Breakout Beyond Puts a New Angle on Atari's Classic Brick-Breaker

Breakout, the iconic 1976 arcade game, is getting a modern makeover nearly five decades later. Breakout Beyond, developed by Choice Provisions (creators of the BIT.TRIP series), puts a fresh spin on the classic brick-breaker formula. Instead of the traditional vertical gameplay, Breakout Beyond features a horizontal, left-to-right progression.

The core gameplay remains: using a paddle to bounce a ball and shatter bricks. However, as players build combos, the visual effects intensify dramatically. Special bricks trigger spectacular effects, from massive explosions to a powerful laser cannon.

Breakout Beyond boasts 72 levels and an unlockable endless mode with online leaderboards. For those who prefer cooperative gameplay, local two-player co-op is included.

Interestingly, Breakout Beyond's journey is as unique as its gameplay. Initially planned as an Intellivision Amico exclusive in 2020, Atari acquired the project and oversaw its completion.

"We're excited to share this fantastic game with our players," stated Atari's senior director of games publishing, Ethan Stearns. "The team recognized the brilliant concept – maintaining the essence of Breakout while introducing a completely new dynamic. Breakout Beyond is a worthy addition to the Breakout legacy, and we eagerly anticipate the incredible combos players will achieve."

The Intellivision Amico, initially announced in 2018 with a projected 2020 release, remains unreleased, facing numerous setbacks and delays over the years. Atari acquired the Intellivision branding and rights last year, but not the Amico console itself.

Breakout Beyond is set to launch later this year on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and the Atari VCS.