Arkanoid
Short Overview
In 1986, Arkanoid breathed new life into the classic ball-and-paddle genre. Taito's creation made the seemingly simple gameplay thrilling with striking visuals, special bonuses, and varied stages. Its fast pace and constant challenge quickly made it a favorite in arcades.
Basics
- Release1986
- DeveloperTaito
- DesignerAkira Fujita
- GenreBreakout / Skill Game
- Players1 player
- HardwareTaito Arkanoid System
Standout Features
Controls
Objective
Move the paddle along the bottom of the screen, bounce the ball back, and destroy every brick. Along the way you can collect various bonuses that expand the paddle, add extra balls, or equip the Vaus with a laser weapon.
Vaus's Mission
In the game you control a spaceship called Vaus, whose task is to break through a series of obstacles and escape a dimensional labyrinth. The story is simple, yet it gives the game a distinctive atmosphere.
Fun Facts
- It is considered a modern reimagining of the legendary Breakout.
- Vaus's special abilities brought a completely new experience to the genre.
- Some bricks are indestructible, so every stage demands a different tactic.
- Numerous sequels and remakes were made over the years.
- The spinner control scheme became popular enough to spawn its own arcade subgenre — many players say it's the best way to experience what a real rotary-controlled arcade cabinet feels like.
Why Did It Become Legendary?
Arkanoid proved that even a simple idea can become a timeless classic. Thanks to its easy-to-learn controls, varied bonuses, and steadily increasing difficulty, it's just as fun today as it was on release.
Who Is It For?
If you love fast reflexes, chasing high scores, and skill-based games, Arkanoid is guaranteed to pull you in. A single ball is all it takes to keep you glued to the screen for hours.