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 progression, moving players from left to right.

The core gameplay remains: break bricks using a paddle and ball. However, as players string together combos, the visual effects intensify with dazzling lights and animations. Special bricks trigger spectacular effects, from massive explosions to a powerful laser cannon.

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

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

"We're excited to share this title with our players," stated Ethan Stearns, Atari's senior director of games publishing. "The team recognized the brilliance of the concept—maintaining the core Breakout experience while introducing a completely innovative approach. 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 branding and intellectual property last year, but not the Amico itself.

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