Krakout

Krakout was released by Gremlin Graphics in 1987, and on the Commodore 64 it was one of the most polished games in the brick-breaking genre made famous earlier by Breakout and later by Arkanoid. The player controls a paddle moving along the bottom of the screen, bouncing a ball upward to destroy bricks arranged across the top of the play field, with different brick types requiring different numbers of hits or hiding power-ups that alter the paddle's or ball's properties, from slowing the ball down to multiple simultaneous bounces in a single round. Some levels also introduce moving obstacles that further complicate the ball's path.

Compared to many simpler clones, Krakout was distinguished by a very elaborate power-up system and a fairly large number of varied levels that gradually raised the demands on the player's precision and reflexes. On the C64 the game excelled with smooth ball movement and clear, colour-contrasted brick-field graphics, which was essential for this type of game, since even a slight delay in paddle control could mean losing the ball and ending the round. The soundtrack, by a leading composer of the scene, complemented the game's brisk pace well and, together with the bounce sound effects, created a pleasantly hypnotic atmosphere for long play sessions in front of the screen.

Krakout was ranked in contemporary reviews among the best titles of its genre on 8-bit platforms and was praised precisely for the richness of its power-up system, which managed to squeeze surprisingly long-lasting gameplay out of the simple ball-bouncing concept. The game still works today as an excellent example of how even a seemingly exhausted arcade concept can be revitalised through clever level and power-up design. For today's player it's a brisk, easy-to-grasp yet still addictive piece of entertainment that holds its own even next to the more famous Arkanoid on the same platform.

Why play it: For brisk, easy-to-grasp yet addictive arcade entertainment, Krakout is an excellent choice on the C64 thanks to a rich power-up system that holds its own even next to the more famous Arkanoid.