Atari and developer Choice Provisions, the studio behind BIT.TRIP, have announced an exciting new entry in the legendary Breakout series. Titled Breakout Beyond, this vibrant reimagining of the classic 1976 arcade game is set to launch on PC and consoles later this year. Breakout Beyond promises to turn the familiar brick-breaking gameplay on its head—or more accurately, its side—with dazzling new visuals, 72 levels, and local two-player co-op madness.
In this neon-infused twist on the classic game, players will 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. The most skilled players will be rewarded with a dazzling light show. Special blocks offer powerful advantages, such as 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 visuals never seen before in Breakout.
Breakout Beyond features 72 challenging levels that will push players’ brick-blasting skills to the brink. But players won’t need to face the challenge alone. Block-breakers can 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 of Breakout Beyond include an unlockable endless mode with an online global leaderboard, 72 challenging levels, two-player co-op, and 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 on through to the other side with this exciting new twist on a classic game.
