Arkanoid Eternal Battle
- December 21, 2023
- Pastagames
- 45h median play time
In a nutshell, Arkanoid: Eternal Battle is Arkanoid’s answer to Tetris 99. And honestly, we’re here for it.
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
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game successfully captures the nostalgic feel of the original Arkanoid while updating the graphics and music for a modern audience.
- The Neo mode offers a fresh take on the classic gameplay, providing a fun and challenging experience with new power-ups and level designs.
- The retro mode allows players to enjoy the original Arkanoid, which is a delightful experience for fans of the classic game.
- The ball speed increases too quickly, making the game frustratingly difficult and reliant on luck rather than skill.
- The multiplayer mode is largely dead, with most matches being filled with AI opponents, diminishing the competitive experience.
- There are significant quality of life issues, such as the lack of save states, no keyboard support, and intrusive visual effects that hinder gameplay.
- graphics22 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 14 % 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 clarity. Many users find the visuals to be decent but not groundbreaking, with calls for options to disable certain filters for a clearer experience. Overall, the graphics are described as flashy yet sometimes overwhelming, with a desire for more control over visual effects to enhance playability.
“I love this nostalgic game, but with graphics and music updated.”
“The new graphics give a fun feel.”
“Visuals are good and smooth.”
“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.”
- music15 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 20 % 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 battle. While some find the soundtrack to be memorable and well-complemented by the visuals, others describe the sound effects as basic and forgettable. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, enhancing the nostalgic experience with modern updates.
“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.”
“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 mid) music, you're better off skipping this one.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, featuring a blend of classic mechanics with modern enhancements like new power-ups and faster-paced competition against other players or AI. While some players appreciate the fresh take on the original formula, others note issues with control precision and glitches that detract from the experience. Overall, the game shows promise and potential for improvement through updates.
“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.”
“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.”
“The general classic gameplay loop is fun to play, and with the added modern power-ups, it adds more charm and replay value.”
“Even the revamped Neo and Eternal modes are the same essential mechanical premise.”
“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.”
“It's not using the classic gameplay; it's a much faster-paced stylized version.”
- 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 becomes 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.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game lacks a narrative, with users noting that there is no story present.
“There is no story to speak of.”
“The game lacks any meaningful narrative.”
“The storyline is completely absent.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is criticized as being exploitative, with users feeling that it is overpriced and lacks sufficient content, leading to perceptions of it being a cash grab.
“I got it for a bit of nostalgia, but this is just an overpriced and undercooked cash grab.”
“The monetization model feels exploitative, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, turning what could be a fun experience into a constant money grab.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it requires an unrealistic amount of effort, akin to needing a second life to complete it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report issues with stability, noting problems such as buggy mouse acceleration, misalignment of the paddle's center, and unexpected visual glitches that can disrupt gameplay.
“The game suffers from occasional buggy mouse acceleration, and the center of the paddle isn't quite aligned properly, leading to frustrating gameplay.”
“There are numerous floating objects that appear out of nowhere, disrupting the experience and making it difficult to enjoy the game.”
“Overall, the stability issues significantly detract from the gameplay, making it feel unpolished and frustrating.”
