<![CDATA[Kotaku: arkanoid ds]]> http://tags.kotaku.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/kotaku.com.png <![CDATA[Kotaku: arkanoid ds]]> http://kotaku.com/tag/arkanoidds http://kotaku.com/tag/arkanoidds <![CDATA[Extreme Invaders And Touchy Arkanoid]]> Taito is readying two classic arcade franchises for handheld release this year, hoping to introduce a new generation of gamers to the joys of Space Invaders and Arkanoid. Arkanoid DS takes the old favorite and slaps on new modes, colorful backgrounds, and multiplayer options for what sounds like a pretty nifty DS experience. Space Invaders is being re-imagined as the faster-paced and more intense Space Invaders Extreme for the PSP and DS, which I assume will play best while eating Doritos and drinking Mountain Dew while skydiving. I really despise the adjective extreme.

"Both SPACE INVADERS and ARKANOID are milestones in computer game history," said Akira Ohtsuki, TAITO's General Manager of CS R&B Development, AM Business Division. "We are thrilled to introduce these legendary games to a new generation of players and reignite the excitement for fans of the original titles."
Both games will be available on June 17th at an extreme game store near you.
The Games That Started It All Are Back! SPACE INVADERS EXTREME and ARKANOID DS Jump into Players' Hands

TAITO Brings Two Classic Arcade Games to the Handheld Arena on June 17th, 2008

LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—TAITO Corporation (TAITO™), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd., announced today that it is launching all-new versions of two of its classic arcade games.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of SPACE INVADERS® - a worldwide sensation since its original 1978 release - TAITO has re-imagined the legendary game to appeal to both the original SPACE INVADERS generation and those that are new to the game. Now faster-paced and more intense, SPACE INVADERS EXTREME™ will become available on Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation Portable) system on June 17, 2008.

TAITO is also launching ARKANOID™ DS, a fresh take on an old-school favorite, coming exclusively to Nintendo DS on June 17, 2008. Originally released in 1986, ARKANOID was a blockbuster hit that introduced new innovations to the genre. The game that players know and love now offers multiple modes and fun, colorful backgrounds. Players can also match their ARKANOID skills against other DS users with multiplayer options.

"Both SPACE INVADERS and ARKANOID are milestones in computer game history," said Akira Ohtsuki, TAITO's General Manager of CS R&B Development, AM Business Division. "We are thrilled to introduce these legendary games to a new generation of players and reignite the excitement for fans of the original titles."

Simple but addictive, these timeless games are loved by generations around the globe. TAITO has maintained the simple, beloved gameplay, while adding new twists to create exhilarating gaming experiences.

Features: SPACE INVADERS EXTREME

* New Look: The classic design of the original SPACE INVADERS, now with revamped graphics and new background movies that add to the game's excitement.
* New Music: Get in the groove with up-beat techno tunes that are synched to gameplay.
* New Mini-Games: Experience varied gameplay with mini-games (Rounds) that are launched mid-game - they add to the fun, and are a good way to rack up points.
* New Twists: Discover exciting twists to the classic game that provide swift, fast-paced game play.
* New Multiplayer Element: Battle against a friend with the all-new multiplayer element, available on both platforms.

Features: ARKANOID DS

* 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.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME is rated E (Everyone). ARKANOID DS is rated E (Everyone). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

SPACE INVADERS EXTREME will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD).

ARKANOID DS will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (USD).

]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=375031&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Arkanoid DS Hands-On Impressions]]> Taito's classic brick-breaking arcade game Arkanoid is some twenty years long in the tooth, with the latest iteration, Arkanoid DS, bringing little to the table in the way of evolution. Instead, Arkanoid DS simply brings itself to another platform, taking advantage of the Nintendo DS touch screens for stylus control and using the Game Boy Advance slot for an arcade accurate dial controller. The cross-pad and button controls work fine, but stylus controls and the custom controller are the ways to go.

The dial controller, in particular, brings back that arcade feeling, as the add-on has real weight to it. You'll feel the ball bearings spinning as you move Vaus, the space ship at the bottom of the screen left and right. Stylus controls aren't twitchy and felt very accurate.

The only complaint that DS fans may have is losing track of the ball as it crosses the top and bottom screens, obscured by plastic. It's not a game killing problem, but you may find yourself annoyed.

Arkanoid DS features classic arcade modes and two player options, but is also loaded with some 140 goal oriented challenges. These include smashing a number of bricks in a certain time limit, achieving a certain number of points, or destroying one particular block in a field of dozens.

The real draw, though, is in the arcade accurate experience with the new dial controller. If Taito can bring it out stateside for a reasonable price, fans may should consider picking it up. Arkanoid DS feels like a fun distraction for most, but a solid sequel for hardcore fans.

]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=302653&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Taito's TGS Looks Something Like This]]> The TGS anticipation continues! Taito has released its list of games appearing at TGS. And amazingly (or not, depending on how you look at it) all titles are DS games. They include:

Cooking Mama 2
Arkanoid DS
Exit DS
Space Invaders Extreme
The Legend of Kage 2
Pet Shop Monogatari DS
Paddle Controller DS (Peripheral)

Boy I hope it's Space Invaders Extreme and not Space Invaders eXtreme or Space Invaders Xtreme.
Taito's TGS List [ITmedia]

]]> http://kotaku.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=297347&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Arkanoid Bustin' Up Nintendo DS]]> The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that Taito will release an entry in its classic Arkanoid series on the Nintendo DS later this year in Japan. Arkanoid DS will ship alongside a special dial controller that plugs into the Game Boy Advance slot at the bottom of the DS. Fashion conscious Japanese will be please to read that this sold-separately controller will come in one of four DS Lite matching colors.

More details on game modes over at 1UP's report. Sadly, no DS acronym, such as Arkanoid: Doh's Scorn has been announced.

Arkanoid Breaks Its Way to the DS [1UP]

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