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

Atari's iconic 1976 game, Breakout, is getting a modern makeover with Breakout Beyond. This isn't your grandpappy's brick breaker, though it retains the core paddle-and-ball mechanics. Developed by Choice Provisions (creators of the BIT.TRIP series), Breakout Beyond introduces a unique sideways scrolling perspective, shifting the action from a vertical to a horizontal plane.

The core gameplay loop remains: break bricks! However, Breakout Beyond amps up the visual spectacle with increasingly intense light and effects as players string together impressive combos. Special bricks trigger spectacular visual flourishes, from massive explosions to a laser cannon!

The game boasts 72 planned levels, plus an unlockable endless mode complete with an online global leaderboard for competitive brick-busting. Prefer a collaborative approach? Breakout Beyond also features local two-player co-op.

Initially slated as an Intellivision Amico exclusive in 2020, Atari has since acquired the title and overseen its completion.

"We're incredibly excited to share this title with our players," stated Atari's senior director of games publishing, Ethan Stearns. "The team recognized the brilliance of the concept – preserving the essence of Breakout while introducing a completely fresh perspective. Breakout Beyond is a fitting addition to the Breakout legacy, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the incredible combos players will achieve."

The Amico console, initially announced in 2018 with a projected 2020 launch, remains unreleased, plagued by numerous setbacks and delays over the years. Atari acquired the Intellivision brand and intellectual property rights last year, but not the Amico itself.

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