Gameplay is based around that of other block-breaking games such as Breakout, Arkanoid and Ricochet Infinity, the latter from which it borrows many features. The game area consists of a paddle, a ball and field of blocks. To clear a level, the player must destroy all of the blocks. In Shatter, this is most commonly done by guiding the ball into them but blocks can also be destroyed using the Shard Storm power-up, or by hitting the blocks with the paddle its self.