Update: February 28, 2008
«©NCSX» After Taito's Arkanoid made its debut in 1986, we recall dozens of clones were released on computers such as the Amiga, Atari ST and C=64. Most of the clones were fed to a crazed fanbase in Europe but savvy importers got a chance to play games such as Giganoid and Impact as well. In 1999, D3 Publisher started making their own Arkanoid clone dubbed Block Kuzushi and the inaugural volume was released under the Simple 1500 Series for the original Playstation. Through the years, Block Kuzushi has been ported over to other major consoles and handhelds. It was only a matter of time before it reached the Wii.
By using both the Nunchuk and the Wiimote, players move the paddle on the bottom of the screen and bat a ball at bricks overhead. A new feature in the Wii version of Block Kuzushi is the "acceleration move" where the Wiimote is whisked upwards just as the ball is about to hit the paddle. The center of the paddle will bulge upwards and hit the ball with extra force so that it zooms through layers of bricks. The effect is temporary and only lasts for about 2 seconds but it's a nifty little power-up that adds an effective attack to the paddle's brick-breaking abilities. Jan Code: 4527823994928 View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.
NCS Game Notes
» An Arkanoid play-alike reaches the Wii and it's all good although the English on the ball seems a bit off. Maybe it's just our jaded perception of clones.» The analog controller on the nunchuk is used to move the paddle and the "B" button on the Wiimote shakes the screen for a "tilt" move similar to what's found in pinball. When the screen shakes, the direction and trajectory of the ball is affected. You have unlimited tilts to use during the game. » To add extra oomph to a ball when it hits the paddle, shake the Wiimote upwards so that the paddle bulges upwards. When the ball hits the bulge, it will be empowered temporarily and cut through layers of bricks before it powers down and becomes a normal 1-brick-at-a-time ball again. You can bulge the paddle unlimited times when hitting the ball. If you hit a ball twice in a row with a bulging paddle, the ball will become spiked with shrapnel which can be launched off of it by pressing the "A" button to destroy bricks in the local vicinity. » Unlike Arkanoid where power-ups drop whenever certain bricks are hit, Block Kuzushi uses clearly defined power-ups that are activated when the box that they're in is destroyed. The effect also lasts for the duration of the level. » The first level of Block Kuzushi is a very simple red-bricked stage that's straightforward to the point of tears. Thankfully, the next few levels introduce new bricks and elements to make the game challenging as well as enjoyable. The fourth level introduces triangular shaped bricks and little jewel-like bauble bricks that the ball cleaves right through like butter. The power-up featured in the fourth level trebles the size of the ball. » The sixth level features a propeller on the top of the screen which deflects the ball whenever it draws near the currents produced by its circular motion. On the seventh level, one-way arrows are the wrinkle - whenever the ball passes through the one-way arrow, it can't go back out the same way since it's a one way street. » A construction kit allows players to create their own levels and save them to memory card. Once created, you'll be able to send them to fellow Block Kuzushi players by way of Wi-Fi. Once a level is created, you can test it immediately and play a game. » Game modes include a standard single-player Challenge Mode as well as a Doubles Mode for 2 cooperative players and a Battle Mode for competitive gamers.
This document is ©NCSX 2008. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.
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