This edition of Games We’re Playing is contributed by our friend and gaming junkie Alexander Liss

I heard about PSN downloadable title Shatter a while ago when it first came out, but it wasn’t until recently when it made news as a 2009 IGF Finalist that I decided to get it. With a few simple tweaks to the classic block-breaker formula, and some top notch production values, you have an awesome game that is a feast for the senses and a thrilling test of reflexes as well.

Shatter gets off to a strong start with a fantastic graphical intro — clean vector graphics in the style of Rez HD. From there, you are immediately introduced to the improvements it makes over the classic Arkanoid formula. First, you have the push/ pull mechanic. Your ship has some influence over the objects on the screen — you can pull power-ups toward you, or push the ball away. Not only does this add a great twist to the gameplay, but it takes away the classic moment of pain you get in block-breaker games, when you have only 1 block left on the screen, but it takes you 20 minutes to hit it.

Another great feature is the shield. It doesn’t take long to you reach more difficult levels where some blocks get knocked loose and float around the screen — potentially crashing into you and taking away a life. But a timely use of the shield will save your craft. Additionally, once you fill your power meter all the way, you can unleash a satisfying gun barrage, which slows you down to “bullet time” and fills the screen with light.

Throw in boss fights, amazing HD graphics, and an awesome soundtrack, and you have a must-have title. And don’t get bummed if you don’t have a PS3 — the PC release is coming soon. As a preview to the awesomeness, check out this music video of one of the songs from the Shatter soundtrack. It’s pretty rare that a song from a video game get the standalone video treatment.