Review: Arkanoid DS

Rated G for Nintendo DS

BREAK IT OUT: The original Arkanoid is back, and showing its age.

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Veteran Japanese game developer, Taito, now owned by Square Enix, recently did a fabulous job with a modern incarnation of Space Invaders for the hand-held DS to celebrate the game's 30th anniversary.

Unfortunately, Arkanoid DS is not nearly as inspired or entertaining as Space Invaders Extreme. The source material might be partly to blame - Arkanoid was a simple extension of block-smashing predecessor Breakout - but little imagination or creativity imbues the update.

Just as you might remember from the arcades 20 years ago, Arkanoid involves clearing a playfield of blocks by belting a ball at them. Like Pong, the instructions are simple - Avoid missing ball for high score but power-up abilities such as a wider bat, multiple balls and slower speed add some spice.

Unfortunately, we have been denied the most interesting and novel element of the game. The Japanese version had a paddle controller that fitted into the DS console's cartridge slot but we have to make do with guiding their paddle using the touch screen.

The omission makes the A$50 for such a simple and repetitive game difficult to swallow.

Another annoyance is that although the game makes use of both screens, the playfield is narrow and restrictive, making it too easy.

At least players that want a tougher challenge can play the Quest mode, which presents challenges to complete each round.

Most fun will be had in multiplayer contests, with wireless support for up to four nearby or online friends. Trying to clear your playfield before your rival fills it with extra blocks or shrinks your paddle adds much-needed giggles, competition and a sense of urgency.

Players will also appreciate the wide selection of 140 levels, some of which have amusing or interesting block patterns. And you can customise the screens.