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Arkanoid DS

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Arkanoid DS
61
5.0 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 29 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 3 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info

Publisher: Square Enix

Developer: Taito Corporation

Genre(s): Action

Players: 4

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: June 17, 2008

Summary

Explore three game modes that offer varied gameplay designed for a wide range of users. Compete against others with two or four person multiplayer options to claim the title of ARKANOID DS champion. Decorate ARKANOID DS with colorful designs by trading points gained through gameplay for fun backgrounds and icons. Rock to an irresistible soundtrack produced by Zuntata, TAITO’s award-winning sound team. [Taito]

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

85

AtomicGamer

As a whole, Arkanoid is addictive and even though it's not the only retro title Taito has released lately, for my money it's the best one.

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84

Gamers' Temple

Arkanoid DS is a great game for portable play. It's simple enough to lend itself to playing in short sessions while on the go, but challenging enough to bring you back for more play.

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83

1UP

Arkanoid is, at best, mindless -- as is any variation of Breakout -- but that also makes it one of the better time-wasters out there.

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80

GameSpot

Arkanoid is as much fun today as it was 20 years ago, and the DS version is arguably the best yet.

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80

Cheat Code Central

Arkanoid DS is an excellent handheld title that will resonate with casual gamers, arcade aficionados, and nostalgic gamers. Some may find the gameplay mechanic to be repetitive and even dull, but the majority of gamers should be pleased with the quick, intuitive play and multiplayer options.

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80

GameDaily

It's easier to play on the touch-screen than the d-pad, and the visuals and music are cool, with the option to buy additional backgrounds and tunes in later levels.

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80

Modojo

For $20, Arkanoid DS isn't just a steal, it's a requirement. It's fun, it looks and sounds great and it has options for both the solo and multiple players.

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75

GameShark

Criticisms aside, it makes for a fantastic handheld game. It’s tailor-made for quick bursts of play (like that morning subway ride, or ahem, bathroom breaks) or longer sessions (especially multiplayer matches).

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72

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Business as usual. [July 2008, p.84]

70

GamePro

I recommend the paddle controller. If you're up the import, Arkanoid DS becomes quite interesting, but otherwise it's a well-done, extremely casual affair.

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70

Gameplayer

Arkanoid was a sensation when first released in ’86, but its flaws are inescapable. Being a faithful adaptation of the original arcade experience, this hand-held version tempers nostalgia with frustration.

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70

Console Gameworld

A decent casual title, as long as you don't go expecting another Tetris DS. Ideal for puzzle fans.

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69

Games Master UK

No new tricks, but this is well-presented and still has the same old appeal. [Sept 2008, p.84]

67

Gaming Age

So while I definitely enjoy playing an updated classic on the DS, it just doesn't hold up as well against other recent, and successful revitalizations of older series.

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66

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

It's simple, feature-light and there's no variety in here ("Tetris DS" is much better value), but for a budget price it's not a bad stop-gap game. [Aug 2008, p.101]

65

Nintendo Power

Though not as glossy as "Space Invaders Extreme"(another Taito update from Square Enix), brick-breaker Arkanoid DS takes advantage of the DS hardware more than its classic-reborn cousin by offering a vertical playing field and a touch-control option. [July 2008, p.89]

60

Pocket Gamer UK

The ability to play Arkanoid online is extremely welcome but ultimately this somewhat lightweight DS instalment fails to improve on previous versions of Taito's classic Breakout clone.

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58

Game Revolution

Arkanoid DS is a great old-school title, but it comes off as trying to be a hip skateboarding, Pepsi-drinking old dude that just needs to wear his age proudly.

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50

PALGN

Arkanoid bounces back on DS, yet misses the point completely.

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50

Gaming Nexus

It's not all that innovative and some of the format choices are questionable, but the stylus control works great and you're getting a lot of the same stuff for a low price.

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50

games(TM)

There are so many cheaper, better versions in existence that it’s very hard to recommend. [Sept 2008, p.125]

50

Worth Playing

This particular offering utterly fails to capture the magic of its predecessor or even to meet the standards set by contemporary offerings.

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48

GameZone

The stylus controls are the only redeeming quality.

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45

IGN

The Paddle Controller was the only thing this title had going for it in its Japanese release, and with it taken away in the US version you can see that Arkanoid DS just doesn't have what it takes to be the true Breakout clone.

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40

NintendoWorldReport

While the background tunes are enjoyable and obscure, they don’t match similar title like Lumines(which seems to have been an influence). If you want to experience old-school gaming with a new-school twist, Space Invaders Extreme is EXACTLY how you do it.

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40

Nintendo Life

Arkanoid DS disappoints in so many ways. Even with a retail price of $19.99, the game is just not worth picking up. If you're looking for a great remake of a classic arcade game, then pick up Taito's other retro remake - Space Invaders Extreme.

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30

Gamer.nl

It’s almost like Taito didn’t know why Arkanoid is fun. With Space Invaders Extreme they really went in a new direction and made a great remake of a classic game, but Arkanoid DS is too conservative and the innovations that are there only undermine the concept.

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28

NGamer UK

We want the fancy controller. [Sept 2008, p.70]

20

Eurogamer

And thanks to poor ball physics, the ball can quickly get stuck in a "loop" of identical bounces against indestructible blocks if you're unlucky.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 5.0 (out of 10) based on 3 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

r b gave it a2:
Unplayable. The unnecessary narrow field and split screen do nothing but damage, and I am furious with myself for having spent money on this when my son and I were having so much more fun with Blasterball 3 on the PC -- which we ought to have bought by now, having reinstalled the demo at least five times. And the arcade feel is absolutely gone. I used to love this game and dropped 20p at a time on it every weekend at the tennis court lounge. Again, sick to my stomach that I paid for this. Undeveloped, unsophisticated, unacceptable.

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