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, featuring block-breaking gameplay and a new Battle Royale mode called "Eternal Battle". In this free-to-play game, players control the spacecraft VAUS and must destroy blocks and defeat the enemy, DOH, in a inter-dimensional labyrinth. Veteran players will be surprised with new rules, effects, bonuses, and features.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game successfully modernizes the classic Arkanoid gameplay while retaining its nostalgic charm.
- The visuals and sound design are praised for being engaging and reminiscent of the original arcade experience.
- Neo mode offers a fresh take on the game, providing a fun and challenging experience for players.
- The multiplayer mode is largely inactive, often resulting in matches filled with AI opponents instead of real players.
- The ball speed increases too rapidly, making gameplay frustrating and reliant on luck rather than skill.
- There are significant quality of life issues, such as the lack of save states, keyboard support, and customizable controls.
- graphics44 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the modernized visuals and nostalgic feel, while others criticize the simulated glitchy effects that hinder gameplay visibility. Many users express a desire for more control over graphical settings, such as turning off filters, and note that while the visuals can be fun, they often feel underwhelming or overly grungy. Overall, the graphics are seen as passable but lacking the excitement expected from a modern title.
“The new graphics give a fun feel.”
“Visuals are good and smooth.”
“The sound and graphics are amazing.”
“The graphics are passable, nothing exciting.”
“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.”
- music30 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its catchiness and immersive quality, particularly in modes like eternal mode. While some find the soundtrack to be a standout feature that enhances the overall experience, others describe the sound effects as basic and forgettable. Overall, the updated music and atmospheric elements contribute positively to the nostalgic feel of the game, making it a highlight for many players.
“The music in eternal mode is incredibly catchy and memorable for me.”
“Great music and atmosphere, though.”
“It's a gorgeous experience with a soundtrack that I'd buy separately.”
“Blank screen and music.”
“Music and sound effects are basic and forgettable overall.”
“So unless you're a massive Arkanoid fan, or just want to stay for the flashy visuals and chill (albeit mediocre) music, you're better off skipping this one.”
- gameplay29 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, featuring a blend of classic mechanics with modern enhancements like new visuals, patterns, and power-ups, which add charm and replay value. While some players appreciate the fast-paced, stylized versions in neo and eternal modes, others note that the controls can be challenging without a trackball controller, and there are minor glitches affecting certain power-ups. Overall, the game shows potential for improvement through updates, with a solid foundation for both single-player and competitive experiences.
“Same basic gameplay, but with modern visuals, new patterns, new music, new power-ups, and you're competing (passively - think Tetris 99 and the like) against other players or AI as those with the lowest scores gradually get eliminated.”
“The general classic gameplay loop is fun to play, and with the added modern power-ups, it adds more charm and replay value.”
“Tight controls, solid gameplay.”
“The gameplay is hard without the trackball controller (movement can feel 'all-or-none' with a PC controller), and the best power-up of all (laser) is glitched.”
“Even the revamped Neo and Eternal modes are the same essential mechanical premise.”
“It's not using the classic gameplay; it's a much faster-paced stylized version.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
While the classic gameplay loop is enjoyable and enhanced by modern power-ups, many users feel that the experience can become repetitive quickly, indicating a need for greater variety to enhance replayability. Overall, the charm of the game is acknowledged, but its longevity is questioned due to limited content.
“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.”
“It gets old fast and limits replayability.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers consistently praise the game's artistic style and music, highlighting that both elements contribute significantly to its immersive atmosphere. The overall ambiance is described as captivating and enjoyable, enhancing the gaming experience.
“My partner and I really love the artistic style and atmosphere.”
“Great music and atmosphere, though.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game lacks a story, with multiple users noting the absence of any narrative elements.
“No story.”
“No story.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with users feeling that it is overpriced and lacks sufficient content.
“I got it for a bit of nostalgia, but this is just an overpriced and undercooked cash grab.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players consistently express that the grinding required in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it feels like one would need a second life to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from stability issues, including buggy mouse acceleration and misalignment of the paddle's center, which can disrupt gameplay. Additionally, unexpected elements frequently appear, further complicating the experience.
“The occasionally buggy mouse acceleration makes gameplay frustrating, and the center of the paddle isn't quite lined up properly, leading to inconsistent controls.”
“There are floating bits that materialize out of thin air, which can disrupt the experience and create unexpected challenges.”
