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Arkanoid and Space Invaders make a return on DS and PSP

Square Enix to publish updated classics

Arkanoid and Space Invaders make a return on DS and PSP
|
DS + PSP
| Space Invaders Extreme

We can't remember the last time Square Enix released a game that wasn't an RPG. Has it ever, wonder our tired memory cells?

Yet in our inbox, in the form of a press release (so it must be true), is news the publisher is about to bring us Arkanoid for DS and Space Invaders Extreme for both DS and PSP.

Which is exciting news for pretty much everybody seeing as there can't be anyone alive who hasn't been obsessed with these games – or one of their many spin-offs or clones – at some point in their lives.

Starting with Arkanoid DS (the original's pictured above – the new one should look a bit better), the block-busting game contains 140 levels and a Quest mode that specifies different rules for clearing a level. There are power-up items, too, such as Barriers, Warp and Vanish, while multiplayer modes for up to four players support DS Download Play from a single cart. You're also able to customise your game and Vaus vessels by exchanging points earned for new design features, blocks and sound effects.

Space Invaders Extreme, meanwhile, is going to be a little different on each of the handhelds. On DS it offers single-cart download and wi-fi play, whereas the PSP version features an ad-hoc mode, widescreen support and a soundtrack by DJs and musicians we've never heard of because we're clearly not cool enough. But if you are, they include Sugiurumn, Wall Five, DJ Aki, Atom and Altz.

Both versions though promise a futuristic, techno-inspired look, sound effects synchronised with the music tracks and a range of new power-ups.

Arkanoid DS and Space Invaders Extreme will both be released in summer this year, the perfect time to relive some treasured childhood memories. Well, for some of us anyway.

Kath Brice
Kath Brice
Kath gave up a job working with animals five years ago to join the world of video game journalism, which now sees her running our DS section. With so many male work colleagues, many have asked if she notices any difference.