Vaus
The player-controlled spacecraft that functions as the paddle.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow Left | Move the Vaus left |
|---|---|
Arrow Right | Move the Vaus right |
A | Launch the ball or activate the current paddle function The exact effect depends on the current power-up state. |
Start | Pause the game |
Control notes
The original arcade version used a rotary controller; the NES release uses directional control.
Button behavior can vary slightly between regional releases or controller setups.
How it plays
How does Arkanoid play?
The game is viewed from a fixed side-on perspective. Move the Vaus horizontally along the bottom of the screen and bounce the ball into every breakable block. The stage is cleared when all required blocks are removed; losing the ball costs a life.
Stages introduce different block arrangements, indestructible blocks, and capsules. Falling capsules can grant effects such as a wider paddle, multiple balls, a catch function, or a laser-equipped paddle. Progression comes from clearing a long sequence of increasingly demanding screens.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Arkanoid?
Keep the paddle near the ball’s projected landing point rather than following it reactively. Use side hits to control the ball’s angle and prioritize opening routes through dense block formations.
Collect capsules when the risk is acceptable. A wider paddle is useful for survival, while laser and catch effects can quickly simplify difficult layouts. Avoid trapping the ball in a shallow horizontal loop.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Doh
The alien entity associated with Arkanoid and the game’s stage progression.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockInformation is not available for this title yet.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Favor controlled side deflections over repeated center hits.
- 2
Collect useful capsules, but do not chase one if it leaves the paddle out of position.
- 3
Use the pause function when planning a difficult rebound.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A faithful NES adaptation with many stages and recognizable power-ups, though directional control is less exact than the arcade spinner.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0