Metascore
70 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Secret Stash strikes again with a reinterpretation of a classic game. This is for classic arcade freaks, and new initiates. While it works within the classic game design, some of the new game modes are truly original.
  2. A must-own for fans of Arkanoid or any similar-style game.
  3. The key to Nervous Breakdown is that it continuously introduces new challenges and concepts that keep it from feeling stale.
  4. An innovative collection of Breakout-themed mini-games, Nervous Brickdown is a well-designed and beautifully realised slice of DS pocket gaming.
  5. Incredibly fun and unique, but it can become frustrating. A good bet for fans of old school twitch action.
  6. 80
    If you absolutely, positively hate Breakout, make a note to skip Nervous Brickdown entirely. However, if you could tolerate a few plays of it or are just experiencing it for the first time, this is a must-buy.
  7. 79
    Even with the variety of styles and level ideas, the fact that the gameplay doesn't change a whole lot makes the experience a little repetitive – thanks to the cartridge save it's good for quick gameplay shots, but it doesn't do a great job holding attention for more than a few minutes at a time.
  8. While the basic concept that forms the core of this game may still be too simple for some to find entertaining, it still provides a fairly lengthy and fun game with several outstanding qualities.
  9. With plenty of panache and some clever twists, Nervous Brickdown manages to make the classic Breakout formula feel fun and fresh again.
  10. Nervous Brickdown is a very solid game, offering up enjoyable gameplay, with a very good multiplayer mode and the shuffle mode allowing you to play random levels is a neat twist.
  11. Some of the best stages in the game are ruined by gimmicks and poorly implemented ideas. It doesn't make Nervous Brickdown a poor title, but it drags it down from being a truly great Breakout adaptation. Sometimes simplicity is a good thing.
  12. A competitive mode would have been nice, but the big weakness in this package is that it ends too quickly (especially for a $30 game) and leaves you aching for more. Which, considering we're dealing with a gameplay style first introduced more than three decades ago, is a pretty amazing accomplishment.
  13. A clever take on a familiar concept. [Sept 2007, p.89]
  14. In 30-minute stretches it's a fine challenge.
  15. The combinations of colours in each stage are very attractive and will keep you coming back for more. The design of each level is also crucial to the games success.
  16. 70
    The real issue with Nervous Brickdown is that it finds itself bound to the Breakout formula. There are some very cool, very well-suited to the DS mini-games here, but you're always fundamentally bouncing a ball and trying to make sure it doesn't slip past you.
  17. Nervous Brickdown isn't a game built to last. It is beautifully creative, taking a classic formula and twisting it on its ear again and again … until it runs out.
  18. It's a fine showcase for some good ideas, doing for Arkanoid what Flipnic did for pinball. But its novelty value doesn't make it a game you'll come back to for long, though.
  19. This is brimming over with smart and snazzy ideas, but it fails to deliver simple gameplay thrills. [Sept 2007, p.62]
  20. 55
    Nervous Brickdown has style and relative variety, but it's twice the price it should be and a bit too late to the puzzle party.
  21. Its undeniably attractive presentation may make it look like the next must-have, cultish handheld release, but sadly Nervous Brickdown is all style and no charm.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. RomanC.
    1
    Breakout is cool but this game hardly pushes the genre forward. A few good ideas but yet not enough to make that game any better than some sharewares you can find on PC. Also the graphics are a bit average and sometimes just too simple. It can be fun if you don't mind the very repetitive gameplay. Full Review »
  2. MichalG.
    9
    Very nice game. There are a lot of different, funny modes, cute graphics and animations. Music could be better but it doesn't matter. I really recommend this title. Well, let's play! Full Review »
  3. TonyG.
    9
    Videogame crack!! have not stopped playing this game for 3 days now. very original presentation style, awesome control, great graphics, music is very upbeat and foot tappin. serious fun for you casual gamers and breakout fans. reminds me of a hooked up bit generations boundish. now I know why the company is called secret stash...secret stash of vg crack. great job 9.5 overall. Full Review »