Arkanoid DS

 DS
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 29
  3. Negative: 7 out of 29
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  1. GameZone
    48
    The stylus controls are the only redeeming quality.
  2. IGN
    45
    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.
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    40
    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.
  5. Nintendo Life
    40
    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.
  6. Gamer.nl
    30
    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.
  7. Nintendo Gamer
    28
    We want the fancy controller. [Sept 2008, p.70]
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  8. Eurogamer
    20
    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.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this shooter game in the franchise.
  2. sarahaj
    Jul 2, 2022
    6
    I was surprised to see this title was developed by SquareEnix. It is not by any means a bad game - It's your typical breakout clone, just aI was surprised to see this title was developed by SquareEnix. It is not by any means a bad game - It's your typical breakout clone, just a little quirky with some interesting mascot characters. The base game is okay, it really shines however with the Tiato DS Paddle peripheral which gives this a more classic arcade feel.… Full Review »
  3. ninjaguy454
    Jul 20, 2020
    8
    Arkanoid DS is a pleasantly addicting Breakout-esque game on the DS.

    I get a weird nostalgia while playing it that reminds me of the early    Arkanoid DS is a pleasantly addicting Breakout-esque game on the DS.

    I get a weird nostalgia while playing it that reminds me of the early 2000's and it feels like something you'd find on an old flip phone or on Windows XP. I love it.

    The music and sound effects have that early millennium feel to them, and the soundtrack really kicks while you're playing.

    The gameplay is just like Breakout. You've got some power-ups. A risk at getting some power-downs (so to speak), some varying block tops, a cheesy story mode to tie in the levels together, and a variety of gameplay types.

    I really enjoyed how you play through each "World" or satellite, and after you complete them, you unlock the levels for bonus objectives in the game's other modes. On top of that, there is a multiplayer mode against friends or even a competent and challenging AI.

    There are varying control types, and it may be frustrating while playing on the original DS, but I found little issue while playing on my 2DS or 3DS.

    The only complaint gameplay-wise is that there is seemingly a small portion of the playfield that is invisible between the top and bottom screen. Although no blocks spawn there, it does make trying to position yourself to hit the ball a bit more tricky. Although I kind of enjoy the challenge it presents.

    I find myself hooked when playing this game, and I will likely revisit it in the future!    … Full Review »
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