Arkanoid

Arkanoid is a brick-breaking arcade video game developed by Taito and released in 1986. It extends the core concept of Atari's Breakout by introducing a branded paddle and a broader array of level design, power-ups, and brick types, which helped redefine the genre for a generation of players.

Gameplay centers on the Vaus, a paddle-like craft at the bottom of the screen. The player must bounce a ball to destroy all breakable bricks on each stage while preventing the ball from falling below the paddle. Bricks may require multiple hits, and some are indestructible. When bricks are destroyed, power-ups drop down and can be collected to grant temporary effects, such as enlarging the paddle, adding extra balls, slowing the ball, or enabling laser shots from the paddle. The game grows more challenging with faster ball speeds and more complex layouts as players progress to new stages.

Development and release: Arkanoid was released in arcades in 1986 and quickly became a commercial success. It was subsequently ported to numerous platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System, Amiga, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, MSX, Apple II, Atari ST, and other home computer systems, helping to spread its influence beyond arcades.

Legacy: Arkanoid spawned sequels and a lasting series, notably Arkanoid II: The Revenge of DOH, and inspired a wide range of brick-breaking games. It introduced a robust power-up mechanic that became a hallmark of the genre and remains a reference point in the history of arcade puzzle games.