Arkanoid (NES)

Arkanoid
Developer: Taito Publisher: Taito Platform: NES Released in JP: December 26, 1986 Released in US: August 1987 This game has a hidden level select. This game has regional differences. This game has a Data Crystal page

To do: Document the game breaking bug that occurs when the player pauses the game at the exact same frame they break a brick

Arkanoid is the well-known brick-breaking game that spawned an unending series of clones and adaptations. Its NES port is easily the most recognized of all of Arkanoid's home ports.

Both regions notably came packaged with the Vaus Controller which helped mimic the arcade original's paddle controls.

Level Skip

To skip the current level, hold Start and press A before the ball launches for the first time. This only works up to level 16.

(Source: CaH4e3)

Regional Differences

Title Screen

Japan	US

The copyright date was updated from 1986 to 1987, and "All rights reserved" was replaced with the obligatory "licensed by Nintendo of America" disclaimer.

Extra Levels

The Japanese version has only 32 levels, where the US version has 35. All the levels are in the same order, and the three extra levels follow Level 32. DOH appears on Round 33 in Japan, and on Round 36 elsewhere.

Level 33	Level 34	Level 35

Level Changes

The bottom row of bricks in Level 3 changed from eight gold (unbreakable) and three blue to all-red for the US version, likely to make the level a bit easier.

Japan	US