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

The iconic 1976 game Breakout is set to receive a fresh makeover nearly 50 years later with the release of Breakout Beyond. This new iteration, developed by Choice Provisions, the creators behind the 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 horizontal progression path, moving players from left to right as they break bricks.

The gameplay remains focused on breaking bricks, but with escalating combos, the lights and visual effects become more intense. Players can encounter special bricks that trigger dazzling effects, from massive explosions to the deployment of an actual laser cannon. Breakout Beyond is set to feature 72 levels, along with an unlockable endless mode that includes an online global leaderboard. For those who prefer company, the game also offers a local two-player co-op mode.

Originally intended as an exclusive title for the Intellivision Amico in 2020, Breakout Beyond's development path took a turn when Atari acquired and committed to completing 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 back in 2018 with an anticipated release in 2020, has yet to launch due to numerous delays and setbacks. Last year, Atari acquired the branding and rights to Intellivision, but not the Amico console itself.

Breakout Beyond is slated for release 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.