"Arkannoyed" – A Fresh Twist on Classic Arkanoid

 In the vast universe of video games, a gem occasionally emerges that, without reinventing the wheel, manages to put an ingenious spin on a familiar formula. "Arkannoyed," developed by the team of Yogurt The Horse, 13px, kiberptah, and Tiny Issue, is a brilliant example of this. Featured as a prominent entry in the GMTK Game Jam 2023 under the "Roles Reversed" theme, this game invites you to experience classic Arkanoid from a completely new and frustratingly addictive perspective.

The Premise: Defense Instead of Destruction

If you're familiar with Arkanoid, you know your mission is to destroy blocks using a paddle and a ball. "Arkannoyed" completely reverses this mechanic: here, the "enemy" is the classic Arkanoid paddle and ball, seeking to destroy your precious "Crown." Your task is to build defenses and, ultimately, use your own body as an indestructible block to protect the Crown from the relentless onslaught.

Innovative Gameplay Loop

The game is divided into distinct phases that keep the gameplay fresh and strategic:

1. Build Phase: Here, you use the blocks you've earned to construct defensive structures around your Crown. Planning is key, as the distribution of your blocks will determine the resilience of your fortress.

2. Place Yourself Phase: Once your defense is in place, you must decide where to position yourself as the final, indestructible block. You are the last line of defense, but every hit you take will deduct points, adding a layer of risk and reward.

3. Wait Phase: It's the moment of truth. The ball is released, and you can only watch as your creation is put to the test. The goal is to keep the ball bouncing for as long as possible without the Crown being destroyed. The longer you keep it in play, the more points and new bricks you earn.

The challenge lies in a constant balance between building a solid defense and risking intercepting the ball yourself to maximize your score. The online "LEADER BOARD" adds a competitive element, motivating players to refine their strategies and climb the ranks.

Controls and Accessibility

The controls are simple and intuitive, allowing players to focus on strategy:

• Z: Start the game

• WASD / Arrows: Move

• Space / Enter: Place block

• Plus (+) / Minus (-): Control volume

• Gamepad is also supported! (South button to place, Start to begin).

Development in Record Time

"Arkannoyed" was created in just 48 hours as part of the GMTK Game Jam 2023, which is a testament to the team's talent and efficiency. This rapid development context often leads to innovative ideas and focused gameplay mechanics, and "Arkannoyed" is no exception. The game has received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 13 ratings, underscoring its quality despite its brief development cycle.

An Interesting Note for Developers

As a side note, the lead programmer, Yogurt The Horse, has made a free API available for implementing leaderboards, the same one used in "Arkannoyed." He even offers a paid Unity package to facilitate its integration, demonstrating his commitment not only to game creation but also to the developer community.

Conclusion

"Arkannoyed" is more than just an Arkanoid clone; it's a clever reimagining that offers a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience. Its pixel art aesthetic, ambient music, and the role-reversal mechanic make it a notable game jam title, and proof of how a small alteration of roles can generate an entirely new experience. We encourage you to try it and see how high you can climb on the leaderboard. You can find and play "Arkannoyed" on itch.io.