Arcade Archives 2 ARKANOID REVENGE OF DOH is a brick breaker action game originally released by Taito in 1987 as the direct sequel to the classic Arkanoid. Players control the Vaus spacecraft at the bottom of the screen and must keep an energy ball in play by bouncing it upward to destroy formations of space walls made of bricks. The objective centers on clearing each stage while fending off the return of the dimension-controlling entity known as DOH.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around precise paddle movement and ball trajectory control. The Vaus slides left and right along the bottom edge, reflecting the energy ball to chip away at colored bricks that require one or more hits to break. Certain bricks regenerate after destruction, while others move horizontally across the playfield, adding layers of timing and positioning demands. Power-up capsules drop from destroyed bricks and grant temporary advantages such as laser firing capability or expanded paddle size, though players must catch them before they fall off the screen.
Branching paths introduce meaningful choice after clearing a stage or collecting a specific capsule. Two gates appear at the bottom of the screen, leading to distinct L or R versions of the next level with different brick layouts and enemy placements. This system expands replay variety without altering the fundamental bounce-and-break mechanics. Enemies occasionally appear to disrupt the ball or block paths, requiring quick reactions to maintain control.
Modern quality-of-life options support the original arcade experience on Xbox Series X|S. Adjustable difficulty levels, screen display settings, a rewind function for correcting mistakes, rapid-fire toggles, and multiple save slots allow players to tailor sessions. Variable refresh rate support ensures smoother visuals that align closely with how the game ran in arcades. Online leaderboards let participants compare high scores with others worldwide.
Game Modes
Original Mode delivers the standard arcade progression through all stages with full scoring and survival focus. Players advance level by level while managing limited lives and aiming for the highest possible point total.
Hi Score Mode emphasizes point accumulation under standard rules, encouraging repeated attempts to climb global rankings through optimized routes and power-up usage.
Caravan Mode limits play to a fixed number of stages or time, shifting emphasis toward efficient scoring within those constraints.
Time Attack Mode, added specifically for the Arcade Archives 2 release, changes the priority to speed. Participants race to complete the game or reach designated checkpoints as quickly as possible, with score becoming secondary to clear time.
Accessibility and Presentation
The port preserves the original 1987 visuals and sound while offering options to adjust display parameters for modern screens. Language support covers the options menu and manual in English, Japanese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Local two-player support allows alternating turns on the same system. These elements keep the focus on the tight, reflexive gameplay that defined the title decades ago.
Is It Worth Playing?
This release suits players who enjoy precise, skill-based arcade action and short-to-medium session lengths. The combination of faithful reproduction with rewind, save slots, and adjustable difficulty lowers the barrier for newcomers while preserving challenge for veterans. Time Attack Mode provides a fresh objective that rewards different strategies than traditional scoring. Online rankings add ongoing motivation for competitive players. Those seeking a direct, unadorned brick breaker experience with modern conveniences will find the package consistent and focused.
