Block Block is a Breakout clone, though that sells the game a little short. While this 1991 arcade game lacks some of the flashy power ups and effects of more recent stabs at the genre, Block Block shows a lot of variety in its level arrangements, even throwing in some pinball-style bumpers or teleportation doorways. And there are power ups, just typical things like making your paddle longer or the ball hit harder through the blocks or just for points. As you play the ball slowly gets faster and faster and the paddle shrinks at set hit intervals (first at ten hits on the paddle and then every twelve, I think; it gets pretty tough after a while). There is also a two-player co-op mode which I was unable to try but seems pretty unusual for this kind of game. Another nicety is that eventually an exit will appear on screen, allowing you to go on the next level if you can hit it. That can be a big help if you're stuck trying to hit that last little block.

Overall Block Block is a really solid Breakout game. And with an eight-level beginner course and fifty levels in the main game, it's not skimping on quatity. I just wish I could try that two-player mode.