Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+ review – “An entertaining arcade mash-up”

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  • Reflect alien laser beams to defeat them
  • Break blocks or use them to bounce projectiles off of
  • The story is nearly nonexistent

As a seasoned gamer with a heart full of nostalgia for the golden age of arcade gaming, I must say that Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+ is a delightful throwback to my misspent youth spent at the local arcade. The mash-up of these two classic games is an ingenious idea, and it’s executed with such finesse that it feels fresh yet comfortingly familiar.

In simple terms, Arkanoid vs Space Invaders is a blend of two popular arcade games from the past. Arkanoid is known for its block-breaking gameplay, while Space Invaders challenges you to shoot down alien images without getting hurt yourself. Add a light-hearted space invader storyline with adorable anime characters, and you get Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+, the latest release on Apple Arcade, which was initially popular in 2017.

Arkanoid vs. Space Invaders+ is a Compelling Arcade Experience

You start out in Sector Nine, a space station that is being attacked by alien invaders. Luckily, you’re prepared to take them on. As the name suggests, you will be shooting down hostile aliens in the vein of Space Invaders. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll have a reflective beam, which you’ll use like a pong paddle.

To finish each level, you must eliminate all the extraterrestrials before the time runs out. It’s relatively simple at first, but becomes increasingly challenging as you advance. Swing the beam sideways to bounce back the aliens’ projectiles. Additionally, gather coins and power-ups within your beam’s reach. However, it’s not that easy because the aliens can hide behind obstacles, making them difficult targets.

Break the Blocks

Some bricks break in one hit, while others take quite a few blows before they crumble. This means you can’t always shoot directly at your enemies. However, you can use these blocks to your advantage by bouncing projectiles off them to hit hard-to-reach blocks and enemies. You can change a laser’s trajectory by jerking the beam quickly to one side or another as a projectile hits it. You can also move the beam down and then quickly pull it up to give a laser beam more speed.
Some levels require you to break all the blocks instead of taking out enemies. Such levels typically include a gold indestructible alien since you’ll need an enemy around so you can reflect their projectiles to hit the blocks.

Attack Mode in Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+

As you battle alien enemies and break blocks, look out for orange pill-shaped powerups. These are attack powerups, and catching enough of them lets you enter attack mode. When in attack mode, a silvery bow and arrow will appear. Aim the arrow wherever you desire, and then let it go.

For a brief moment, you can seize this energetic arrow within your scope, utilizing it to overpower your adversaries. Plus, an added benefit is that the stage clock stops during attack mode, potentially granting you the additional time required to conquer a challenging level.

Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+: A Very Simple Story

Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+ doesn’t really have much of a story. Dialogue boxes pop up at the beginning of some stages to give you a very basic overview. Essentially, you’re a new recruit for Sector Nine, a space station where many adventurers begin their journey into deep space to stop invading aliens. When a group of invaders is detected near the station, it becomes your mission to stop them.

150 levels await you to showcase your abilities. Although the game doesn’t have a detailed storyline, the gameplay is both tough and fun. Moreover, the attack mode introduces an exciting element to each stage if you can collect enough power-ups. If you’re fond of classic arcade games, I highly recommend trying out Arkanoid vs Space Invaders+.

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2024-11-18 13:18