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 reimagining, nearly 50 years in the making, retains the classic paddle-and-ball mechanics but introduces a unique sideways scrolling perspective.

Developed by Choice Provisions (creators of the BIT.TRIP series), Breakout Beyond sees players progressing horizontally, smashing bricks from left to right. The core gameplay remains, but with escalating combo multipliers that trigger increasingly spectacular light and visual effects.

Special bricks unleash incredible power-ups, from devastating explosions to a powerful laser cannon. The game boasts 72 levels, plus an unlockable endless mode with online leaderboards for competitive play. For those who prefer cooperative fun, Breakout Beyond also offers local two-player co-op.

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

"We're excited to share this fantastic title with our players," stated Ethan Stearns, Atari's senior director of games publishing. "The team recognized the brilliant concept – preserving the essence of Breakout while completely reinventing its formula. Breakout Beyond is a truly worthy addition to the Breakout legacy, and we eagerly anticipate the amazing 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 hardware 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.