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 classic paddle-and-ball mechanics. The key difference? The action unfolds horizontally, moving from left to right.

Developed by Choice Provisions (creators of the BIT.TRIP series), Breakout Beyond offers a fresh take on the formula. The core gameplay remains – smashing bricks – but with escalating combos that trigger increasingly spectacular light and visual effects. Special bricks introduce exciting power-ups, from devastating explosions to a powerful laser cannon.

Prepare for a challenge: Breakout Beyond boasts 72 levels, plus an unlockable endless mode with online leaderboards for competitive play. Prefer some collaborative brick-busting? Local two-player co-op is also available.

Interestingly, Breakout Beyond had a previous life as an Intellivision Amico exclusive, announced in 2020. However, Atari subsequently acquired the project and completed its development.

"We're excited to bring this fantastic game to players," stated Atari's senior director of games publishing, Ethan Stearns. "The team loved the innovative concept – it captures 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, plagued by various setbacks and delays over the years. Atari acquired the Intellivision branding and intellectual property last year, but not the Amico console itself.

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