The iconic 1976 game Breakout is set to receive a fresh update nearly 50 years later with Breakout Beyond, a modern take on Atari's classic brick-breaking game. While maintaining the traditional paddle-and-ball mechanics, Breakout Beyond introduces a unique twist by moving the gameplay sideways, allowing players to progress from left to right.
Developed by Choice Provisions, the creative minds behind the BIT.TRIP series, Breakout Beyond challenges players to break bricks and build combos, which in turn enhance the visual and auditory experience with dazzling lights and effects. The game introduces special bricks that trigger spectacular effects, including massive explosions and even a laser cannon, adding a new layer of excitement to the gameplay. With 72 planned levels and an unlockable endless mode featuring a global online leaderboard, players have plenty of content to explore. For those looking to share the fun, Breakout Beyond also offers a local two-player co-op mode.
Originally intended as an exclusive title for the Intellivision Amico in 2020, Breakout Beyond's development was acquired by Atari, who are now set to complete and release the game. Ethan Stearns, Atari's Senior Director of Games Publishing, expressed excitement about bringing this innovative take on Breakout to players, highlighting how it preserves the essence of the original while introducing a fresh spin that promises to deliver impressive combos and gameplay experiences.
The Intellivision Amico, first announced in 2018 with a planned 2020 launch, has faced numerous delays and challenges. Despite these setbacks, Atari acquired the Intellivision branding and rights last year, although the Amico console itself remains unreleased.
Breakout Beyond is slated for release later this year across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and the Atari VCS, ensuring that fans of the classic game can enjoy this new iteration on a variety of devices.
