Arkanoid 2: The Revenge Of Doh

When Taito introduced the first Arkanoid — a spiffy-looking update of the antediluvian Breakout games from the early 1980s — some industry observers thought the idea was crazy. Despite its bright graphics, power capsules, and (rathersilly) space-alien theme, the basic concept of Arkanoid was unchanged: You still had to swat bouncing balls into walls of colored bricks with a paddle. Surely, the pundits claimed, we've outgrown such simplistic pastimes.

Well, evidently not. The resounding success of Arkanoid proved that plenty of people actually enjoy batting walls of blocks with an "energy ball." Let the pop psychologists figure out why it's so much fun, but it undeniably is — and Taito has the sales figures to prove it. Arkanoid II: The Revenge of Doh features even more (and more interesting) power capsules and walls. In all, there are 67 stages, and the walls are arranged in even more challenging and complex patterns.

However, what sets this sequel apart from the original game more than anything else is the Arkanoid Construction Set that's included. Now you can modify the existing screens or create an entire series of new ones, using the design, special features, power capsules, and even background colors of your choice. With some imagination, and a little time to kill, you can create some really strange screens with this feature.

Arkanoid II is fresh enough to be a genuine sequel, not merely a rehash of a proven hit. It's still as addictive as ever, and the construction set should prove a winning attraction to the game's legion of fans. Those who haven't played the original Arkanoid (or Breakout) need not worry. These little gems are about as easy to get into as any computer game on the market. The hard part is knowing when to stop.