- Arkanoid Controller
Infobox VG
title = Vaus Controller by Taito
caption = NES (US/Europe) version Vaus.The Arkanoid Controller, or Vaus, is an optional
game controller for theNintendo Entertainment System (NES) game "Arkanoid " which enhances the feel and play of the game. The name Vaus is derived from the name of the ship you are controlling at the bottom of the screen, i.e. the paddle, which escaped from the mothership, called Arkanoid.The Vaus controller is constructed from the same gray plastic as the standard NES controller and is roughly the same size and shape. It featured one black button at the top, a black spinner below, an adjustment port, as well as an
embossed Taito logo and a raised Arkanoid logo on the front.The player uses the knob to move the paddle left and right at variable speed, just like in a real
video arcade . A standard NES controller can be used for "Arkanoid", using the left and right directions on theD pad , although speed is constant. The Vaus, however, contains apotentiometer , therefore the faster the knob is turned, the more quickly the paddle moves left (clockwise) or right (counterclockwise). There are also one button on the controller so that the player can launch the ball, fire lasers (when available), and access the options menu. While it can technically be used to partially control other NES games, it is optimally designed for "Arkanoid" only.The Vaus was available for purchase with Arkanoid game pack, but not individually. A similar controller was packaged with the
Famicom releases of "Arkanoid" and "Arkanoid 2 ", although the coloring was different. The Famicom Vaus for Arkanoid was black plastic with red buttons. "Arkanoid 2's" Vaus conroller was blue with green buttons, and also featured a conroller port on top. This port was designed to accept another Vaus, enabling 2-player multiplayer. [http://www.gamespot.com/nes/action/arkanoid2/index.html] The US distribution, released only for theSNES in 1997 [http://www.gamespot.com/snes/action/arkanoiddohitagain/index.html] , did not have a dedicated controller.The packaging for the NES version advertises:"SPECIAL VAUS CONTROLLER INSIDE"
References
ee Also
*
Arkanoid
* Nintendo Entertainment System
*Taito
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