Arkanoid Evolution

Bricks beware! It’s time for some serious smashing time with Arkanoid Evolution!

I’m sure by now everyone is pretty familiar with Arkanoid game, but for those who need a brief explanation, here goes…

This game has you in control of a paddle which is located at the bottom of the screen. You start with a ball stuck to the paddle which you then release by pressing the select button (or number 5). The ball then travels upwards until it hits a brick or obstacle along the way, which then causes it to ricochet in various angles – sometimes to your advantage, and others not. Using your paddle, you must try and keep the ball within the playing area, because if you don’t you lose a life. In either case, the object of the game is to eliminate all the blocks to score as highly as you can the whole time without losing a life.

Your mission in this game is helped and hindered in equal fashion by the various power-ups you can collect through destroying the bricks. Some power-ups will cause the ball to travel faster, equip your paddle with lasers, make your paddle grow or make the ball travel through every block unhindered in its course. Others will cause your ball to travel slower, cause your paddle to go in the opposite direction, shrink your paddle or cause the ball to stick to the paddle. The symbols are easy to understand however to spice it up somewhat, they’ve added a random ‘mystery’ power-up, which you’ll not know what it is until you chance picking it up.

As the name suggests, Arkanoid has evolved into a beautifully designed and made game. The blocks look graphically advanced with texturing and shading in abundance. The ball looks sharp and the way it moves and is animated with sparks when you get power-ups, make the whole thing better than any other on the market.

In terms of game play, you have three modes to pick from; quick game, story mode and time attack. This variety will suit any occasion or style of gamer. Whether you want to kill a few moments between lessons or during a break, want to score the best hi-score ever or test your skill and luck, then there’s a mode for you. What’s more with 12 levels and four different worlds to conquer before you get to play the final ‘abyss’ level.

So my overall opinion is totally impressed. At first I was curious as to how you could improve an already perfect game recipe. But the game makers have, and by some way! Unlike many comparable versions of this game, rather than trying to focus too hard in one aspect of the game, the programmers simply have turned up the levels on every aspect and perfected it, beautifully. So I say to you, if you think you’ve played every Arkanoid game out there, think again, this one IS the only one for me.

Rating 98%

Positives

Took a great game and just improved it

Beautiful graphics

Good game play

Enjoyable story mode

Negatives

Just as frustrating at times as the original

The speed of the game can catch you out

With so many things happening on screen at any one time, you can easily get distracted and lose a life (or game)