Summary

Release Year: 1989
Genres: Arcade
Platforms: DOS
Developers: William Rieder
Publishers: MobyGames

Bananoid (1989): A Fruity and Challenging Arkanoid Clone

Bananoid is a freeware Arkanoid clone that was released in 1989. It was developed by Finnish programmer Jukka Tapanimäki and runs on a tweaked VGA mode that he calls 360×240 MCGA. The game features seven levels that span two screens for a total resolution of 544×240, according to the manual.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Bananoid is very similar to Arkanoid. The player controls a paddle at the bottom of the screen and must use it to bounce a ball up and destroy all of the bricks at the top of the screen. The ball can be bounced off the paddle, the walls, and the bricks. If the ball falls off the bottom of the screen, the player loses a life.

There are a variety of different types of bricks in Bananoid, each with its own unique properties. Some bricks are harder to destroy than others, and some bricks contain power-ups that can help the player. For example, there are power-ups that can make the paddle wider, make the ball faster, or give the player an extra life.

Bananoid also features a number of different bonus rounds. In these bonus rounds, the player can earn extra points by hitting targets or destroying blocks.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Bananoid are very good for a game from 1989. The colors are bright and vibrant, and the sprites are well-drawn. The game also has a catchy soundtrack that helps to create a fun and upbeat atmosphere.

Overall

Bananoid is a fun and challenging Arkanoid clone that is well worth checking out. It has great graphics and gameplay, and it is sure to provide hours of enjoyment for fans of the genre.

A Deeper Dive into the Gameplay

Bananoid features a number of different gameplay mechanics that make it stand out from other Arkanoid clones.

One of the most unique features of Bananoid is the way that the ball bounces. In most Arkanoid clones, the ball bounces off of surfaces at a 90-degree angle. However, in Bananoid, the ball bounces off of surfaces at a variety of angles, depending on the angle at which it hits the surface. This makes the game more challenging, as it is more difficult to predict where the ball will go after it bounces.

Another unique feature of Bananoid is the way that the power-ups work. In most Arkanoid clones, power-ups are temporary and only last for a short period of time. However, in Bananoid, power-ups are permanent and last for the entire level. This makes it possible to stack power-ups and create some very powerful combinations.

Finally, Bananoid features a number of different bonus rounds. These bonus rounds are a great way to earn extra points and power-ups. There are a variety of different bonus rounds, including target practice, block destruction, and mazes.

Conclusion

Bananoid is a fun and challenging Arkanoid clone that is well worth checking out. It has great graphics and gameplay, and it is sure to provide hours of enjoyment for fans of the genre. If you are looking for a new Arkanoid clone to play, be sure to give Bananoid a try.