Arkanoid DS to include attachable knob controller

by Kyle Orland { Aug 1st 2007 at 5:23PM }

It's not like we really need another version of Arkanoid. The classic Breakout clone has already shown up on over a dozen classic computer systems, as well as the NES and SNES. But the new version recently revealed for the Nintendo DS has an important leg up over the competition -- a special controller that mimics the original arcade game's rotating knob.

The first portable version of the game (not counting unofficial homebrews), Arkanoid DS will include an attachable knob controller that plugs into the DS' Game Boy Advance slot, according to a 1up translation of a Famitsu story. The game will also have 140 stages and a quest mode focused on completing specific tasks, according to the story.

The game is slated for a December release in Japan, and while a North American release hasn't yet been announced, the bevy of arcade classics already on the system makes it seem likely.

Tags: arkanoid, classic, DS, knob

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jose @ Aug 1st 2007 5:28PM

Is it going to hang out of the DS Lite GB slot, or will it not work with DS Phat?

Zertoss @ Aug 1st 2007 5:37PM

Since it's supposedly going to be sold separately, there's no reason not to make one for each DS.

3cubedminus3squared @ Aug 1st 2007 5:29PM

I've never played Arkanoid.
Is it any good?

Truepatriot @ Aug 1st 2007 5:34PM

its breakout. move paddle, hit ball, repeat.
with this knob the ds needs pong!

AirIntake @ Aug 1st 2007 5:35PM

Arkanoid is breakout with a plot (sortof). I remember Arkanoid being quite fun in the arcade (and C64) with a paddle.

3cubedminus3squared @ Aug 1st 2007 6:36PM

meh, then I guess I've kind of already played it.

Bloo @ Aug 1st 2007 5:30PM

140 stages and quest mode? Custom peripheral? All over this!

Fernando Rocker @ Aug 1st 2007 5:35PM

A lot of love for the little boy =) Seriously, the DS is the best portable of all times. And every week the DS is even better. I hope that the nex DS, have two screen with the size of a PSP screen, and still clamshell, and SD card support.

When the father is going to receive some love... c'mon developers... don't be lazy with the Wii =(

Anam @ Aug 1st 2007 5:40PM

NO! Not the knob! I hated the knob when I was a kid!

Fernando Rocker @ Aug 1st 2007 6:01PM

Its time to face your fears... beat the knob, conquer the knob. This is your chance.

Don't give nothing... but take from the knob, everything.

ill trooper @ Aug 1st 2007 6:44PM

That is an awesome idea for an add-on... The slot is in the front of the console, below and in front of the screens... COOL!

For the record, however, I'd rather see TEMPEST than arakanoid. Or other games using a knob like that for firing direction, like the original arcade version of 'Heavy Barrel' did.

AmishPhysicist @ Aug 1st 2007 6:51PM

ooh... temmmpessst... listen up internets! tempest, NOW!

megapenguinx @ Aug 1st 2007 6:06PM

Has nightmares of twisting things

Jose @ Aug 1st 2007 6:16PM

Chubby Checker would be appalled!

*spits on floor in your general direction*

megapenguinx @ Aug 1st 2007 6:18PM

Actually, I had classic pong with the paddles.
But I kept spazzing out and turning the knob in the wrong direction

David @ Aug 1st 2007 6:20PM

I LOVE KNOBS. I've been wanting to bring them back but good job whoever beat me to it. Someday I'll revive the paddle controller, the best 1-dimensional analog control so far invented! (well, the throttle lever is a pretty good one too, but unwieldy)

DG @ Aug 1st 2007 7:33PM

Arkanoid IS different from Breakout because it adds powerups. Nothing is more fun than getting the Fire powerup and blowing up a stage in two seconds.

David @ Aug 1st 2007 7:36PM

Yeah, ya know, Puzzle Bobble would be fun with a knob also!

JC Fletcher @ Aug 1st 2007 7:46PM

This is the best news today, by far, followed by Super Dodge Ball DS. Playing Arkanoid with a real Arkanoid controller is a beautiful experience.

ManekiNeko @ Aug 1st 2007 8:55PM

Oh, no. We NEED another Arkanoid, especially when it comes with a Vaus controller. I'm sure the game could be played with the touchscreen- after all, Break 'Em All worked pretty well with it- but a dial would keep your hands away from the screen, and offers the tactile feedback that a touchscreen just can't reproduce. I am so looking forward to this!

JR