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 innovative take on the brick-breaker retains the familiar paddle-and-ball mechanics but introduces a unique sideways scrolling perspective.

Developed by Choice Provisions (creators of the BIT.TRIP series), Breakout Beyond features a left-to-right progression, escalating light shows and effects as players chain together brick-busting combos. Special bricks trigger spectacular visual effects, from massive explosions to a powerful laser cannon.

The game boasts 72 planned levels and an unlockable endless mode with online leaderboards. For those who prefer cooperative gameplay, local two-player co-op is also included.

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

"We're excited to share this fantastic title with our players," stated Atari's senior director of games publishing, Ethan Stearns. "The team recognized the brilliance of the concept – maintaining the core Breakout experience while completely reinventing its presentation. Breakout Beyond is a fitting addition to the Breakout legacy, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing 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 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.