasm is key, it's the strategy that keeps you coming back for more. This game is less about brute force and more about mental gymnastics. Timing, visualization, and planning become your best friends (take that, actual friends!), as you learn to put one block on top of another before they decide to all collapse into a colorful abyss of shame.

Graphics

Graphically speaking, 'BreakThru!' will not knock your socks off unless you're stuck in 1995 and have a special affinity for the style of puzzles often encountered during that time. It's ambitious for its time but delivers visuals that sometimes resemble a very enthusiastic kindergarten art project gone awry. The colors dance, trying to grab your attention with varying degrees of success, though don't expect to mistake it for a AAA title anytime soon. If the old adage 'less is more' should apply to the graphics here, someone clearly missed that memo and ended up throwing paint everywhere instead. It's all quite functional but prepare for some eye strain if you decide to indulge too heavily.

Conclusion

Overall, 'BreakThru!' finds itself in a curious middle ground: not the worst puzzle game to succumb to your attention, nor the best. The simple joy lies in the addictive quality of matching blocks, conjuring up flashes of nostalgia that say, 'Oh, I've been here before!' It stands as a testament to the puzzle genre of the 90s, even if it's crouched modestly in the shadow of its illustrious cousins like 'Tetris.' For those brave enough to experiment with fun yet frustrating mechanics, this title offers a solid enough experience to be worth a download in a fit of boredom, especially if you're looking for something to play while avoiding real-life responsibilities. Chasing those elusive combos can definitely lead to some quality gaming moments-but just remember, when life hands you colored blocks, it might be time to figure out a new tactic instead of staring blankly at the screen. If you're a puzzle enthusiast, give it a whirl; if not, maybe take a trip down the digital memory lane fondly and safely away from the mess of neon squares. Just try not to trip over them!

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