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 unique horizontal progression, moving players from left to right across the screen.

The core gameplay remains: break bricks using a paddle and ball. However, as players build combos, the visual spectacle intensifies with dazzling lights and effects. Special bricks trigger spectacular events, from massive explosions to the deployment of a laser cannon!

Breakout Beyond boasts 72 planned levels, plus an unlockable endless mode complete with an online global leaderboard for competitive play. For those who prefer teamwork, local two-player co-op is also available.

Interestingly, Breakout Beyond's journey is as compelling as its gameplay. Initially slated as an exclusive title for the Intellivision Amico in 2020, Atari acquired the project and completed its development.

"We're excited to bring this fantastic game to our players," stated Ethan Stearns, Atari's senior director of games publishing. "The team recognized the brilliant concept—maintaining the essence of Breakout while completely reinventing its style. Breakout Beyond is a worthy addition to the Breakout legacy, and we eagerly anticipate the incredible combos players will achieve."

The Intellivision Amico, originally announced in 2018 with a planned 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 console itself.

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