Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh

Taito

Industry	Video games
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh

Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh, also referred to as Arkanoid 2, is a 1987 arcade follow-up to Arkanoid, created and distributed by Taito.

Plot

The villain DOH makes a comeback to confront the Vaus spacecraft. Players maneuver the Vaus paddle through a selection of 34 rounds chosen from a total of 64 in order to defeat DOH.

Gameplay

Revenge of Doh introduces the concept of "Warp Gates," which enable players to select different routes after completing levels or upon catching the Break ("B") pill, thereby affecting the sequence of upcoming stages. The fire button functions exclusively when equipped with Laser Cannons ("L") or Catch ("C") power-ups.

The gameplay is enriched with new power-ups, enemy types, and brick designs. Notched silver bricks require several hits and will regenerate after a short interval, though destroying them is optional. Certain bricks slide horizontally if no obstacles block their path. The US edition includes a distinctive Level 1 arrangement featuring moving colored bricks positioned above a row of notched bricks.

At round 17, players encounter a mini-boss in the form of a giant brain. Upon completing 33 rounds, the final confrontation with DOH occurs in two stages: initially as a statue-like entity and subsequently as a tentacled monster with limbs that regenerate.

Home versions offer a level editor that allows users to create or modify stages, enhancing replayability.

Release

The arcade debut of Revenge of Doh took place in June 1987. Subsequently, in June 1989, versions were released for platforms including Tandy, Atari ST, Apple IIGS, and Commodore 64, broadening its availability.

Reception

In July 1987, Game Machine listed Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh as the third most successful table arcade game in Japan. It ranked eighth among the top-grossing arcade conversion kits in Japan during 1988.