The original Breakout concept involves controlling a bat at the bottom of the screen and using it to catch and direct a ball so as to hit all the bricks which are arranged at the top of the screen. It was unpopular for over a decade, before Taito revived it with some new ideas in this arcade game.
The game's plot redefines the bat as a Vaus spaceship, the ball as an energy bolt, and the bricks form a mysterious wall stopping the ship from progressing to safety.
Arkanoid features power-ups that can be caught by positioning the bat below them as they fall. These include lasers, a catching device, and one that slows down the energy bolt. The game allows you to shoot out the blocks with the laser on each side of the ship, giving you more control over your shots.
The gameplay in Arkanoid requires skill and timing as you navigate the ball towards the bricks while avoiding obstacles like bricks that can destroy your ship if they hit it.