Summary
Atarihas announcedBreakout Beyondfor PC and console, a colorful and entirely novel reimagining of the beloved arcade titleBreakout. Developed by Choice Provisions, the studio behind theBit.Tripseries,Breakout Beyondwill be the newest addition to the legendary collection of titles fromAtari, following the 2022 titleBreakout: Recharged.
Released in 1976,Breakoutquickly became a global phenomenon, attracting massive crowds to game centers across the world and becoming one of the highest-grossing arcade titles of the year in both the United States and Japan.Breakoutwas quickly ported tothe Atari 2600, and a sequel,Super Breakout, popped up in arcades in 1978. Notably, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs worked on the logic chips found in the arcade cabinets before the duo went on to found the illustrious Apple Computer Company. Nearly 50 years later, Atari is turning the acclaimed series upside down, with gamers soon able to experience the arcade juggernaut in an entirely new way.
Atari and Choice Provisions have announcedBreakout Beyond, a neon-infused reimagining of the classic title for modern audiences. Rather than simply aiming to break every brick, players will need to breach walls by building up robust combos, with higher scores leading to more dazzling effects on screen via the game’s hypnotic procedural audio and visual effects. By breaking special blocks, players can also trigger special effects, from protective barriers to powerful laser cannons. Additionally, gamers will progress sideways rather than up and down in a unique spin on the original title. Players can expect 72 action-packed levels, withBreakout Beyondalso supportingtwo-player co-opand an unlockable endless mode, along with an online global leaderboard. Those wanting to boost their score can also utilize a new focus mode, slowing down time and making it easier to line up the perfect shot.
Breakout Beyond Platforms and Release Date
While the title was originally meant to be an exclusive for the Amico Intellivision, Atari later agreed to acquire and completeBreakout Beyond. “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 ofBreakout’s gameplay while also giving the formula a completely new spin. We can’t wait to see the insane combos brick-breakers will make.” New life has been breathed into several classic Atari series in recent years, withCentipede: Rechargedreleased in 2021andYars Risingdropping in September 2024.
Atari has made several large acquisitions in recent years. In May 2024,Atari’s acquisition of Intellivisionbrought two classic gaming giants together, with many in the community applauding the decision as good news for video game preservation. Early in 2024, Atari announced that it would be returning to the arcade space for the first time in 25 years thanks to a collaboration with coin-op manufacturer Alan-1.
Atari
Originally founded in 1972, Atari began as a company that created arcade games, home video game consoles, and computers. The brand was very popular in the 1970s and 1980s, producing games like Pong and consoles like the Atari 2600. The video game crash of 1983 tanked the company, selling the computer and game console divisions to Jack Tramiel, and split the company into Atari Games and Atari Corporation.Since then, Atari has changed hands numerous times before eventually merging with IESA in 2008 and eventually filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2013. However, the company announced the new corporate strategy, releasing new products, software, developing hotels, as well as a new console named the Atari VCS.
