Shatter Spell AoE

[Demiurge]

In the 4th printing PH (p.104) the shatter spell description states "This spell creates a sonic force that shatters any crystal or brittle substance within a 25 foot x 25 foot area into dozens of pieces." I'm reading this to mean a 25' radius. Is this correct? If so, it seems like an awfully big radius compared to the same spell from 2e (3' radius) or 3e (5' radius spread).

Thanks.

[serleran]

The way it seems to be written is to imply a flat area, not a volume, which is confusing. I would make it 5 cubic feet.

I do not know the original intent, but it likely started with the SRD and then cross-checked against the Original Advanced way. Whichever seemed the easiest and most fun was likely chosen.