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Russian multiplatform game developer company HeroCraft HiTec isn't a newcomer to the mobile (including Pocket PC) gaming scene. They have released several titles: Arcade Park, which I kinda like; its watered-down and, therefore, not recommended Arcades for Adults, the multiplayer Cake Press and the highly recommended (for multiplayer fans) Battle Cake. Now, they have come out with BallRush Aqua - a Breakout clone.

As opposed to coin-up conversions (Arcade Park) or multiplayer titles (Battle Cake), there are quite a few Breakout clones for the Pocket PC. This means a new Breakout clone must be substantially better than the alternatives already available so that I can recommend it. Let's see how the new game compares to already-established games like Isotope 244 Graphics' really excellent Acky's XP Breakout, the, in my opinion, by far the best breakout game for the Pocket PC.

BallRush Aqua is a traditional breakout clone with a twist and some new, in Pocket PC Breakout clones, not used powerups and a slightly different approach to finishing a level (you don't need to destroy all blocks, just make sure the ball gets to the upper part of the screen; in this way, even an otherwise negative powerup ("Ghost") will help).

For example, it has an autopilot power-up, which makes the Pocket PC itself control the platform. (A side remark: unfortunately, this control is "sticky" and you don't have any chance to switch to manual mode, not even temporarily, to pick up bonuses. Furthermore, when you have more than one ball on the screen (for example, you've triped the number of the balls with the related powerup), auto mode will only follow one of these balls and won't try to keep all of them in game.)

In addition, it has another unique power-up, the radio control, which makes it possible to remotely control the ball. Controlling is pretty hard because you can only have a direct effect on the trajectory of the ball. Without some getting used to, you won't really find this powerup useful. When you, however, do learn how to effectively use this powerup, you'll find it OK.

Availability, compatibility

The developer's homepage still doesn't contain any information on the game. Therefore, you'll need to get it from, say, PocketGear.

As far as compatibility is concerned, it's compatible with WM2003+. Haven't had any problems on any of my (compatible) Pocket PC's: HP iPAQ 2210, Dell Axim x51v, HTC Wizard, Pocket Loox 720; it was only on the WM5-upgraded HP iPAQ hx4700 that it didn't even start.

Sounds

There are some three or four in-game tracked music tracks and a different menu music. All of them are sufficiently long (except for the menu music, which is about 1 minute long only) and played back in stereo. In this respect, this title fares better than, say, Spb Arkaball II but is still much inferior to Acky (Acky has probably best in-game music, as far as Pocket PC games are concerned).

Visuals

There is no high resolution support on VGA devices, unlike with Spb Arkaball II or Acky. This is a definite minus. Otherwise, it's pretty OK, albeit it doesn't really have much to write home about (for example, the exposions aren't particularly nice).

Other remarks

Unfortunately, the game uses the CPU all the time, even when there's absolutely no sound/animation on the screen (for example, on the starting screen). This causes high battery drain. Hopefully the HeroCraft folks look into this problem and, preferably, fix it.

Unlike with Acky and like many other Breakout titles, the platform can't be instantly positioned.

Compared to Acky

Pros

No need to destroy all blocks to pass a level

Cons

No instant platform positioning capabilities (you may, however, consider this a Pro instead)

Low-resolution graphics on VGA devices

Less and shorter music

Portrait only (Acky has native support for Portrait/Landscape orientation (you can play the game in both orientations))

$0.02 more expensive ;)

As far as Spb Arkaball II (also part of Spb AirIslands) is concerned: well, hard to decide between the two titles. Spb Arkaball II is definitely cheaper ($9.95) and supports VGA natively. Its in-game music and sound effects are, however, in my opinion, far inferior to that of this title (and you can't change the in-game music in the former).

Verdict

While this title definitely isn't an Acky killer, you may still want to give it a try, especially if you dislike the in-game music of Spb Arkaball II.

Recommended links

ROUNDUP: 3D Arkanoid (Breakout) clones on the Pocket PC

REVIEW: Breakout clone Another Ball Magic version 1.8 by Paragon Software

Roundup of All Pocket PC Games Part I (for some other Breakout clones)