Arkanoid II FAQ
Version 1.0
By chessjerk (John Kearsley IV)
Created - July 25, 2007
Questions? Comments? Contact me:
[email protected]
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Welcome to my Arkanoid II FAQ. The original Arkanoid was the first video game I
ever purchased for the NES, and it remains as one of my favorite types of games
to play. This second installment adds to the fun with more levels, more power-
ups, and more challenge. Enjoy!
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Table of Contents:
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I. The Object of the Game
II. Controls
III. Main Menu
IV. Scoring
V. Power-up Capsules
VI. Levels
VII. Strategies
VIII. Credits/Disclaimer
IX. Version History
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I. The Object of the Game
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You control the Vaus II, and you must keep your energy ball(s) in play,
destroying bricks and opening a path onward until you face the evil DOH.
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II. Controls
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Left/Right - move Vaus II left or right
A + Left/Right - move Vaus II faster
B + Left/Right - move Vaus II slower
A - shoot a laser (with the Laser capsule) or release the ball (at
the beginning of a level or with the Catch capsule)
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III. Main Menu
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1P - play a one player game
2P - play a two player game (same as 1P, players alternate turns)
Vs - two players (or one player and the computer) face off in a Pong style
matchup with obstacles separating the two combatants
Edit - create your own levels
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IV. Scoring
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Points are scored whenever a block is broken, when you grab a power-up capsule,
and when you destroy an enemy. An extra life is granted at 20,000 points and
every 50,000 points thereafter. The different types of blocks are:
Colored blocks - All of these blocks must be eliminated to complete a level.
One hit from the ball will destroy them. Some of these blocks contain power-up
capsules, when the ball hits it the first time, a capsule will be shown and
then change to a different capsule every few seconds. A second hit from the
ball releases the capsule, letting it fall towards the Vaus II. If you catch
the capsule with the Vaus II, you gain the capsule's powers. Even if you don't
hit the capsule a second time, eventually it will choose a random capsule and
fall on its own. The capsule's powers last until you die, you complete the
level, or you grab another capsule.
Silver blocks - All of these blocks must be eliminated to complete a level. As
the game progresses, the number of hits needed to destroy these blocks
increases, beginning with 2 in the early levels and ending with 6 in the late
levels. These blocks never contain powerups.
Gold blocks - These blocks are not required to be destroyed to complete a
level. They can only be destroyed with a ball powered by a Megaball capsule.
Regenerating blocks - These blocks are not required to be destroyed to complete
a level. They take the same amount of hits needed as Silver blocks do, but when
they are destroyed, they regenerate after a few seconds.
Moving blocks - Some blocks move back and forth across the level. Some gold
blocks will begin moving back and forth after being hit by the ball.
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V. Power-ups
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Here is a list of all the power-up capsules you can collect:
[Name (Letter-Color) - Added abilities]
Break (B-pink) - Opens the exits to the next level, even if breakable blocks
remain on the level.
Catch (C-dark green) - The ball sticks to the Vaus II, allowing you to move
around and shoot it wherever you want. Don't take too long, though, as the ball
will shoot itself after a few seconds.
Disrupt (D-light blue) - The ball splits into eight balls.
Extend (E-dark blue) - The Vaus II increases in size.
Incandescence (I-dark green) - The Vaus II leaves a trail behind itself
whenever it moves. This trail keeps the ball in play just like the Vaus II
itself does.
Laser (L-red) - Activates the Vaus II's laser, allowing it to shoot and destroy
blocks and enemies.
Megaball (M-purple) - The ball changes color and can go through all blocks,
even gold ones, destroying them instantly. Be careful, because on some levels,
the ball color can make it very difficult to see on some levels' backgrounds.
New (N-white) - The ball splits into three balls. If a ball is lost, one of the
remaining two splits again, thus keeping three balls in play at all times.
Player (P-gray) - The player gains an extra life.
Reduce (R-black) - The Vaus II shrinks in size, however, all points earned are
doubled while in a reduced state.
Speed Down (S-peach) - The ball slows down.
Twin (T-dark blue) - The Vaus II duplicates itself, thus giving you two Vaus
II's to keep the ball in play. Be careful, as there is a gap between the two
Vaus II's and the ball can fit in between them, which can cause much
frustration.
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VI. Levels
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There are 32 brick-breaking levels and 3 boss fights, for a total of 35 levels.
Most of the levels have a "Left" and "Right" version, depending on which exit
you take when you complete the previous level. After breaking the last block of
a level or when you grab a "Break" capsule, an exit appears on your left and
your right. Take the left exit to go the "Left" version of the next level, take
the right exit to go the "Right version".
Here are descriptions for every level, with difficulty ratings:
Level 0 - Easy
The game opens with a battle against...DOH? That's strange. He's a piece of
cake though. Avoid his projectiles and keep hitting him with the ball until he
is destroyed. Seven hits should do the trick.
Level 1 - Easy
This level is the same no matter which exit you took on Level 0. This level
introduces the regenerating bricks, so be aware of them.
Level 2L - Easy
Gold blocks make their first appearance here, and they move once they are hit.
Try to get the ball up through the hole in the silver blocks and keep the ball
up there.
Level 2R - Easy
Gold blocks divide the level in half, with a multitude of colored blocks to hit
on both sides. No problem.
Level 3L - Easy
More moving gold blocks here, but the low number of breakable blocks makes this
a quick level.
Level 3R - Average
It can be tough to get the between the gold blocks and hit the breakable
blocks, especially when the ball starts speeding up. If you can grab a capsule,
it's not too bad.
Level 4L - Average
The interconnected gold and silver blocks present a challenge, especially with
the blocks nestled between the gold blocks.
Level 4R - Easy
Hmmm...it looks like a cat. The gold blocks are out of the way in this level,
and there aren't many breakable blocks to hit.
Level 5L - Easy
The gold blocks outline the shape of a bug of some kind, so keep the ball in
the middle where the breakable blocks are and you'll be fine.
Level 5R - Hard
There are only eight breakable blocks, but they are hard to hit amongst the
gold blocks, and if you miss and send the ball up to the top, the ball speeds
up very quickly, making it very hard to control.
Level 6L - Easy
It looks like a Vaus! No gold blocks here, so destroy everything.
Level 6R - Average
If you can get rid of the blocks between the gold blocks early, the rest is
easy.
Level 7L - Easy
The gold blocks are spread out, so just keep sending the ball up the sides and
it should stay up there.
Level 7R - Hard
The hard part is sending the ball into the maze of gold blocks. If it stays
there and doesn't come back out, the level is quite easy. Of course, the ball
always seems to miss one block and fly out when you least expect it, so be
ready for it.
Level 8L - Average
First off, destroy the regenerating block on the right and quickly send the
ball up into the top part of the level. As long as the block regenerates
quickly enough that the ball is trapped up there, it should buy enough time for
you to grab a capsule and quickly finish off this level.
Level 8R - Hard
The gold blocks make their presence felt again. Try and fit the ball between
the gold blocks and pray the ball doesn't come back out for a long time.
Level 9L - Average
Tennis anyone? Lots of silver blocks here, so be prepared for a lengthy battle.
Also, the gold blocks are close to the bottom, so keep the ball away from them.
Level 9R - Average
Time for a ride in a balloon! Stay away from the middle here, as the gold
blocks block you there. Keep sending the ball up the sides.
Level 10L - Hard
The level is almost entirely composed of gold and silver blocks, so don't
expect many capsules to help you here. The moving gold blocks also pose a
problem, as they can cause some unexpected bounces.
Level 10R - Hard
Not to be outdone, this level has even fewer colored blocks than 10L, as it's
pretty much just a mass of silver blocks. There are passages on both sides, so
keeping sending the ball up and hope it causes a lot of damage before it comes
back down.
Level 11L - Average
Gold blocks border the breakables on the top and bottom, so send the ball up
the sides for an easier time.
Level 11R - Average
This level is very similar to Level 16 of the original Arkanoid. You can either
break the blocks on the sides and send the ball up to the top, or break through
the silver blocks in the middle to get to the top blocks.
Level 12L - Average
This heart-shaped level has regenerating blocks at the top which can keep the
enemies from the top at bay, so focus your attention on the middle and the
breakable blocks there.
Level 12R - Average
Lots of silver blocks here, but they are not too close to you, allowing a lot
of room for maneuvering.
Level 13L - Hard
There are five long lines of blocks, alternating between colored blocks and
regenerating blocks. If you can send the ball up at a sharp angle, it will
probably stay up there for a while. If you can grab a ball-splitting capsule
while it's up there, the level could end very quickly, although it can be very
difficult to get to one pesky block amid all of the annoying regenerating
blocks.
Level 13R - Hard
This is another one of those "send the ball up the middle and hope it never
comes out" levels. The regenerating blocks should keep the ball up there if
you're fortunate, but if the ball comes back down at a high speed, you can kiss
that ball goodbye.
Level 14L - Average
This level isn't too bad, especially if you can grab a laser capsule, as all
the blocks are vulnerable to being shot.
Level 14R - Average
Not too many breakables here, and the blocks start far away, so it's a nice
breather.
Level 15L - Easy
It's a piece of cake! Oh, and the level is easy, too. ^_^
Level 15R - Very Hard
There aren't many breakable blocks here, of course getting to them is another
story. The gold blocks in the middle form an impenetrable wall that spell out
the word "DOH" (which, incidentally, is what I say whenever I play this level
instead of 15L.
*insert a Homer Simpson "D'oh!" here*
Anyway, to get the ball to the top, there are movable gold blocks that open up
a passage to the breakable blocks. Of course, actually getting that to work is
quite difficult. An alternative is to try and shoot the ball in-between the
gold blocks at the bottom left corner of the "O", since if you hit it just
right, the ball can pass right between two blocks matched corner to corner. Of
course, once you get the ball up top, it's virtually impossible to lose, unless
you are very unlucky.
Level 16L - Hard
The enemies are contained in the columns of gold blocks on the left and right,
so shoot the silver blocks at the bottom last. The mass of colored blocks in
the middle can be a problem, especially if you accidentally release the enemies
into the level, since they will be very close to you.
Level 16R - Average
Lots of regenerating blocks again, but not too bad. Just keep shooting the ball
up the pathways in the middle and the sides.
Level 17 - Hard
The second boss appears to be a brain of some kind. It will emit enemies
towards you at a rapid pace, so try to hit them as soon as possible so they
don't get close. Keep hitting the brain will the ball, and eventually it will
disappear, allowing some kind of alien to escape. Twenty hits or so should do
it.
Level 18 - Hard
This level is the same no matter which exit you take from Level 17. The three
rows of regenerating blocks will give you headaches, but once you get the ball
past them, the rest should be easy.
Level 19L - Easy
A long row of gold blocks with one row of colored blocks on each side and
that's it. Easy stuff.
Level 19R - Easy
No special blocks here, just colored blocks. No problem.
Level 20L - Average
Once you pass the outer rim of silver blocks, the rest is easy.
Level 20R - Average
Lots of silver blocks here, including moving silver blocks. Shoot the ball up
the passages to the top and grab a decent capsule if you can.
Level 21L - Hard
The breakable blocks are all inside a square of gold blocks, with regenerating
blocks servings as entrances. Destroy a regenerating block and shoot the ball
inside, hoping the block regenerates in time to keep the ball inside.
Level 21R - Hard
Try to send the ball at an angle up the sides to make it easier for the ball to
get inside the large square of gold blocks. Be careful since the gold blocks
are quite close to the bottom of the level.
Level 22L - Hard
This is only hard due to large number of breakable blocks in the level. Destroy
one of the silver blocks and shoot the ball up to the top, and hope for the
best.
Level 22R - Average
Shoot the ball up the side and hope it goes between the gold blocks and breaks
through the regenerating blocks. Hope the ball doesn't come back, as always.
Level 23L - Average
This level is somewhat reminiscent of Level 3 of the original Arkanoid. Break
through the first set of silver blocks and try to angle the ball between the
gold blocks and colored blocks. Repeat as necessary.
Level 23R - Easy
Not too much to threaten you here, so just keep the ball going.
Level 24L - Easy
The blocks are frowning at you, but they won't threaten you too much.
Level 24R - Average
Keep sending the ball up the side until it breaks through one of the holes in
the gold block wall, then hope it stays in there long enough to hit the small
number of colored blocks in the middle of the regenerating blocks.
Level 25L - Hard
No power-up capsules here, as all the blocks are silver or regenerating. It's
similar to Level 11 of the original Arkanoid. Just keep shooting the ball into
the middle when you break through the regenerating blocks.
Level 25R - Average
Lots of colored blocks here, the toughest block to hit is the one in the middle
surrounded by regenerating blocks.
Level 26L - Hard
Destroy the regenerating block and quickly shoot the ball into the little hole
twice. This should get you a Laser capsule. If you're quick enough, you can
shoot the ball in a third time before the block regenerates and you should be
set. If not, use the laser to shoot the block again until you can get the ball
past the gold block wall. Once the ball is past it with the regenerating block
in place, you're set.
Level 26R - Easy
There are only colored blocks here, but be aware, there are no power-up
capsules to be had, so you'll have to finish the level the old-fashioned way.
Level 27L - Average
Need a beer? I know I do. Keep shooting the ball into the mug to hit all the
colored blocks, and then finish off the silver blocks on the handle and the
bottom.
Level 27R - Average
There aren't many blocks to hit here, but they are well guarded by the gold
blocks.
Level 28L - Hard
Each side has two lines of regenerating blocks to pass before you can get the
ball up top, and they are very close to the bottom of the level, so be prepared
for a tough battle.
Level 28R - Hard
The only way up is on the left side of the massive gold block wall, hope the
ball goes in enough to take out the breakable blocks inside.
Level 29L - Easy
Mmmm...strawberry. Or is that an apple? Not sure. Just shoot the red fruity
section and the green leafy section at the top, ignoring the golden stem.
Level 29R - Easy
It looks like a space invader of some kind. Just shoot the colored blocks and
be done with it.
Level 30L - Average
The gold blocks form a snake pattern, so as long as you keep the ball inside
the snake, you'll be fine.
Level 30R - Average
At least the gold wall at the top will keep the enemies away. Just be careful
since the level is smaller than normal due to the gold wall, so the ball speeds
up quicker.
Level 31L - Average
I wouldn't suggest going at this formation from the bottom since the ball will
just speed up too quickly. Shoot the ball up either side and let the ball take
out the blocks from the top.
Level 31R - Hard
The colored blocks are well hidden by the gold blocks here. Shoot the ball at
an angle up either side and hope the ball goes in between a few times.
Level 32L - Hard
This level reminds me of Level 30 of Arkanoid, with the checkerboard pattern of
the blocks. Except, in this case, there are regenerating blocks everywhere,
which makes for a nightmare if you're trying to get to a block at the top.
Level 32R - Average
The colored blocks are all along the outside of the gold blocks, so just try to
keep the ball from going into the middle, where there are no blocks and just
causes the ball to speed up more.
Level 33L - Hard
There aren't many blocks to hit here, but the gold blocks divide the level into
upper and lower tiers, and the ball has a tendency to gravitate to the upper
level even after getting all the blocks up there.
Level 33R - Average
Keep shooting the ball up the sides, avoiding the golden block wall at the
bottom.
Level 34 - Hard
Either exit from 33L or 33R leads to here, the final boss, DOH himself. The
first form is similar to the form you fought in Level 0, only this time he
takes a lot more punishment before disappearing. When he does, he is replaced
by his true form (the form that escaped the brain in Level 17). Try not to
shoot the arms, as they break off when hit and the pieces are deadly to your
Vaus II, plus they regenerate after the pieces disappear. Eventually, the
creature succumbs to your onslaught, and you have conquered DOH yet again!
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VII. Strategies
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- Don't use a standard controller to play the game. I highly recommend using an
Arkanoid-type controller (with a spinning dial as opposed to a D-pad) or a
mouse (for play on a computer). Even using the A button to speed up the Vaus II
usually isn't enough to keep up with the speed of the ball.
- Know your power-up capsules! Nothing hurts more than to grab a totally
useless capsule and negating the effect of a more useful ability. Also, if you
grab a New power-up capsule, try to keep its effect in play as long as
possible. The only way you can lose with this capsule is to lose all three
balls simultaneously, which will very rarely ever happen.
- Practice controlling the angle of the ball bouncing off the Vaus II. If you
hit the ball on the edge of the Vaus II, the angle of the ball becomes
narrower; if you hit the ball on the center of the Vaus II, the angle becomes
steeper. Use this to hit the ball where you want it to go.
- After the ball hits a certain number of targets (walls, blocks, enemies,
etc.) the angle of the ball changes slightly. Watch out for this. Also be aware
that the ball can take an extremely sharp angle change when hitting an enemy,
especially when the enemies fly down near to your Vaus II.
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VIII. Credits and Disclaimer
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This FAQ is copyright 2007 by John Kearsley IV. This FAQ may be distributed
freely as long as it is not altered and I am credited for its existence.
Thanks go to everyone else involved with the NES FAQ Completion Project, of
which I am proud to be a part. Also, thanks go to GameFAQs.com and CJayC for
hosting a great site. Keep up the good work!
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IX. Version History
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Version 1.0 - Original FAQ submitted
