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

Atari's classic 1976 game, Breakout, is getting a modern makeover with Breakout Beyond. This reimagining, developed by Choice Provisions (creators of the BIT.TRIP series), retains the core paddle-and-ball mechanics but introduces a unique sideways scrolling perspective.

Players progress horizontally, breaking bricks to rack up combos that trigger increasingly spectacular light and visual effects. Special bricks unleash powerful effects, from massive explosions to a laser cannon! Breakout Beyond boasts 72 levels, plus an unlockable endless mode with an online leaderboard. For those who prefer collaborative brick-breaking, local two-player co-op is included.

Initially slated as an Intellivision Amico exclusive in 2020, Atari acquired the project and completed its development.

"We're excited to share this title with our players," stated Atari's senior director of games publishing, Ethan Stearns. "The team loved the innovative concept – it stays true to Breakout's core gameplay while adding a fresh twist. Breakout Beyond is a fantastic addition to the Breakout legacy, and we eagerly anticipate the incredible combos players will achieve."

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

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