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Arkanoid DS
Mixed or average reviews
Based on 29 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 3 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
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]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
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...
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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
Arkanoid is as much fun today as it was 20 years ago, and the DS version is arguably the best yet.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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).
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
Business as usual. [July 2008, p.84]
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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >Console Gameworld
A decent casual title, as long as you don't go expecting another Tetris DS. Ideal for puzzle fans.
Read Full Review >Games Master UK
No new tricks, but this is well-presented and still has the same old appeal. [Sept 2008, p.84]
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.
Read Full Review >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]
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]
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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >games(TM)
There are so many cheaper, better versions in existence that it’s very hard to recommend. [Sept 2008, p.125]
Worth Playing
This particular offering utterly fails to capture the magic of its predecessor or even to meet the standards set by contemporary offerings.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >NGamer UK
We want the fancy controller. [Sept 2008, p.70]
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.
