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. AtomicGamer
    85
    As a whole, Arkanoid is addictive and even though it's not the only retro title Taito has released lately, for my money it's the best one.
  2. Gamers' Temple
    84
    Arkanoid DS is a great game for portable play. It's simple enough to lend itself to playing in short sessions while on the go, but challenging enough to bring you back for more play.
  3. 1UP
    83
    Arkanoid is, at best, mindless -- as is any variation of Breakout -- but that also makes it one of the better time-wasters out there.
  5. GameSpot
    80
    Arkanoid is as much fun today as it was 20 years ago, and the DS version is arguably the best yet.
  6. GameDaily
    80
    It's easier to play on the touch-screen than the d-pad, and the visuals and music are cool, with the option to buy additional backgrounds and tunes in later levels.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    80
    Arkanoid DS is an excellent handheld title that will resonate with casual gamers, arcade aficionados, and nostalgic gamers. Some may find the gameplay mechanic to be repetitive and even dull, but the majority of gamers should be pleased with the quick, intuitive play and multiplayer options.
  8. Modojo
    80
    For $20, Arkanoid DS isn't just a steal, it's a requirement. It's fun, it looks and sounds great and it has options for both the solo and multiple players.
  9. GameShark
    75
    Criticisms aside, it makes for a fantastic handheld game. It’s tailor-made for quick bursts of play (like that morning subway ride, or ahem, bathroom breaks) or longer sessions (especially multiplayer matches).

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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