data/claims/arkanoid-history.yamlArkanoid (history and reception)
Game: Arkanoid.
Romstar, Inc. of Torrance, California, put its name and address on an installation manual for Taito's Arkanoid arcade game, which reads "Licensed From TAITO" and carries a 1986 copyright. The manual lists a new-game package: the circuit board and its cage, legs, bolts and spacers, a wire harness, the control assembly, a marquee, and control panel overlays. It sends operators to "your exclusive Romstar distributor" for replacement accessories. arkanoid-history/arcade-romstar
first page, title blockRomstar, Inc 3043 Kashiwa Street, Torrance, CA 90505Arkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · first page, title blockLicensed From TAITO ™ All Rights Reserved ©1986Arkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · New Game Package Contents — the list goes on with a PCB cage, legs, bolts and spacers, a connecting wire harness, the control assembly, a marquee, a control panel overlay, a control cover and side graphicsNEW GAME PACKAGE CONTENTS 1 Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB)Arkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · New Game Package Contents1 Set Legs, Bolts, & SpacersArkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · New Game Package Contents, note — "ava.lable" is the OCR's reading of "available"Replacement accessories ava.lable through your exclusive Romstar distributorRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: States the manual's package list, address and Taito licence line; dropped the unquoted "kit", "North America" and "sold".The game's frontmatter publisher, Romstar, rests on this manual and on the overseas part of Akagi's list (arcade-dates). Taito published the game in Japan and on the Famicom, and Taito's US arm the NES version (release-nes, nes-guide).
Cited by: Arkanoid
Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games dates Taito's Arkanoid to July 1986 in Japan, and in its overseas part to August 1986, released through Romstar. arkanoid-history/arcade-dates
p. 43 (scan 0044), 国内編 (Japan), Taito — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 44), which prints 86/07 アルカノイド in the Taito section; the pinned OCR text has no page breaks, and the row is at line 757086/07アルカノイドOur translation86/07 ArkanoidアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · 国内編 (Japan), index of titles — the OCR reads タイトー (Taito) as "タイ!-一"アルカノイド タイ!-一 86/07Our translationArkanoid, Taito, 86/07アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · p. 137 (scan 0138), 海外編 (overseas), TAITO AMERICA — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 138), in the TAITO AMERICA box; line 36061 of the OCR text86/08 Arkanoid (via Romstar)アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · p. 130 (scan 0131), 海外編 (overseas), ROMSTAR — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 131), in the ROMSTAR box; line 34301 of the OCR text86/08 Arkanoid [Taito]Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The list gives year and month only. The index row's page hasn't been read.
Cited by: Arkanoid
Romstar's manual shows a control panel with a knob and shaft assembly, an opto-coupler board beside it, and a fire button for each player. Its capsule chart lists seven effects: slowing the energy ball, catching it and launching it at will, firing lasers, expanding the Vaus, splitting the ball into three, moving on to the next playfield, and an extra Vaus. Its DIP switch table sets three lives (the default) or five; a bonus at 20,000 points and then every 60,000 (the default), or at 20,000 only; and continued play on (the default) or off. arkanoid-history/arcade-play
Control Panel LayoutOPTO-COUPLER PCB TO REMOVE KNOB & SHAFT ASSEMBLYArkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · Control Panel Layout02P FIRE FRONT FIREArkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · Game Operation, capsule chartCATCH CAPSULES AND REINFORCE THE VAUS!!Arkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · Game Operation, capsule chart — the OCR runs the chart's labels and captions together out of order, so the statement gives the effects without pairing them with capsule namesSLOWS DOWN THE ENERGY BALL. … ENABLES THE VAUS TO FIRE LASER BEAMS. … CATCHES THE ENERGY BALL AND SHOOTS IT WHEN YOU WANT TO. … EXPANDS THE VAUS. … SPLITS THE ENERGY BALL INTO THREE PArkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · Game Operation, capsule chartALLOWS PLAYER TO MOVE TO NEXT PLAYFIELD. PLAYER GAINS AN ADDITIONAL VAUS.Arkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · Setting of DIP Switch (PDF p. 2) — read on the page image by the lead (PDF p. 2, lower half), which prints "* 20,000 pts. / 60,000 pts." (switch 4 off) and "20,000 pts. only" (on) under "BONUS POINTS 1ST / EVERY"; the asterisk marks the factory setting, and "ots." is the OCR's reading of "pts."NUMBER OF PLAYER * 3 5 BONUS POINTS * 20,000 pts. / 60,000 ots. 1ST /EVERY 20,000 pts. onlyOur translationnumber of players (lives): 3 (default) or 5; bonus points, first / every: 20,000 and then every 60,000 (default), or 20,000 onlyArkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · wire harness (G) and (H)Red 1 P FireArkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · wire harness (G) and (H)2P FireArkanoid instruction manual (Romstar) · Setting of DIP Switch (PDF p. 2) — read on the page image by the lead (PDF p. 2), which prints CONTINUED PLAY with the settings WITHOUT and * WITHCONTINUED WITHOUT PLAY * WITHOur translationcontinued play: without, or with (default)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The lead read the DIP table on the page image: a bonus at 20,000 then every 60,000 points, or at 20,000 only; the bonus is no longer called an extra Vaus.Cited by: Arkanoid
In April 1987 the US trade monthly Play Meter listed Arkanoid under Romstar, dated 1986, in its spring buyer's guide, and its report on the ACME '87 show called Arkanoid the previous year's top conversion. At that show Romstar showed Tournament Arkanoid, and one attendee called the original the best game for him since Ms. Pac-Man. arkanoid-history/arcade-us-trade
p. 110, Spring Buyer's Guide — the footer reads "110 PLAY METER/April 1987"Romstar Arkanoid '86Play Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 126, conversion kits at ACME '87At ACME '87, Romstar debuted itsPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 126, conversion kits at ACME '87 — the sentence begins "Not only did they have a great new follow-up to"last year's top conversion, Arkanoid,Play Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 64 (PDF p. 60), ACME '87 show report — the OCR drops the drop capital R of "Romstar"; the page's footer reads "64 PLAY METER/April 1987"omstar made a strong showing with Sky Shark, Tournament Arkanoid, Bubble Bobble, andPlay Meter, vol. 13 no. 4 (April 1987) · p. 64 (PDF p. 60), ACME '87 show reportremarked that the original one was … the best game for him since Ms. PacRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Play Meter's ACME report is printed p. 64 (PDF p. 60).Cited by: Arkanoid
Taito published the Famicom version itself: its manual opens by thanking the buyer for Taito's Family Computer software Arkanoid, and its back page carries Taito's 1986 copyright. arkanoid-history/famicom-maker
PDF p. 2, opening — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 2), which prints コンピュータ and いただき; the text layer's コンピュユータ and いだだき are OCR errors, and it spaces out the Japaneseタイトー・ファミリーコンピュユータソフト「アルカノイド」をお買上げいだだきましてOur translation(thank you for) buying Taito's Family Computer software Arkanoidアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 16, warranty cardCTAITO CORP. 1986Our translation© TAITO CORP. 1986Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The release date is in release-famicom, where the sources conflict. The Internet Archive item dates the booklet 1986-12-26, which is the uploader's date, not Taito's.
Cited by: Arkanoid
A retrospective catalog of Famicom games dates the Famicom version 26 December 1986, but Famicom Tsushin's release schedules of 14 November, 28 November, and 12 December 1986 all listed it for late January 1987, with its price not yet set. No source read settles which date is right. arkanoid-history/release-famicom
PDF p. 124, ファミコンソフト完全目録, 1986 column, no. 182 — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 124); the row isn't in the text layer, and it gives no price182 1986/12/26 『アルカノイド』 タイトーOur translation182, 1986/12/26, Arkanoid, TaitoFamicom Tsushin, no. 11 (14 November 1986) · PDF p. 82 (printed p. 80), release schedule — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 82), which prints ○アルカノイド〈タイトー〉 1月下旬/価格未定Oアルカノイド〈 タイトー〉 1月下旬パ面格未定Our translationArkanoid (Taito), late January, price undeterminedFamicom Tsushin, no. 12 (28 November 1986) · PDF p. 98 (printed p. 96), release schedule — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 98), which prints ○アルカノイド〈タイトー〉 1月下旬/価格未定0アルカノイド〈タイトー〉 1月下 旬 価 格 未 定Our translationArkanoid (Taito), late January, price undeterminedFamicom Tsushin, no. 13 (12 December 1986) · PDF p. 98 (printed p. 96), release schedule — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 98), which prints ○アルカノイド〈タイトー〉 1月下旬/価格未定; the text layer puts the date line, as オ月下旬/価俗未定, after two lines of noise0アルカノイド〈タイトー〉Our translationArkanoid (Taito)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The catalog is an unsigned retrospective mook that names no source for its dates. The schedules are Famitsu's forecasts, made before release; the latest read, of 12 December 1986, still gave late January.
Cited by: Arkanoid
The Famicom manual describes two ways to play. On the special controller, which plugs into the Famicom's expansion connector, the knob moves the player's craft left and right and the button launches the ball or fires the laser; on the standard controller, the cross-pad moves the craft and the A button launches the ball or fires the laser. While the special controller is connected, the standard controller can't play. Start pauses the game. arkanoid-history/famicom-controls
PDF p. 4 — the text layer reads コネクタ (connector) as コネフタファミコン本体のエキスパンドコネフタに、専用コントローラー等がつないである場合は、本体のコントローラーでのプレイは出来ません。Our translationWhen the special controller or the like is connected to the Famicom's expansion connector, the standard controller can't be used to play.アルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 4 — the text layer reads the cross-pad's + as 中本体コントローラーでのプレイ方法は中ボタンの左右でプレイヤーの移Our translationto play with the standard controller, left and right on the + button move the playerアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 5, using the special controller専用コントローラーの使用法 e ボリユーム...... プレイヤーの移動' (左右2方向)Our translationUsing the special controller: volume (knob), moves the player (two directions, left and right)アルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 5, using the special controllerボタン......... ボール、レーザー砲の発射。Our translationbutton: launches the ball, fires the laser cannonアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 5 — the text layer reads ボタン as ボマンスタートボマンで、ゲームを一時停止するOur translationthe Start button pauses the gameアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 4 — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 4), which prints Ⓐボタンでボール又はレーザーの発射; the text layer drops the Ⓐぐボタンでボール又はレーザーの発射が出来ます。Our translation(the A) button launches the ball or fires the laserChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The controller diagram on PDF p. 5 also labels the B button, but the manual gives it no function (read on the page image by the scout).
Cited by: Arkanoid
In the Famicom manual's story, people driven by war from an Earth-like planet travel the galaxy in the photon-powered mothership Arkanoid. Small fighters attack it, and the spacecraft Vaus, flying off to chase the enemy and find out what it is, is instead trapped in the enemy's other-dimensional labyrinth. To return to the Arkanoid, the Vaus has to defeat the dimensional fortress DOH. arkanoid-history/famicom-premise
PDF p. 6, story — the phrase goes on past the line break, where the text layer is garbled地球型の惑星を戦争で追われだ人々が、銀河宇Our translationpeople driven by war from an Earth-like planet, (across) the galaxyアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 6, story — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 6), which prints 宇宙母船 (mothership); the text layer misreads 母 as 国光子力宇宙国船「アルカノイド」で旅していだOur translationwere travelling in the photon-powered mothership Arkanoidアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 6, story「アルカノイド」は小型戦闘機の攻撃を受けだOur translationthe Arkanoid was attacked by small fightersアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 6, story「バウス」は、逆に敵の異次元迷宮に捕えられてしまつだOur translationthe Vaus was instead caught in the enemy's other-dimensional labyrinthアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 6, story「バウス」は、次元要塞「DOH」を倒しOur translationthe Vaus, defeating the dimensional fortress DOHアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 6, story — the text layer reads スペースクラフト as スペースフラフト and adds a stray をその敵を追い、正体を探るために飛び立つをスペースフラフト「バウス」Our translationthe spacecraft Vaus, which flew off to chase the enemy and find out what it wasアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 6, story — the text layer reads ため as だめ; the sentence ends 孤独な戦いを始めた ("began a lonely fight")「アルカノイド」に還るだめにOur translationin order to return to the ArkanoidRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the chase, the galaxy and the return to the Arkanoid.Cited by: Arkanoid
In the Famicom manual, the player steers the Vaus to destroy every block of each round's space wall with the energy ball. Besides normal blocks there are silver hard blocks, which take several hits, and gold immortality blocks, which can't be destroyed. A hard block takes two hits in rounds 1 to 8, three in rounds 9 to 16, four in rounds 17 to 24, and five in rounds 25 to 32, and scores 50 points times the round number; every enemy scores 100. There are 33 rounds, and in the last the player must hit the great fortress 16 times with the energy ball while dodging its shots. The game ends when every Vaus is lost, or when the last round is cleared. arkanoid-history/famicom-structure
PDF p. 7エナジーボールでスベースウオール(ブロック)をすべて破壊して下さい。Our translationdestroy all the space wall (blocks) with the energy ballアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 7ある ハードウ オール( 銀 色 )、 破壊 不可 能 の イモ タリ ティ ウオ ー ル (金色 ) が あり ますOur translationthere are durable hard walls (silver) and indestructible immortality walls (gold)アルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 7敵は全て100PTSOur translationevery enemy is 100 pointsアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 7ルは、ラウンド数x50PTSOur translation(hard wal)ls are the round number × 50 pointsアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 8, hard wall table9ラウンドー16ラウンド|エナジーポールを3回命中させるとOur translationrounds 9-16: destroyed when hit 3 times by the energy ballアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 8, hard wall tableラウンド|エナジーボールを4回命中させると破壊Our translation(rounds 17-24): destroyed when hit 4 times by the energy ballアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 8, hard wall table — the next line reads エナシーポールを5占人市中させること破論, "5" being the hit count25 ラ ウノ ドー32Our translationrounds 25-32 (five hits, garbled in the text layer)アルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 8ラウンドは全部で33ラウンドあります。Our translationthere are 33 rounds in allアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 8る弾を避けながら、エナジーボールを16発本体に命中させて下さい。Our translationwhile avoiding the shots fired, hit the main body 16 times with the energy ballアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 8バウスが全滅するガ、最終ラウンドクリアでゲームオーバーです。Our translationthe game is over when all the Vaus are destroyed, or when the final round is clearedアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 8, hard wall table — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 8), whose first row gives two hits for rounds 1 to 8; the text layer garbles that rowハードウオール耐久表Our translationhard wall durability tableアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 8 — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 8), which prints 大要塞 (great fortress); the text layer reads 塞 as 寒最終ラウンドの大要寒では発射されOur translationin the final round's great fortress, (avoiding the shots) firedChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The Official Nintendo Player's Guide gives the same hit counts for the NES version (nes-guide-detail).
Cited by: Arkanoid
In the Famicom manual, power-up items hidden in the wall give powers by color: orange slows the energy ball, green catches it so the button can launch it, and blue makes the Vaus one and a half times as long. Aqua blue splits the ball into three, pink opens an exit at the right edge that clears the round, red fires laser beams with the button, and gray adds a Vaus. Taking another item cancels the one before, and the manual advises not leaving through an open exit until only one or two blocks remain, since the remaining blocks' points are not added. arkanoid-history/famicom-items
PDF p. 10, itemsパワーアイテムが隠されている場合があり、取るとパワーアップします。色によっつて効力が違います。Our translationpower items are sometimes hidden; taking one powers you up; the effect differs by colorアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 10, items(オレンジ) スピードダウン、エナジーボールのスピードが遅くなる。Our translation(orange) speed down: the energy ball slowsアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 10, items — the text layer reads (グリーン) as "(プリ" + "ーン)"ーン) キヤツチ、エナジーボールをキャヤッツチするご と が 出来 る。ボタンで発射。Our translation(gree)n) catch: you can catch the energy ball; launch it with the buttonアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 10, items — the color opens on the line before, "(ブル"; the text layer sets the gloss (プレイヤー)の長さ after the sentence一) エキスパンド、バウス が 1 .5 倍 にな る 。 (プレ イヤ ー) の 長 さOur translation(blu)e) expand: the Vaus becomes 1.5 times (the player's length)アルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 11, items — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 11), which prints (アクアブルー) ディスラプション; the text layer garbles the color and the item's name and sets them inside the descriptionエナ ジー ボー ル が 3 うに (アツフカ ブル ー) ディ スラ 分裂 する。Our translation(aqua blue) disruption: the energy ball splits in threeアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 11, items — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 11), which prints the color ピンク (pink), missing from the text layer; the text layer garbles the end of the round-clear lineプレ イク 、 右 端 の 開い だ 出口 から 脱 出せよ / ラウ ンド クリ レル 。Our translation(pink) break: escape through the exit opened at the right edge; the round is clearedアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 11, items — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 11), which prints (レッド) レーザー(レッ ツ にド ) レー ザー、 ボ タンOur translation(red) laser: (press the) button (to destroy enemies with laser beams)アルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 11, items — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 11), which prints (グレー) プレイヤーエクステンド; the text layer garbles both, as "(の し 一 ) プレ イ ゼセー エク ステ ンド"ガー機追加される。Our translation(gray) player extend: one (Vaus) is addedアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 12, one-point advice別のアイテムを取ると、前のアイテムの効がなぐくなつてしまうOur translationtaking another item makes the previous item's effect disappearアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 12, one-point advice — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 12), which prints 残りが１〜２ブロックになるまで (until 1 to 2 blocks remain); the text layer's "1 2" is that range with the wave dash droppedの得点が加算されないので、残りが1 2ブロックになるまでねばつてガら脱Our translation(the remaining walls') points aren't added, so hold on until one or two blocks remain before escapingRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Extended the blue and break quotes; added the p. 11 colours the scout read.Cited by: Arkanoid
The Famicom manual names four enemy characters, Slander, Mechanimal, Forgot, and Opopo, and the dimensional fortress DOH, glossed ダミネート・オーバー・アワー (Daminēto Ōbā Awā), which appears in the last round, round 33. arkanoid-history/famicom-enemies
PDF p. 9, charactersSLANDER_アルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 9, charactersMECHANIMALアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 9, charactersFORGOTアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 9, charactersOPOPOアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 9, characters人 @こ の 他 に 最終 ラウ ンド はOur translationbesides these, in the final roundアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 9, characters — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 9), which prints 次元要塞DOH (ダミネート・オーバー・アワー); the text layer reads 要塞 (fortress) as 要春、(33R) 次 元 要 春 DOHOur translation(33R) dimensional fortress DOHアルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 9, characters — the gloss's last two characters, ワー), fall on an earlier line of the text layerネート・オーバー・アOur translation(Dami)nēto Ōbā A(wā)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Arkanoid
The Famicom manual's round select: pressing Start and the A button together as the game starts lets a player skip ahead to any round from 1 to 16. arkanoid-history/famicom-round-select
PDF p. 13, round select — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 13), which prints Ⓐボタン; the text layer drops the Ⓐゲームスタート時、スタートボタンとボタンを同時に押すと、1一16ラウンOur translationat the start of the game, pressing the Start button and the A button at the same time, (rounds) 1-16アルカノイド 取扱説明書 (TFC-AN5400) · PDF p. 13, round select好きほなラウンドまでて飛ばしてプレイすることが出来ます。Our translationyou can skip to whichever round you like and playChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Arkanoid
Taito released Arkanoid for the NES in North America in August 1987. arkanoid-history/release-nes
PDF p. 1 — the text layer interleaves two rows, Arkanoid (Taito Software, August 1987) and Arkista's Ring (American Sammy, June 1990); the list gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayArkanoid Arkista's Ring Taito Software American Sammy August 1987 June 1990Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The list is Nintendo of America's later compilation of NES release months.
Cited by: Arkanoid
The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) credits Arkanoid to Taito America Corporation. Its game guide tells of survivors roaming the galaxy in the photon spaceship Arkanoid, says the Vaus is steered with the special high-speed controller included with the game, and gives 33 rounds, with a start in any of the first 16 and a huge enemy fortress in the final round. arkanoid-history/nes-guide
credits page — the OCR reads "Corporation" as "Copaation"; the numbers are the guide's pages, 90 and 150Arkanoid™ of Taito America Copaation 90, 1 50The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 150, Arkanoidroam the galaxy on their photon spaceship Arkanoid in search of a new home.The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 150, Arkanoidstrategic movement of your Vaus spacecraft which you control with the special high-speed controller included with the game.The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 150, ArkanoidThere are 33 rounds in this game, and you can choose to start in any one of the first 16.The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 150, ArkanoidIn the final round, a huge enemy fortress will loom before you.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Arkanoid
The Player's Guide's in-depth review of Arkanoid calls the player's bar "Bowse". In it, normal walls break at one hit and score by color, from 50 points (white) to 120 (yellow); silver walls take two strikes in rounds 1 to 8, rising by one every eight rounds to five in rounds 25 to 32; and a round counts as cleared with only the golden walls of immortality left standing. Its enemies, Slender, Forgot, and Mechanimal, are destroyed by the ball, which changes direction when it hits one. arkanoid-history/nes-guide-detail
p. 90, In-Depth Review, ArkanoidIf you can return the balls, striking them with the bar called BowseThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 90, In-Depth Review, Arkanoid•WHITE 50 pointsThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 90, In-Depth Review, Arkanoid•YELLOW 120 pointsThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 90, In-Depth Review, ArkanoidRounds 1 — 8: 2 strikes Rounds 9 — 16: 3 strikes Rounds 17 — 24: 4 strikes Rounds 25 — 32: 5 strikesThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 90, In-Depth Review, Arkanoid — the OCR reads "wall" as "wail"If you can destroy all other walls except the Golden wail, you can still achieve Round Clear.The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 90, In-Depth Review, ArkanoidSLENDER FORGOT MECHANIMALThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 90, In-Depth Review, ArkanoidThis is a wall which you can destroy by hitting it once with a ball.The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 90, In-Depth Review, ArkanoidThese enemies can be destroyed by striking them with a ball. But in doing so, it changes the direction of the ball.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06."Bowse" is the guide's rendering of Vaus (バウス), which its own game-guide page spells Vaus (nes-guide). The Famicom manual spells the first enemy Slander (famicom-enemies).
Cited by: Arkanoid
Nintendo Power's first issue (July–August 1988) gave a stage select and continue mode for the NES version: pressing Start with the A and B buttons at the same time selects a stage, and pressing Select five times while holding A and B continues a game. arkanoid-history/nes-tips
p. 59 (PDF p. 62), Classified Information — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 62); the tips aren't in the text layerTo select a stage, push 'Start,' and the A and B buttons at the same time.Nintendo Power, issue 1 (July-August 1988) · p. 59 (PDF p. 62), Classified Information — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 62)Push 'Select' five times while pressing the A and B buttons.Nintendo Power, issue 1 (July-August 1988) · p. 59 (PDF p. 62), Classified Information — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 62), the tip's heading; the auditor also rendered the pageSTAGE SELECT AND CONTINUE MODERevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the "STAGE SELECT AND CONTINUE MODE" heading; the issue is July-August 1988.The Famicom manual's own round select is Start with the A button (famicom-round-select); the two are kept apart.
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Computer Entertainer reviewed the NES version in October 1987 as Taito's adaptation of its own arcade game, "a very faithful adaptation of the coin-op game", with 33 levels and its own paddle-type controller, whose knob moves the paddle. It rated the game three stars of four for graphics and three and a half for game play. It is for one player or two alternating, and the magazine recommended it, at a list price of $49.95. arkanoid-history/ce-nes-review
p. 10, Nintendo reviews, Arkanoid — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 10), which prints "ARKANOID (★★★/★★★1/2) from Taito"; the text layer reads the stars as "%xx/xxx1/2" and Taito as "Zaito"from Zaito is based on the company's own arcade game of the same name.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo reviews, Arkanoida very faithful adaptation of the coin-op gameComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo reviews, ArkanoidARKANOID has 33 levelsComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo reviews, ArkanoidThe game comes with its own controller, the paddle-type controller that works so well with this type of game. The knob on the controller is turned to move a paddle back and forthComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo reviews, Arkanoid(Solo or 2-player alternating; Pause; Special controller included.) Recommended. (MSR $49.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 2, The Rating System — the issue's key, which goes on "1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value"4 STARS = EXCELLENTComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 2, The Rating Systemgraphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Arkanoid
Computer Entertainer found the NES version "so addictive" that its reviewers had a hard time putting it away, and wrote that anyone who had enjoyed Breakout would like Arkanoid even more. arkanoid-history/ce-nes-verdict
p. 10, Nintendo reviews, ArkanoidSuch a simple concept- and so addictive! We had a hard time putting this one away.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo reviews, Arkanoid — the sentence begins "If you've"; "every" is the magazine's or the OCR's for "ever"every enjoyed playing "Breakout," you'll like ARKANOID even more.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Arkanoid
In November 1997 Electronic Gaming Monthly ranked the NES Arkanoid (Taito, 1986) 41st in its "Top 100 Games of All Time", calling it "a futuristic Break-Out" and noting the paddle controller it came with. arkanoid-history/egm-top-100
p. 130 (PDF p. 138), Top 100 Games of All Time, Arkanoid — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 138): the entry is no. 41 and prints "NES / Taito, 1986"; the rank isn't in the text layerArkanoid NES Taito, 1986Electronic Gaming Monthly, issue 100 (November 1997) · p. 130 (PDF p. 138), Top 100 Games of All Time, ArkanoidArkanoid is a futuristic Break-Out, complete with plenty of unique levels and power-ups. It even came with a paddle-controller for the NES.Electronic Gaming Monthly, issue 100 (November 1997) · pp. 130 and 134 (PDF pp. 138 and 142), Top 100 Games of All Time, Arkanoid — the entry's text runs on from PDF p. 138 to PDF p. 142 in the text layer, past a sidebar on the 10 best arcade gamesthat you'd pick up because you need a quick video … game fix but would end up playing for hours.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Arkanoid
The manual for Arkanoid on the Amiga and the Macintosh carries "©Copyright 1986, 87 Taito America Corporation" and "©Copyright 1987, 88 Discovery Software International", with Discovery's address in Annapolis, Maryland, and credits the concept and design to Taito America. It credits the programming of both versions to Chris Chirogene and Rick Ross, and the graphics to Torbin Larsen, Rick Ross, Bob Hires, and Mike Bazzell. Both are played with the mouse, and on the Amiga the F3 and F4 keys start a game on "the additional 33 levels". arkanoid-history/amiga-mac
inside cover, copyright©Copyright 1986, 87 Taito America Corporation ©Copyright 1987, 88 Discovery Software International., Inc. 163 Conduit Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401Arkanoid for the Commodore-Amiga and Macintosh (Discovery Software manual) · About ArkanoidBoth the Amiga and the Macintosh versions were programmed by Chris Chirogene and Rick Ross. Graphics by Torbin Larsen , Rick Ross, Bob Hires, and Mike Bazzell.Arkanoid for the Commodore-Amiga and Macintosh (Discovery Software manual) · Arkanoid for the Commodore-Amiga, To Play the GameTo reach the additional 33 levels, press the F3 key for one player or press the F4 key for a two player game. When the game starts, use the mouse to move your Vaus under the Energy Ball.Arkanoid for the Commodore-Amiga and Macintosh (Discovery Software manual) · Arkanoid for the MacintoshYou must use a mouse to control the Vaus.Arkanoid for the Commodore-Amiga and Macintosh (Discovery Software manual) · About ArkanoidARKANOID® concept and design by Taito America Corporation.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Gives the manual's two copyright lines instead of saying it was published under copyright from Taito America.The manual's copyright lines run to 1988, so this printing is a later one; no source read gives either version's release date. The manual doesn't say what the additional 33 levels are.
Cited by: Arkanoid
In August 1988 Computer Entertainer reported that Taito had released its first computer games, five Commodore 64 titles including Arkanoid at $29.95. An Apple II version of Arkanoid that would also run on the IIGS was planned, and an Atari ST one; Taito's Amiga versions were slated for all its titles but Alcon and Arkanoid. arkanoid-history/taito-us-computer
p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer Gamesreleased five titles for Commodore 64/128: ALCON, ARKANOID,Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer Games$34.95 on all but the first two, which are $29.95 each.)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer Games — "mn" is the OCR's reading of "run"Apple II versions of the Taito arcade games will also mn on the GS and include ARKANOID ($29.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer Gamesbut SKY SHARK are planned for the Atari ST ($39.95 each, except ARKANOID at $34.95). Amiga versions ($39.95) are slated for all but ALCON and ARKANOID.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: An Apple II version that also runs on the IIGS, as CE says; dropped the unsourced Amiga note.The report doesn't say why Arkanoid was left out of Taito's Amiga line.
Cited by: Arkanoid
Zzap!64 reviewed Imagine's Commodore 64 version in April 1987, at £8.95 on cassette, playable with joystick, keys, paddles, or mouse. In its account the Vaus faces 32 screens of blocks and then the Dimension Changer on level 33, and extra lives come at regular point intervals or from a capsule marked P. arkanoid-history/zzap-c64
p. 39, Arkanoid — the OCR reads the pound sign as "E"Imagine, E8.95 cass, joystick, keys, paddles and mouseZzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, Arkanoid — the sentence reads "This horrid creature has transported Vaus into a strange dimension - 32 block-patterned screens"; the OCR splits it into short lines, and this quote is the one with the countsion - 32Zzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, ArkanoidDimension Changer on Level 33.Zzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, Arkanoidearned at regular point intervalsZzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, Arkanoid — the sentence reads "or by collecting a capsule marked with 'P'"with 'P'.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Arkanoid
Zzap!64's review of Imagine's Commodore 64 version carries comments by three reviewers, signed S.J, G.P, and J.R. S.J found it "probably the best around at the moment"; G.P preferred it to Gremlin's Krakout, reviewed in the same issue, as prettier, better sounding, and a pound cheaper; and J.R called it "a magnificent conversion" that captured the feel, look, and sound of the Taito original. Its ratings were Presentation 90%, Graphics 80%, Sound 96%, Hookability 84%, Lastability 70%, Value 65%, and Overall 80%, "a well above average conversion of an addictive and challenging arcade game". arkanoid-history/zzap-c64-verdict
p. 39, Arkanoid — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 39): S.J's comment reads "this version is extremely good, and probably the best around at the moment"good, and probably the bestZzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, Arkanoid — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 39): J.R's comment reads "This is a magnificent conversion, faithfully capturing the feel, atmosphere, look and sound of the Taito original."This is a magnifi-Zzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, Arkanoid — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 39): G.P's comment reads "Arkanoid is a lot prettier than Krakout, it also sounds better - and it's a quid cheaper."sounds better - and It's a quidZzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, Arkanoid — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 39); the blurb under it reads "A well above average conversion of an addictive and challenging arcade game."OVERALL 80%Zzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 38, KrakoutGremlin Graphics, £9.99 cass, £14.99 disk, joystick onlyZzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, Arkanoid — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 39), with LASTABILITY 70%, which the text layer reads as "INSTABILITY 70%"PRESENTATION 90% … GRAPHICS 80% … SOUND 96% … HOOKABILITY 84% … VALUE 65%Zzap!64, issue 24 (April 1987) · p. 39, Arkanoid — printed LASTABILITY 70%INSTABILITY 70%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The reviewers sign their comments with initials only.
Cited by: Arkanoid
Looking back for its 50th issue in February 1990, Your Sinclair wrote that no coin-op conversion of 1987 was "as faithful or as straightforwardly addictive" as Ocean's Spectrum Arkanoid. The writer remembered the capsule that skipped to the next level, called level 23 the hardest, and judged Arkanoid II, a year later, "just as good", with better puzzles and a choice of screens, though nothing could beat the first for sheer impact. arkanoid-history/ys-retrospective
p. 72, 50th birthday, ArkanoidAlthough a coin-op conversion, none was as faithful or as straightforwardly addictive in 1987 as Arkanoid.Your Sinclair, issue 50 (February 1990) · p. 72, 50th birthday, ArkanoidARKANOID OceanYour Sinclair, issue 50 (February 1990) · p. 72, 50th birthday, Arkanoidthe beloved 'B' pill, which let you jump into the next level with no further adoYour Sinclair, issue 50 (February 1990) · p. 72, 50th birthday, ArkanoidThe hardest level, as many will tell you, was Level 23Your Sinclair, issue 50 (February 1990) · p. 72, 50th birthday, ArkanoidArkanoidII, a year later, was just as good - better puzzles and a choice of screens throughout - but for sheer impact, nothing could beat the first.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted "as faithful or as straightforwardly addictive" as written, and the sequel's balance.The entry names "Ocean" as the label; Imagine was Ocean's arcade-conversion label (zzap-c64 has Imagine on the Commodore 64). No source read gives the Spectrum version's release date or its publisher's own label.
Cited by: Arkanoid
By February 1990 Arkanoid and Arkanoid 2 were sold together on the Spectrum in a Taito Coin Ops compilation with Bubble Bobble, Flying Shark, The Legend of Kage, Rastan, Slap Fight, and Renegade, by a mail-order advertisement in Your Sinclair. arkanoid-history/compilation-taito-coin-ops
PDF p. 19, Key Software advertisement — the ad's price list gives £8.90 for the cassetteTAITO COIN OPS.8.90 - Bubble Bobble, Flying Shark, Legend of Kage, Arkanoid, Rastan, Slap Fight, Renegade, Arkanoid 2Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Locator is PDF p. 19; the printed folio wasn't read.Crash reviewed the compilation, as Imagine's Taito Coin-Op Hits, in January 1989 (crash-score), and Crash's January 1988 roundup covered Ocean's The Magnificent Seven, also with Arkanoid; that roundup's text layer is too garbled to quote.
Cited by: Arkanoid
Crash's January 1989 roundup of compilations, in its box for Imagine's Taito Coin-Op Hits (£12.95 on cassette), lists Arkanoid with the Crash issue that reviewed it and its score: issue 39, 59%. That is the ZX Spectrum version's original Crash rating, reported again, not a new one. arkanoid-history/crash-score
p. 93 (PDF p. 94), Collectable Consumables, Taito Coin-Op Hits — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 94), which prints "Arkanoid 39/59%"; the scout also read there the box's header, "TAITO COIN-OP HITS … Imagine", and its price, "£12.95c"A^kanokt 39/59%Crash, issue 60 (January 1989) · p. 93 (PDF p. 94), Collectable Consumables, key — read on the page image by the scout (PDF p. 94); the key gives, for each game, the Crash issue it featured in and the review percentageCRASH issue featured In, and re view p^rcentagQ given. N/R denotes not reviewed.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The note says the scout read the compilation box's label and price on the page image.Crash 39's review itself hasn't been read.
Cited by: Arkanoid