"Breakout Beyond: A Fresh Twist on Atari's Classic"

The iconic 1976 game Breakout is set to receive a modern update with Breakout Beyond, nearly 50 years after its original release. This new iteration, developed by Choice Provisions, the studio behind the acclaimed BIT.TRIP series, reimagines the classic brick-breaker game with a unique twist. While maintaining the traditional paddle-and-ball mechanics, Breakout Beyond introduces a novel sideways progression, guiding players from left to right as they break bricks and build combos.

As players advance through the game, the intensity of lights and effects increases with each successful combo. Special bricks add an extra layer of excitement by triggering spectacular effects, such as massive explosions and even a laser cannon. Breakout Beyond is set to feature 72 meticulously designed levels, along with an unlockable endless mode complete with an online global leaderboard for competitive players. For those who prefer teamwork, the game offers a local two-player co-op mode.

Originally planned as an exclusive for the Intellivision Amico in 2020, Breakout Beyond's development took a different path when Atari acquired and decided to complete the game. Ethan Stearns, Atari's senior director of games publishing, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "We're thrilled to be able to bring this gem to our players. 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."

The Intellivision Amico, announced in 2018 with a planned 2020 release, has faced numerous delays and challenges, and has yet to launch. Last year, Atari acquired the branding and rights to Intellivision, but not the Amico console itself.

Fans of Breakout can look forward to Breakout Beyond launching later this year across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and the Atari VCS.