Shaun M Jooste 
Atari has unveiled Breakout Beyond, a bold new chapter in the iconic Breakout franchise! This neon-lit reimagining of the 1976 arcade classic takes the original concept and flips it on its head. Instead of the familiar portrait view, Breakout Beyond introduces a dynamic widescreen perspective, offering an entirely new and exciting challenge.
Players will need to contend with bouncing balls from all directions, while also gaining the ability to shoot down stubborn blocks that block their path. The fast-paced, action-packed gameplay offers a fresh twist on the beloved puzzle action!
Press Release: Breakout Beyond
Breakout Beyond amps up the familiar brick-breaking gameplay of the 1976 Atari classic with dazzling new visuals, 72 levels, and local two-player co-op insanity.
Publisher Atari and developer Choice Provisions (the studio behind BIT.TRIP) announced Breakout Beyond, a vibrant new reimagining of the series that invites players to break on through to the other side. Coming to PC and console later this year, this new entry into Breakout lore will challenge players not just to break every brick, but to creatively breach the wall with score-building combos. Breakout Beyond features a whole new sideways perspective, 72 levels for players to blast through, and two-player co-op, designed to share the high-octane brick-breaking with a friend.
In this neon-infused twist on the classic 1976 arcade game, players smash through each puzzle by clearing bricks to reach the final goal. However, the script has been flipped—literally! Players now progress sideways, breaking through barriers and building up combos that ramp up the intensity of the effects, rewarding the most skilled players with a dazzling light show.
Breaking special blocks offers powerful advantages, like massive brick-clearing blasts, a protective barrier to shield the ball, and a laser cannon to carve a path forward. Each one unleashes stunning dynamic effects, delivering dazzling visuals never seen before in Breakout.
Featuring 72 challenging levels, players’ brick-blasting skills will be pushed to the brink—but they won’t need to face the challenge alone. Block-breakers can forgo going solo and team up with a friend for local two-player co-op and tackle the mayhem together. Alternatively, a new focus mode slows down time, sacrificing a higher score for greater control.
Key Features for Breakout Beyond include:
- Unlockable endless mode with an online global leaderboard
- 72 challenging levels that will put players’ brick-breaking skills to the test
- Two-player co-op to manage (or ramp up) the chaos with a friend
- Procedural audio and visual effects that increase in intensity with each combo
Originally slated as an Amico Intellivision exclusive back in 2020, Atari agreed to acquire and complete the development of the title. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring this gem to our players,” said Ethan Stearns, Senior Director of Games Publishing at Atari. “The team thought it was a brilliant concept, preserving the heart of Breakout’s gameplay while also giving the formula a completely new spin. Breakout Beyond is a worthy new entry into the Breakout pantheon, and we can’t wait to see the insane combos brick-breakers will make.”
Breakout Beyond launches later this year on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Series X|S, PlayStation 4|5, and Atari VCS.
Get Ready to Break the Mold with Breakout Beyond!
Breakout Beyond is set to redefine brick-breaking with its electrifying new features, dynamic gameplay, and fresh perspective. Atari and Choice Provisions have once again proven that the timeless appeal of Breakout can evolve into something even more thrilling. Whether you’re enjoying the single-player challenge or teaming up with a friend for some co-op mayhem, Breakout Beyond offers something for everyone, making it a must-have for puzzle enthusiasts and action fans alike.
Explore More Casual Reads in Our Bookshop
As we gear up for the excitement of Breakout Beyond, why not explore more gripping stories in our online bookshop? For fans of thrilling narratives and psychological depth, Fragments of the Past by Angelia offers two captivating historical tales that delve into societal expectations and coercion. Meanwhile, Anxiety Free by Suzana Sjenicic and Habitual Ascension by Avery Isaiah Noble present self-help journeys towards developing healthy, adaptable routines to overcome everyday stress and enable healthier habits. Check out these and other incredible reads today!
