Arkanoid Eternal Battle
- December 21, 2023
- Pastagames
- 45h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Arkanoid: Eternal Battle" is a modernized version of the classic arcade game, Arkanoid, developed by TAITO Corporation in 1986. The game features classic elements with a new look, rules, effects, bonuses and for the first time, an online Battle Royale mode called 'Eternal Battle'. In this game, players control the spacecraft VAUS, navigating through an inter-dimensional labyrinth, destroying 'spacewalls' to defeat 'DOH', the maze creator responsible for ARKANOID’s destruction. Players can now compete against each other online, offering a fresh take on the iconic block breaker game.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- A fun way to revisit the classic Arkanoid game, with updated graphics and smooth mouse controls.
- Local co-op mode is enjoyable, allowing up to four players to compete together.
- The inclusion of the original Arkanoid as a playable mode adds nostalgic value for long-time fans.
- The ball speed increases too quickly, making gameplay frustrating and difficult to manage.
- The retro mode's presentation, including the curved screen and background noise, detracts from the experience.
- The online multiplayer mode is largely empty, often filled with AI opponents instead of real players.
- graphics37 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the modernized visuals and nostalgic flair, while others criticize the aesthetic choices, describing them as tacky or overly glitchy, which can hinder gameplay visibility. Many users express a desire for more customization options to enhance the visual experience, and while some find the graphics smooth and appealing, others deem them generic and lacking innovation. Overall, the visuals are seen as a blend of retro and modern styles, but opinions vary widely on their effectiveness and appeal.
“The new graphics give a fun feel.”
“Visuals and sounds are pretty decent.”
“The sound and graphics are amazing.”
“The idea, I think, is they want the simulated glitchy graphics to give the game a retro feel, but what it really does is make the game difficult to see what is going on.”
“I don't know any retro gamer who has ever said, 'you know what we could do with high resolution graphics? We could simulate old defective hardware and make old games look even crummier than they did on the hardware they originally ran on!' and yet, this is the aesthetic they have chosen.”
“Lackluster graphics, and the same, instantly forgettable generic EDM soundtrack playing in the background over and over again.”
- gameplay27 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the nostalgic elements and modern power-ups that enhance replay value, while others criticize it for lacking innovation and feeling overly simplistic. Many noted that the controls can be challenging without a trackball controller, and the multiplayer experience is often disappointing due to a lack of real players. Overall, while the core gameplay remains enjoyable for some, it is seen as a basic remake with minimal advancements from its classic roots.
“Your mileage may vary on whether you like this style of gameplay, but I have to say, after playing retro, Neo is a breath of fresh air.”
“I love the music, the physics, and fast-paced gameplay.”
“The general classic gameplay loop is fun to play, and with the added modern power-ups, it adds more charm and replay value.”
“Lots of extra graphical flair doesn't make up for the lacking gameplay.”
“Such a poor quality, basic remake with zero innovation and no meaningful gameplay advances from three decades ago.”
“Generic graphics, generic music, stilted gameplay - Arkanoid Eternal has them all.”
- music19 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its catchiness and immersive quality, while others find it generic and forgettable. Many appreciate the updated soundtracks and atmospheric elements that enhance the gaming experience, though a few criticize the repetitiveness of the music. Overall, the soundtrack contributes positively to the nostalgic feel and modern visuals, but opinions vary on its memorability and originality.
“The music in eternal mode is incredibly catchy and memorable for me.”
“I love the music, the physics, and fast-paced gameplay.”
“It's a gorgeous experience with a soundtrack that I'd buy separately.”
“Music and sound effects are basic and forgettable overall.”
“Lacklustre graphics, and the same, instantly forgettable generic EDM soundtrack playing in the background over and over again.”
“Generic graphics, generic music, stilted gameplay - Arkanoid Eternal has them all.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is criticized as a cash grab, with a high price point of $30 that many feel is unjustified given the game's quality and lack of marketing. Reviewers suggest that players would be better off supporting indie developers who offer more genuine and well-crafted experiences.
“I got it for a bit of nostalgia, but this is just an overpriced and undercooked cash grab.”
“You'll get a better brick breaker game and support a genuine indie dev who put his heart into making a great brick breaker instead of supporting this greedy cash grab because of the old school arcade name.”
“This just feels like a cash grab.”
- story3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game lacks a traditional story, with some users suggesting the addition of a pinball mode as a potential narrative experience. Overall, the absence of a structured storyline is noted, leaving players desiring more engaging content.
“No story.”
“It would be nice and amusing to have a pinball mode, shooting the balls into holes, swerves, switches, springs, and blocks. This can be a story mode of its own and/or a non-ending experience until game over.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers a fun classic gameplay loop enhanced by modern power-ups, which adds some charm and replay value. However, many users feel that it can become repetitive quickly and lacks the necessary variety to sustain long-term replayability.
“The general classic gameplay loop is fun to play, and with the added modern power-ups, it adds more charm and replay value.”
“It gets old fast and limits replayability.”
“Needs much more variety to improve replayability.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers consistently praise the game's artistic style and music, highlighting that both contribute significantly to its immersive atmosphere.
“My partner and I really love the artistic style and atmosphere.”
“Great music and atmosphere, though.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been criticized for issues such as buggy mouse acceleration, misalignment of game elements, and frequent microfreezes, which significantly hinder the gameplay experience. Users express frustration with these technical problems, making the game difficult to enjoy.
“Then you've got the occasionally buggy mouse acceleration, the center of the paddle that isn't quite lined up properly, and all those floating bits that materialize out of thin air to screw you at every opportunity.”
“I loved good old Arkanoid, but microfreezes make this remake impossible to play.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for not being fully optimized, with particular criticism directed at the absence of a save feature in certain modes, which detracts from the overall experience. However, players still find enjoyment in the eb-mode and express a willingness to continue playing.
“The game is not fully optimized, and the lack of a save feature in other modes isn't appealing, but I've mostly played in eb-mode anyway and would/will play more!”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time akin to having a second life to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
