Blocken (Japan)

Blocken is a two-player ball and paddle game released in Japan by Visco in 1994. Players control paddles using eight-way joysticks to direct their movements and deflect a bouncing ball against a wall of blocks. The objective is to eliminate all the blocks on screen, working cooperatively or competitively with a second player who controls their own paddle. The game utilizes a combination of Motorola 68000 and Zilog Z80 processors for its gameplay and incorporates Yamaha YM3438 and OKI6295 sound chips to produce audio effects. Blocken features simple controls—a joystick and three buttons—making it accessible while still presenting a challenge as players attempt to strategically position their paddles. Developed by KID, this arcade title provides an engaging twist on the classic Breakout formula with its two-player functionality.