Retail Radar: Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme

GameStop lists recently revamped versions of Taito arcade classics, with Square Enix set to publish.

While the gaming industry is generally focused on the next big thing, there will always be a market for older games and nostalgia-laden trips down memory lane if the Wii Virtual Console and Xbox Live Arcade offerings like Discs of Tron and Tempest are any indication. The online store of retailer GameStop might be offering a heads up on the next big retro gaming releases, as the Web site is hosting product pages for Arkanoid on the DS and Space Invaders Extreme on the PlayStation Portable and DS.

Originally released in Japan last year, Arkanoid on the DS stays true to the block-breaking gameplay of its predecessors, but with several tweaks to the action. Players could control the game using the system's D pad, touch screen, or a special paddle attachment that plugged into the DS's Game Boy Advance cartridge port. The GameStop listing doesn't mention whether or not the paddle attachment would be included with a US release of the game, but the $19.99 price would be unusually cheap for a software-and-hardware combo.

Already released in Japan, Space Invaders Extreme remixes the arcade classic shooter with boss battles, a new score multiplayer mechanic, and presentation elements reminiscent of recently popular rhythm games. The game was developed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original 1978 arcade game's release, and the Japanese DS version was compatible with the aforementioned Arkanoid paddle controller attachment.

Both games are listed on GameStop's site as being published by Square Enix. A representative with the company had not returned GameSpot's request for comment as of press time.

Please note, while retailer listings frequently jump the gun on publishers' product announcements, they should not be taken as final confirmation of a game's release date or existence; nor should the absence of a listing be considered as proof that a game isn't coming to a given platform.

16 Comments

  • skemaal

    Posted Jun 9, 2008 6:55 pm PT

    Just tried the demo through the Nintendo Channel...very cool!

  • rbenns2

    Posted Feb 27, 2008 10:22 am PT

    BBBLLLLLLEEEEEHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just saw the screenshots for the new Arkanoid. Why can't they include the original, unf***** with version? The ROMS of that version take up only a few hundred kb. Bonus points if they use both screens (the original was a vertical screen, so this would work perfectly).

  • ctg867

    Posted Feb 26, 2008 2:42 pm PT

    If anybody wants to play Space Invaders, go to pspdemocenter.com and download the demo.

  • derubermensch1

    Posted Feb 26, 2008 11:03 am PT

    I had arkanoid and it's sequel for the Amiga 1000 when all the other kids were playing oregon trail on their apple IIe's, lol : ) Thinking about getting an Amiga 1200 new from europe, they're still popular over there...awesome

  • rbenns2

    Posted Feb 26, 2008 10:23 am PT

    Finally, the ability to play Arkanoid with a paddle! No other option has worked so far - not mice, keyboards, controllers, or analog controllers. I just hope they don't mess with it too much - that picture they showed looks kind of cramped. Less space, less blocks, less fun.

  • Santhin

    Posted Feb 26, 2008 9:49 am PT

    Those kinds of games are perfect for the handheld market. Easy to pick up and play, immediately rewarding, and never boring. It's the kind of thing you can pop in and not mind playing for 5 minutes or 2 hours depending on how long your holdover at the airport is.

  • AngelCage

    Posted Feb 26, 2008 6:01 am PT

    The demo of space invaders xtreme is really cool, more than i was hoping when i download the demo.

  • BSantamorena

    Posted Feb 26, 2008 5:49 am PT

    I want that paddle sounds really cool.

  • specialed

    Posted Feb 26, 2008 4:58 am PT

    Man, I was so close to importing Arkanoid the other week, but now that they are coming to the states, hoorah!

    Can't wait for one of the truly classic arcade video games of the 70's-80's.

  • CodingGenius Site moderator

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 8:19 pm PT

    A paddle attachment, if of an appropriate size for portability, would be awesome for Arkanoid. Haven't seen one of those in a long time.

  • chimera01

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 7:25 pm PT

    Arkanoid was awesome, and props too Space Invaders as well. They are both arcade classics, but have been redone many times over. I don't think this warrants yet another purchase.

  • theclaw135

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 6:58 pm PT

    Ah, Square Enix. This means they'll probably get a larger print run than if it was somebody like Atlus.

  • SimonCharles

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 6:42 pm PT

    This is good news, even if we don't get the paddle attachement. Love Arkanoid.

  • reckeweg

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 6:08 pm PT

    I saw the demo for the Space Invaders game and it looks awesome. If you like those colorful music flavor games, you'll love this. Here is the demo: http://www.gametrailers.com/player/26874.html

  • supersonicGO

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 5:21 pm PT

    i got the demo of space invaders extreme, it's awesome. Definitely check it out.

    go here: http://demos.pspfanboy.com/

  • Theman3788 posted Feb 25, 2008 5:17 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Theman3788

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 5:17 pm PT (hide)

    never played either... but they sound lame...

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