Kotaku: arkanoid

Extreme Invaders And Touchy Arkanoid

Mike Fahey — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:20:00 MDT

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).

Tetroid 2012: The Tetris Mash Up That Thinks It's An Experimental Soundtrack

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:40:29 MDT

Their are no lack of options when it comes to Tetris freeware clones, but this one, well it has a pair of worthwhile twists, its psychedelic presentation notwithstanding. Tetroid 2012 plays with the formula by adding other familiar block-busting elements, including an inverted play field that turns the mechanic on its head, switching to Arkanoid/Breakout style play. A fantastic concept. Add to that the soundtrack which features a collection of 21 electronic artists and you'd be a fool to pass up the download. More details and download links at Simon's blog.

Tetroid 2012 - DemoNetLabelArkaTetris Weirdness Alert! [GameSetWatch]

Arkanoid Tee Specifically For Streetwear, Russian Bear Fans

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:40:00 MST

While I'm a casual fan of block-busting arcade games like Breakout and Arkanoid, I'm a much bigger fan of clothing label Mishka, maker of fine t-shirts. Fellow Kotaku Tower inhabitant Luke Plunkett has more than once suggested that I attempt to seek a sponsored endorsement deal from the company in an attempt to offset the outflow of cash that goes in the Brooklyn-based company's direction. So far, no dice. While the brand generally focuses on things like metal, horror movies and He-Man, it's first video game related tee goes for an Arkanoid vibe. Yes, that Vaus at the bottom, tackling the label's Bear Mop logo... which has exploded in a very un-Arkanoid fashion. For those carrying on to the Mishka web site, keep in mind that it can be NSFW at times, so browser beware.

Mishka Online Exclusives [Mishka NYC]

Arkanoid DS Hands-On Impressions

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:30:08 MDT

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.

Taito's TGS Looks Something Like This

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 03:00:00 MDT

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]

Arkanoid Bustin' Up Nintendo DS

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:40:54 MDT

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]

Eidos Has A Nervous Brickdown

Mike Fahey — Wed, 09 May 2007 10:21:59 MDT

Eidos Interactive and Arkedo Studios are bringing back the Breakout / Arkanoid style with Nervous Brickdown, a new take on what they call the classic bat-and-ball genre. The game will take the paddle game to all new playing fields, mixing things up with visits to other genres such as shmups and mini-golf.

The game promises to take full advantage of the DS hardware. Some levels will require you to draw your own paddle, while others will involve blowing ghosts away from the screen. All that on top of the time-honored paddle game tradition of shouting obscenities at the screen whenever you miss the stupid ball.

While the DS already has it's fair share of puzzle goodness, I've always been a big fan of hitting bricks with balls so there's a good chance I'll pick this one up when it comes out. What I really, really want is a flashy update to Arkanoid, but you take what you can get. Michael Fahey

Eidos Announce Nervous Brickdown

The Ultimate Bat & Ball Handheld Game

Eidos Interactive, one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, is pleased to announce NERVOUS BRICKDOWN, an incredibly fun and highly addictive new puzzle game designed exclusively for the Nintendo DS platform.

NERVOUS BRICKDOWN is the very first bat-and-ball game designed especially for the Nintendo DS. It features eye-catching graphics and takes full advantage of the DS' dual screens, stylus, microphone and Wi-Fi capability. The game takes the classic bat-and-ball gameplay and turns it on its head by taking it to other retro-game worlds, such as old school shoot-em ups and crazy golf! Do everything from drawing your own bat, saving the drowning people and blowing away the ghosts, all before facing increasingly outrageous end of level baddies - as all classic games should have.

Developed by Arkedo Studios, NERVOUS BRICKDOWN breathes new life into the bat-and-ball genre, featuring 135 challenging levels, a unique visual style and a fantastic soundtrack. Play on your own or with a friend via Wi-Fi mode.

Frumpy Dowager Beats Arkanoid

kotaku.com — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 07:40:15 MDT

Doraemon is a time-traveling cat who comes from the future to help out a fourth grade schoolboy who needs help. In Japan, this tale was apparently worth forty-five individual volumes. In the cartoon series, the voice of the blue robot cat was provide by Nobuyo Oyama. And, man, can she play Arkanoid. High pitched, banshee-like squeal aside, that frumpy middle aged dowager can beat the entire game on a single 100 yen coin. Shows what I know — I didn't even realize Arkanoid had a boss. Florian Eckhardt

The Lady That Voiced Doraemon Pwns Arkanoid

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 11:22:41 MDT

Doraemon is a robotic cat from the future and can pull many wonderful gadgets out of his pocket. The anime is a Japanese institution. Previously, the character's voice actor (Nobuyo Oyama) was known for one thing: Looking like Doraemon. Well, she's also a killer ARKANOID player. She started playing back in 1986 and is able to clear the game using one 100 yen coin. However, she admits that she is only good at ARKANOID. Pretty wild if you are familiar with the cartoon. Though, watching her play ARKANOID while doing the Doraemon voice creeps even us out. Brian Ashcraft