Arkanoid

A reinvention of the classic Breakout, Arkanoid for DOS brought arcade brilliance home in the late ’80s. Developed by Taito, the game replaces the bat-and-ball simplicity with a sci-fi twist: you’re piloting the “Vaus,” a space vessel trapped in a mysterious dimension. Use energy bolts to break through waves of bricks, collect game-changing power-ups, and defeat the final boss “DOH” in this genre-defining arcade hit!

How to play Arkanoid

Game Objective

In Arkanoid, your goal is to guide the Vaus spaceship to safety by clearing each level of bricks using a bouncing energy bolt. The ball ricochets around the screen, and you control the Vaus horizontally along the bottom to keep it in play. Lose the ball, and you lose a life. Clear the level, and you move on to the next challenge—eventually facing the final boss, DOH.

Controls & Platform Info

• Mouse or keyboard to move the Vaus left and right (depending on the version)
• Spacebar or mouse click to launch the ball or fire lasers when powered up
• Use the Esc key to pause or exit the game

The game works best in landscape mode and supports both keyboard and mouse play.

Gameplay Mechanics

Each level consists of:

• Bricks – Regular (1 hit), multi-hit, and indestructible varieties
• Power-ups – Released from certain blocks, they float downward and must be caught
• Ball – Bounces off walls, bricks, and the paddle; changes direction based on paddle contact

Your job is to:

• Break all destructible blocks
• Avoid letting the ball fall out of bounds
• Catch useful power-ups—while weighing the risk of missing the ball

Power-Ups and Pickups

These items drop from certain blocks and add strategic depth:

• L (Laser) – Lets the Vaus shoot lasers from both sides
• C (Catch) – Lets you catch and re-launch the ball at will
• E (Expand) – Widens your paddle, making it easier to catch the ball
• S (Slow) – Slows down the ball, giving you more reaction time
• Multi-ball – Adds chaos with multiple balls in play
• Break – Skips to the next level instantly

Catch them by positioning the Vaus under the falling capsule—but beware: chasing one at the wrong time can cost you a life.

Level Structure and Progression

Arkanoid features dozens of increasingly difficult stages filled with brick patterns, indestructible barriers, and faster ball speed. Every few levels, you’ll face new challenges such as tighter corridors, unpredictable bounces, and faster-moving balls. The final level pits you against the massive face of DOH in a high-stakes showdown.

Scoring and Extra Lives

Earn points by destroying bricks, catching capsules, and surviving levels. Extra lives are awarded at specific score thresholds. The high-score table tracks your best runs, encouraging replayability.

FAQ

Can I play Arkanoid on PEXY.IO without installing anything?

Yes! The game runs directly in your browser via DOS emulation. No downloads or installations required.

How do I control the paddle?

Use your mouse or keyboard (left/right arrow keys or A/D keys depending on version). Some versions also support joystick input.

How do I shoot lasers?

Catch the L capsule to equip the Vaus with dual lasers. Then press the fire key (usually spacebar or mouse button) to shoot.

Is Arkanoid just a Breakout clone?

While inspired by Breakout, Arkanoid adds power-ups, unique level designs, and a storyline, creating a deeper and more strategic experience.

What’s the story behind Arkanoid?

After the mothership is destroyed, the Vaus escapes into a dimension blocked by mysterious walls. Only by smashing through each level can you escape—and defeat the entity known as DOH.

What happens when I lose all my lives?

It’s game over, but you can restart from the beginning. Some versions support limited continues if activated from the main menu.

Can I pause the game?

Yes, usually by pressing Esc or P on the keyboard.

How many levels are there?

There are 33 core levels, ending with the boss fight against DOH. Some versions may include bonus or randomized levels.

Is there multiplayer?

No real-time multiplayer, but players can compete for high scores in turn-based fashion, as was common in arcade games of the era.

Do all bricks behave the same?

No. Some bricks require multiple hits, some are indestructible, and others release power-ups or hidden bonuses.

Game Fodder

Manuals

• Arkanoid game manual