Crystal Hammer (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

  • Release Year: 1988
  • Platforms:

Crystal Hammer (1988): An Excellent Arkanoid Clone

Crystal Hammer is a brick-breaking game released in 1988 for the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and Atari ST. It is an excellent clone of the classic Arkanoid, with some unique features of its own.

The goal of the game is to use a paddle to bounce a ball and destroy all of the bricks on the screen. The bricks are arranged in a variety of formations, and some of them are more difficult to destroy than others. The ball can also bounce off the top and bottom of the screen, and it will wrap around to the other side if it goes off the left or right side.

Crystal Hammer has a total of 50 levels, each with a different layout of bricks. The levels get progressively more difficult as you progress, and some of them require a lot of skill and patience to complete.

One of the things that sets Crystal Hammer apart from other Arkanoid clones is its power-ups. These power-ups can give you a variety of advantages, such as making the ball faster or larger, or giving you an extra life. The power-ups appear randomly throughout the game, and they can be very helpful in completing the more difficult levels.

Another unique feature of Crystal Hammer is its two-player mode. In this mode, two players can take turns playing the game, and the first player to complete all 50 levels wins. The two-player mode is a lot of fun, and it adds a lot of replay value to the game.

Crystal Hammer was very well-received by critics upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and excellent graphics and sound. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Overall, Crystal Hammer is an excellent Arkanoid clone that is well worth checking out. It is a challenging and addictive game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Crystal Hammer is very similar to that of Arkanoid. The player controls a paddle at the bottom of the screen and uses it to bounce a ball and destroy all of the bricks on the screen. The ball can bounce off the top and bottom of the screen, and it will wrap around to the other side if it goes off the left or right side.

The bricks are arranged in a variety of formations, and some of them are more difficult to destroy than others. Some bricks are also indestructible, and they can only be removed by using power-ups.

The player can collect power-ups throughout the game that can give them a variety of advantages. These power-ups include:

  • Speed Up: Makes the ball faster.
  • Slow Down: Makes the ball slower.
  • Large Ball: Makes the ball larger.
  • Small Ball: Makes the ball smaller.
  • Extra Life: Gives the player an extra life.
  • Bomb: Destroys all of the bricks on the screen.
  • Laser: Destroys all of the bricks in a horizontal line.

The power-ups appear randomly throughout the game, and they can be very helpful in completing the more difficult levels.

Levels

Crystal Hammer has a total of 50 levels, each with a different layout of bricks. The levels get progressively more difficult as you progress, and some of them require a lot of skill and patience to complete.

Some of the levels in Crystal Hammer are very challenging, and they will require you to use all of your skills to complete them. However, the game is also very fair, and it never feels like it is impossible to beat.

Two-Player Mode

Crystal Hammer has a two-player mode that allows two players to take turns playing the game. The first player to complete all 50 levels wins.

The two-player mode is a lot of fun, and it adds a lot of replay value to the game. It is also a great way to challenge your friends and see who is the better brick-breaker.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics and sound in Crystal Hammer are excellent. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the sound effects are catchy and well-done.

The game’s music is especially noteworthy. It is a fast-paced and upbeat tune that perfectly captures the excitement of the gameplay.

Conclusion

Crystal Hammer is an excellent Arkanoid clone that is well worth checking out. It is a challenging and addictive game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

The game’s excellent graphics, sound, and gameplay make it a must-play for fans of Arkanoid and brick-breaking games in general.

Review Score

8/10

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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