Arkanoid Returns
Arkanoid Returns is a PlayStation strategy game released in 1997 developed by Taito. It centers on combat encounters, battlefield assessment, and unit or resource management, with controls and information arranged around the directional pad, shoulder and face buttons, plus DualShock twin analog sticks and vibration where supported.
- AI score · out of 10
- 7.4 / 10
About this game
Arkanoid Returns is a PlayStation strategy game centered on combat encounters, battlefield assessment, and unit or resource management. Missions add map constraints, new rules, and tougher opposition, with progress divided into stages, tasks, matches, or growth milestones that make immediate goals understandable. Its value depends on whether these rules continue to create judgment and room for mastery rather than on length, sales, or series recognition. Short campaigns are judged by repeat-challenge value, while longer ones are judged by variety, pacing, and recovery after failure. Maps, unit states, and action feedback determine whether complex situations remain readable, while early 3D graphics, pre-rendered backgrounds, CD audio, and full-motion video need to preserve targets and interface readability on a television. The genre-specific limitation is that tutorial depth, dense menus, controller pointing, and long scenarios increase the learning curve. Platform conditions also include disc loading, Memory Card saves, regional video standards, digital or analog control support, vibration, and dedicated peripherals affect original-hardware use. This description covers only this platform release and does not import features or conveniences from remasters, emulators, or other console editions.
Collected in series
Arkanoid is Taito's arcade brick-breaking series, built around steering the paddle-like spacecraft Vaus and keeping an energy ball in play. Reading rebounds, catching power-ups and clearing the remaining blocks give each screen its own little battle of timing.
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PlayStation
AI review
AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:
An energetic brick breaker with worthwhile cooperative and editing options.
Arkanoid Returns is appealing because catching the next rebound remains absorbing. Paddle positioning and reading the ball's path encourage another attempt, while cooperative play gives partners something practical to coordinate. Squash changes that relationship by making players alternate hits. Arcade, Extra and editing modes provide useful alternatives rather than leaving everything to a single campaign, especially for anyone who enjoys designing brick layouts. The vivid two-dimensional presentation has energy, and industrial electronics and spacey ambience give the action a fitting musical backdrop. Directional movement, the circle-button action and Start pause keep the basic commands straightforward. The Japanese PlayStation release also supports a mouse and Namco's paddle controller, so buyers should check their preferred input equipment and memory-card requirements.
Strengths
- Paddle timing and alternating cooperation remain absorbing.
- Editing and Extra modes offer useful alternatives.
Who it is for: Players who enjoy brick breaking, cooperative timing and stage creation.
Play notes: This assessment concerns the 1997 Japanese PS1 disc, not Arkanoid R 2000; peripheral controllers require separate preparation.
View scoring basis
| Dimension | Review state | Score | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension Extra, editing and alternating play give useful variety beyond the arcade campaign. | Reviewed | 7.4 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Paddle timing and alternating cooperative play provide an engaging, focused loop. | Reviewed | 7.5 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Vivid 2D presentation and varied electronic writing support the focused action. | Reviewed | 7.2 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Straightforward commands and mouse or paddle support offer several ways into precise play. | Reviewed | 7.3 / 10 | Not provided |
Review sources
Not provided
Core information
- Developer
- Taito
- Publisher
- TaitoSquare Enix
- Release date
- 1997
- Platforms
- PlayStation
- Content kind
- Game
- Release state
- Released
- Region
- Worldwide
- Official website
- Not provided
- Offline minimum players
- Not provided
- Offline maximum players
- Not provided
- Online minimum players
- Not provided
- Online maximum players
- Not provided
- Categories
- Strategy & Tactics · Primary genre
- Tags
- Command-based CombatTurn-based TacticsScience FictionResource ManagementReplayableReal-time CombatTop-downLong-term ProgressionMain Story 20–50 Hours3D GraphicsSlow BurnSolo-friendly
- Supported game languages
- Not provided
- Requires base game
- Not provided
- Standalone
- Not provided
- Age ratings
- Not provided
- Play modes
- Single playerMultiplayer
- Perspectives
- Third person
Release editions
- PlayStationWorldwide1997
- PlayStation 3Worldwide2008
Game gallery
Sources
Not provided