Atari Brick Breaker Reimagined with Breakout Beyond

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 play, Breakout Beyond features a horizontal, left-to-right progression.

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

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

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

"We're excited to share this title with our players," stated Atari's senior director of games publishing, Ethan Stearns. "The team recognized its innovative design—maintaining the essence of Breakout while introducing a completely new dynamic. Breakout Beyond is a fantastic addition to the Breakout legacy, and we anticipate incredible high-score feats from players."

The Amico console, initially announced in 2018 with a projected 2020 launch, 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 Atari VCS.