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System:
Arcade
Genre:
Puzzle
Publisher:
Taito
Developer:
Taito
Players:
1-2
Release date/year:
1997
Other systems:
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- Arkanoid Returns
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1997 Taito - Taito - Arcade
- Released in 1997, Arkanoid Returns is one of the sequels to the ever simple, yet strangely addictive game of Arkanoid. While not the most scientifically impressive or innovative game to reach the market, it has the same “want-to-play” draw that the original game and it’s various clones does. Mindless game play matched with simple visuals and even easier to understand control give way to tough decisions and strategy as well as a need to know some pretty interesting angles!
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The Game Play
Basic and addicting, you're placed in stage after stage of blocks suspended at the top of the screen. Your goal is to remove the blocks from the top of the screen, in order to proceed to the next level. Through-out the stages, you'll break blocks that will release small power-ups that you can use to take out more blocks, either by extending your reflecting bar, or giving you a laser power-up!
However, one of the most impressive features that this version has is the fact that the two-player option allows you to play co-operatively with two paddles on the screen and one ball. Through this little mode, you can play through the game with a friend and have a back up if you happen to fail and let the ball through! The stages themselves have been redone just a little, so you’ll find some new combinations with the bricks that weren’t there before.
Control is another feature that is mindlessly simple, with the game consisting of two paddles that spin in a 360 degree rotation and keep the game flowing in order to reflect the ball back up against the blocks at the top of the stage. There isn't anything special or advanced involved, the fire button controls the laser pick up once you receive it for maximum brick clearing and there is no real control of that either...just mindless shooting!
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The Visuals
Now this is where the game does pick up. In the addition of the simple patterns that the blocks appear in, you’ll find that the stages all have a color scheme in the background that is something like an acid trip. With constantly changing colors and a motion feature, there is a need to adjust your eyes to the game and keep your eye on the ball. Personally, I believe this addition to be something to challenge the gamer into seeing just how far they can go before the background forces them to lose a life!
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The Audio
Still the same Arkanoid simplistic music that is found in the original version and subsequent clones of the game. While not the most impressive, nor the most original, the beat of the game keeps your interesting rather than detracting from the experience. Consider this a remixing of the old and trying to make it seem new with some beat and otherwise. This isn’t always a bad thing, and you may find that some of the songs get stuck in your head {like stage 5}.
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Why you might not like this game:
If you don’t like flashing colors and hard to figure out angles at different points, then you’re not going to like this game. The complexity that the game has to offer in the later stages will challenge gamers of all skill levels, and the higher stages may require precision timing, effort and patience in order to defeat!
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The Verdict
A wonderful addition to the army of Arkanoid clones, Returns is a game that you have to play if you’re a fan of angles and soft-puzzle action. Though it isn’t the most creative game known to man, there is enough here for the first time gamer to enjoy while veterans of the series will find it to be something they can sink their teeth and credits into! For puzzle gamers and action gamers alike, Arkanoid Returns is definitely worthy of some attention if you happen to come across it in the arcade!
8/10
//KasketDarfyre
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