The Last Moments Of GAME 
How Bad User Interfaces Are Ruining Video Games And Other Wonderful Things 
She Tried To Make Good Video Games For Girls, Whatever That Meant 
The Story Of Doodle Jump: Brotherly Love And Digital Snacks 
Sunday Comics: Dead Island 
Gearbox: The Wii U Will Get The Best-Looking Version Of Aliens: Colonial Marines Their are no lack of options when it comes to Tetris freeware clones, but this one, well it has a pair of worthwhile twists, its psychedelic presentation notwithstanding. Tetroid 2012 plays with the formula by adding other familiar block-busting elements, including an inverted play field that turns the mechanic on its head, switching to Arkanoid/Breakout style play. A fantastic concept. Add to that the soundtrack which features a collection of 21 electronic artists and you’d be a fool to pass up the download. More details and download links at Simon’s blog.
Tetroid 2012 – DemoNetLabelArkaTetris Weirdness Alert! [GameSetWatch]
While I’m a casual fan of block-busting arcade games like Breakout and Arkanoid, I’m a much bigger fan of clothing label Mishka, maker of fine t-shirts. Fellow Kotaku Tower inhabitant Luke Plunkett has more than once suggested that I attempt to seek a sponsored endorsement deal from the company in an attempt to offset the outflow of cash that goes in the Brooklyn-based company’s direction. So far, no dice. While the brand generally focuses on things like metal, horror movies and He-Man, it’s first video game related tee goes for an Arkanoid vibe. Yes, that Vaus at the bottom, tackling the label’s Bear Mop logo… which has exploded in a very un-Arkanoid fashion. For those carrying on to the Mishka web site, keep in mind that it can be NSFW at times, so browser beware.
Mishka Online Exclusives [Mishka NYC]
Taito’s classic brick-breaking arcade game Arkanoid is some twenty years long in the tooth, with the latest iteration, Arkanoid DS, bringing little to the table in the way of evolution. Instead, Arkanoid DS simply brings itself to another platform, taking advantage of the Nintendo DS touch screens for stylus control and using the Game Boy Advance slot for an arcade accurate dial controller. The cross-pad and button controls work fine, but stylus controls and the custom controller are the ways to go.
The dial controller, in particular, brings back that arcade feeling, as the add-on has real weight to it. You’ll feel the ball bearings spinning as you move Vaus, the space ship at the bottom of the screen left and right. Stylus controls aren’t twitchy and felt very accurate.
The only complaint that DS fans may have is losing track of the ball as it crosses the top and bottom screens, obscured by plastic. It’s not a game killing problem, but you may find yourself annoyed.
Arkanoid DS features classic arcade modes and two player options, but is also loaded with some 140 goal oriented challenges. These include smashing a number of bricks in a certain time limit, achieving a certain number of points, or destroying one particular block in a field of dozens.
The real draw, though, is in the arcade accurate experience with the new dial controller. If Taito can bring it out stateside for a reasonable price, fans may should consider picking it up. Arkanoid DS feels like a fun distraction for most, but a solid sequel for hardcore fans.
