Atari has announced Breakout Beyond, a new entry in their classic puzzle series coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC (Steam,Epic Store), PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Atari VCS. Developed by Choice Provisions of Bit.Trip series fame, it promises a unique take on the arcade-like experience.
A New Take on a Classic
Breakout is a classicAtarigame that originally came out back in 1976. The game was popular in arcades back in the day and even received a Japanese version by Namco. The title influenced many developers back in the day, causing the rise of many similar block-breaking games, some of which also pushed the media beyond, like Taito’s Arkanoid. Even the classic Space Invaders drew some inspiration from it as well, making Breakout a true breakthrough in the gaming culture field.
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Over the years, the game had many follow-ups on multiple systems, like Super Breakout, Breakout 2000 and Breakout Boost. In 2022, Breakout: Recharged came out on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC and Atari VCS. Like other Recharged games, the game promised a modern take on the classic with revamped controls and visuals.
Meanwhile, Breakout Beyond promises to take the challenge of reimagining the classic further. With a horizontal, sidescroller view, the player must now find a way to break the blocks, leading the ball (or multiple balls) with their paddle so that it can reach beyond the goal block. The game will feature 72 brand-new stages to play through and master.
Players can aim for higher combos, getting even more points, and use various power ups to clear the path. With barriers, laser cannons and giant blast power-ups to collect, the game uses light effects to make it all much flashier. One of the highlights is this vibrant neon style that gives it a futuristic look.
It’ll also be possible to enjoy the whole game with a friend thanks to the two-player local co-op option. To showcase the new experience, the companies have shared a video. In this trailer, it’s possible to see various gameplay elements, including the multiplayer experience and some of the power-ups.
On the game’s official digital store pages, it’s also revealed that it will feature an endless mode beyond those 72 stages. Players will have to unlock this mode and it’ll feature a global leaderboard for players to compete with one another to see who’s the best Breakout player in this new edition.
Choice Provisions will also bring a special expertise of theirs: procedural audio and visual effects. As the player’s score goes up, the game will become much more chaotic and frantic. If the overload of colors, lights and movement gets overwhelming, however, players will have the chance to use a Focus Mode, which slows down time to handle the chaotic, dynamic elements.
With a horizontal, sidescroller view, the player must now find a way to break the blocks, leading the ball (or multiple balls) with their paddle so that it can reach beyond the goal block. The game will feature 72 brand-new stages to play through and master.
Currently, the companies have yet to announce a release window for Breakout Beyond. The game’s release is only described as “coming soon,” but the game already has store pages for PC, Xbox and PlayStation devices.
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