Arkanoid: Doh it Again - Super Nintendo Game

It Sure Doh's

Arkanoid: Doh it Again contains all of the things one would expect when a game that is part of a longstanding series comes out on a new and more powerful system: more levels, new enemies and power-ups, improved graphics and sound, and dumbed-down gameplay.

Arkanoid has been described as the outer-space version of Breakout, a game in which you use a paddle to bounce a ball against bricks and break them all to advance to the next level. Earlier versions of Arkanoid hinted at a sort of vague galactic threat, led by the head alien named Doh. In Doh it Again, this is expanded. We are actually treated to an introductory story scene where we learn that the “paddle” is actually a ship sent to scout out a new planet. The ship runs into problems however, as wave upon wave of blocks hinder its progress, sent by the nefarious Doh.

The cutscene is nice because it gives the game some context; as well, there is a background scene that changes every few levels (such as a spaceship firing lasers or a space station) and gives an idea of the epic battle that is supposedly being waged in the game. These little touches help strengthen the outer-space atmosphere and give the player something to look forward to, knowing that the scenery will change the farther you advance.

Simple, Yet Fun!

Your ships going down, aliens are all around you, your crew is dead if you don't do something quick. So you do the only thing you know to do... you grab your paddle and ball and break some bricks! Arkanoid is a fun little romp through a very old computer game style. Basically, you just break the bricks. When all the breakable bricks are broken, you move on to the next stage. Simple and fun.

However, Arkanoid does add more to this formula and the result is a great little time waster. You will find yourself playing this game for a few hours when you probably only meant to play for a few minutes or so. In a world where graphics are getting more realistic and epic stories are the norm, it's fun to find a game where just simple gameplay and some good music make a game a gem.