Aylmer
09-12-2008, 09:24 PM
I grabbed this game a while back, gave it five minutes, then got immersed in a JRPG. It was cheap, about $10 used. I was thinking a simple port of the arcade classic,
But boy was I wrong. I just finished several hours straight tonight, and I am wiped. The game has been totally redone, and the biggest change, of course, is the use of the stylus to move the Vaus (the paddle)
I am assuming that everyone here knows Arkanoid, but this version is a "thru the looking glass" version. Graphically, it is upgraded, but not killer. However, as you rack up wins, you earn points and you can use them in the store to upgrade/beautify the playfield, the blocks, game sounds, etc.. And the music is great, and that can be upgraded too.
I have only played the 1p version, but the stylus makes it unbelievably addictive. You simply have to try to beat one more level. Time and time again, you must try. The level of control over the Vaus is unreal with the stylus. In the options, you can use the control pad, but I tried it for a minute or two and never went back. One of the item drops makes the energy ball stick to the Vaus, and you are given several seconds to launch it. Using the stylus to position the Vaus/Energy ball for launch (done with ctrl-down or the B button) adds a unique and desirable gameplay element to the old Arkanoid.
The upgrades (and downgrades) that do things to the Vaus are numerous, and some are just weird. In case you don't know, some blocks drop items when you destroy them. The items vary from major upgrade to avoid catching them at any cost. Surprises abound.
There are numerous multiplayer modes, including the Nintendo network.
Anyway, this is some serious arcade goodness that you can hold in your hand.
And one other thing. The game has three difficulty levels, and an unlockable one too, I think. But, the Easy level is tailor made for those gamers who play with an altered perception of reality now and then. Playing Easy Mode with headphones is very nice indeed.
So, puzzle/arcade freaks, buy this game for your DS! Taito has done it again.
But boy was I wrong. I just finished several hours straight tonight, and I am wiped. The game has been totally redone, and the biggest change, of course, is the use of the stylus to move the Vaus (the paddle)
I am assuming that everyone here knows Arkanoid, but this version is a "thru the looking glass" version. Graphically, it is upgraded, but not killer. However, as you rack up wins, you earn points and you can use them in the store to upgrade/beautify the playfield, the blocks, game sounds, etc.. And the music is great, and that can be upgraded too.
I have only played the 1p version, but the stylus makes it unbelievably addictive. You simply have to try to beat one more level. Time and time again, you must try. The level of control over the Vaus is unreal with the stylus. In the options, you can use the control pad, but I tried it for a minute or two and never went back. One of the item drops makes the energy ball stick to the Vaus, and you are given several seconds to launch it. Using the stylus to position the Vaus/Energy ball for launch (done with ctrl-down or the B button) adds a unique and desirable gameplay element to the old Arkanoid.
The upgrades (and downgrades) that do things to the Vaus are numerous, and some are just weird. In case you don't know, some blocks drop items when you destroy them. The items vary from major upgrade to avoid catching them at any cost. Surprises abound.
There are numerous multiplayer modes, including the Nintendo network.
Anyway, this is some serious arcade goodness that you can hold in your hand.
And one other thing. The game has three difficulty levels, and an unlockable one too, I think. But, the Easy level is tailor made for those gamers who play with an altered perception of reality now and then. Playing Easy Mode with headphones is very nice indeed.
So, puzzle/arcade freaks, buy this game for your DS! Taito has done it again.