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. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    Business as usual. [July 2008, p.84]
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  2. GamePro
    70
    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.
  3. Gameplayer
    70
    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.
  5. Console Gameworld
    70
    A decent casual title, as long as you don't go expecting another Tetris DS. Ideal for puzzle fans.
  6. Games Master UK
    69
    No new tricks, but this is well-presented and still has the same old appeal. [Sept 2008, p.84]
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  7. Gaming Age
    67
    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.
  8. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    66
    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]
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  9. Nintendo Power
    65
    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]
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  10. Pocket Gamer UK
    60
    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.
  11. Game Revolution
    58
    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.
  12. Worth Playing
    50
    This particular offering utterly fails to capture the magic of its predecessor or even to meet the standards set by contemporary offerings.
  13. Gaming Nexus
    50
    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.
  14. games(TM)
    50
    There are so many cheaper, better versions in existence that it’s very hard to recommend. [Sept 2008, p.125]
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  15. PALGN
    50
    Arkanoid bounces back on DS, yet misses the point completely.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
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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