App review: Arkanoid vs Space Invaders, addictive, winning mash-up of two classic games
Arkanoid vs Space Invaders (Square Enix)
Parents need to know that Arkanoid vs Space Invaders is a mash-up of two classic arcade games, and thus is safe for gamers of all ages. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Parents need to know that Arkanoid vs Space Invaders is a mash-up of two classic arcade games, and thus is safe for gamers of all ages. While you do destroy aliens with bouncing bullets and energy arrows, there’s no blood or gore. There’s also no sex, use of drugs or alcohol, or any naughty language. Players can earn in-game currency they can then use to buy power-ups as well as new characters who have their own special skills. But in-game currency can’t be bought with real money. Read the app’s privacy policy on the game’s website to find out about the information collected and shared.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
As in all Space Invaders games, Arkanoid vs Space Invaders once again has you taking up arms against some unruly aliens who don’t understand that the Earth is already occupied. Except that instead of shooting them, you have to bounce their attacks back at them, like when you bounced balls in hopes of destroying bricks in Arkanoid. Though if you think those invaders from space will take no for an answer, then, well, we’ve got a vintage Pac-Man machine to sell you.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
As the name suggests, Arkanoid vs Space Invaders once again has you trying to defeat the alien invaders who like to march in lockstep. But unlike the original Space Invaders from 1978, you don’t move a laser cannon back and forth. Instead, you have to move a reflective platform around the lower part of the screen, both horizontally and vertically, so it can bounce the aliens’ lasers back up at them. Y’know, like how you deflected the bouncing ball at bricks you wanted to break in 1986’s Arkanoid. Not surprisingly, some of the aliens will hide behind blocks you have to destroy first. There are also times when your ship turns into a giant bow and arrow, which shoots a powerful burst that can take down multiple enemies. Just make sure you get them all before time runs out. As you progress, you’ll unlock new pilots and power-ups that can make your ship wider or deflected bullets go faster. You can even go back and replay previous battles at a more challenging difficulty. In fact, the only negative thing we can say about this is that the music is annoying, but even that’s a moot complaint since you can turn it down or off. Which is why Arkanoid vs Space Invaders is two great arcade games that taste great together.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 6 and older
Quality: 5 out of 5
Ease of play: 2 out of 5
Violence and scariness: 1 out of 5
Sexy stuff: 0 out of 5
Language: 0 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 0 out of 5
Consumerism: 0 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
APP DETAILS
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Price: $4.99
Release date: May 26, 2017
Category: Arcade Games
Size: 320.00 MB
Publisher: Square Enix
Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android 4.4 and up
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Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
