Cosmic Smash. That time Pong and Arkanoid had a baby

[awbacon]

 

On the surface Cosmic Smash is extremely simple. It's half Pong and half Arkanoid...but of course because it was Sega and the Dreamcast that simple formula was bent until it became Cosmic Smash. Visuals...amazing! Soundtrack...awesome! Gameplay...easy to learn yet hard to master! From start to finish Cosmic Smash just feels like the best possible late stage Dreamcast game we could have hoped to get!

[Hwlngmad]

On 7/6/2021 at 8:21 AM, awbacon said:

 

On the surface Cosmic Smash is extremely simple. It's half Pong and half Arkanoid...but of course because it was Sega and the Dreamcast that simple formula was bent until it became Cosmic Smash. Visuals...amazing! Soundtrack...awesome! Gameplay...easy to learn yet hard to master! From start to finish Cosmic Smash just feels like the best possible late stage Dreamcast game we could have hoped to get!

Interesting game for sure.  Thanks for sharing.  Much appreciated.

[roots.genoa]

I didn't play it much (probably just once) but for me something doesn't click. I also had trouble understanding Space Channel 5, but it clearly oozes style like Rez and Jet Set Radio. However, there's something off about Cosmic Smash to me. For instance, I don't like the character animaton, it looks kinda awkward (compared to Space Channel 5 again).

[awbacon]

On 7/7/2021 at 3:46 PM, roots.genoa said:

I didn't play it much (probably just once) but for me something doesn't click. I also had trouble understanding Space Channel 5, but it clearly oozes style like Rez and Jet Set Radio. However, there's something off about Cosmic Smash to me. For instance, I don't like the character animaton, it looks kinda awkward (compared to Space Channel 5 again).

the character definitely moves oddly but to me it seems like a stylistic choice 

[Clint Thompson]

I always held Cosmic Smash in high regard. Loved the packaging. Was quirky but fun gameplay and is an upbeat arcade styled game with a cool futuristic but relaxing techno feel to it.
 

It was probably my first ever imported video game. Something I had never done before and at a price tag of $60 plus shipping from play Asia I believe, was not exactly cheap. I do miss owning the game.

 

Have a blast! 

[Koa Zo]

On 1/22/2022 at 1:53 AM, Clint Thompson said:

...price tag of $60 plus shipping from play Asia I believe, was not exactly cheap.

Actually, Cosmic Smash was cheap at $39.99.
It was released as somewhat of a budget game. I specifically remember as I dismissed the game when it was first released because of the "budget" game vibe around Cosmic Smash. After a few weeks of reading the buzz on some forums I ordered it from NCSX for $39.99 plus shipping.
I recall it sold out shortly after I ordered it, made me think I got one of the last copies. Always figured it must've had a small print run.

 

On 7/7/2021 at 4:46 PM, roots.genoa said:

I didn't play it much (probably just once) but for me something doesn't click. I also had trouble understanding Space Channel 5, but it clearly oozes style like Rez and Jet Set Radio. However, there's something off about Cosmic Smash to me. For instance, I don't like the character animaton, it looks kinda awkward (compared to Space Channel 5 again).

I also felt that something was off about the way the character moved and controlled - though it's likely a matter of me just not being good at it. I never did play the whole way through it.
Space Channel 5 I was never a fan of, but SC5 Part 2 is one of my favorite games on the Dreamcast (and PS2), give that a try if you can (notably I'm able to beat it on PS2 more easily than on Dreamcast)

Edited February 2, 2022 by Koa Zo

[Clint Thompson]

3 hours ago, Koa Zo said:

Actually, Cosmic Smash was cheap at $39.99.
It was released as somewhat of a budget game. I specifically remember as I dismissed the game when it was first released because of the "budget" game vibe around Cosmic Smash. After a few weeks of reading the buzz on some forums I ordered it from NCSX for $39.99 plus shipping.
I recall it sold out shortly after I ordered it, made me think I got one of the last copies. Always figured it must've had a small print run.

 

I also felt that something was off about the way the character moved and controlled - though it's likely a matter of me just not being good at it. I never did play the whole way through it.
Space Channel 5 I was never a fan of, but SC5 Part 2 is one of my favorite games on the Dreamcast (and PS2), give that a try if you can (notably I'm able to beat it on PS2 more easily than on Dreamcast)

Well it certainly wasn't $39 when I got it lol

[Koa Zo]

17 hours ago, Clint Thompson said:

Well it certainly wasn't $39 when I got it lol

Yeah price must've gone up as time went on and supply ran out. PlayAsia wasn't around when Cosmic Smash was released so it must've been some time later that you got it.