Arkanoid Overview
Arkanoid is a video game where the player controls a ship called the Vaus along the bottom of the screen. The objective is to destroy a wall of bricks overhead by deflecting a single energy bolt with the ship.
The gameplay involves catching and redirecting the bolt, a core mechanic inherited from earlier games in its genre. Taito introduced this version in arcades, revitalizing the concept after a period of low popularity by adding a science fiction setting.
Power-ups fall from broken bricks, introducing a challenging risk-reward element as collecting them can divert the player from the primary task of managing the bolt. These enhancements include mounted lasers for directly attacking the wall, a device to catch and re-aim the bolt, and an item that reduces the bolt's speed.