Atari's Classic Brick-Breaker Gets A Retro Revival

Atari's iconic 1976 game, Breakout, is getting a modern makeover with "Breakout Beyond." This reimagining, nearly 50 years in the making, retains the classic paddle-and-ball mechanics but introduces a unique sideways scrolling perspective.

Developed by Choice Provisions (creators of the BIT.TRIP series), Breakout Beyond features a left-to-right progression. The core gameplay remains—destroy the bricks—but with escalating combos that trigger increasingly spectacular light and effects. Special bricks unleash powerful visual enhancements, from massive explosions to a laser cannon!

Prepare for 72 levels of brick-busting action, complemented by an unlockable endless mode with an online leaderboard for competitive play. Prefer a collaborative approach? Breakout Beyond also offers local two-player co-op.

Initially slated as an Intellivision Amico exclusive in 2020, Atari acquired the project and completed its development.

"We're excited to share this title with our players," stated Ethan Stearns, Atari's senior director of games publishing. "The team recognized its innovative design—faithfully preserving Breakout's essence while completely reinventing its structure. Breakout Beyond is a fantastic addition to the Breakout legacy, and we eagerly anticipate the incredible combos players will achieve."

The Amico console, initially announced in 2018 with a projected 2020 release, remains unreleased, facing numerous setbacks and delays over the years. Atari acquired the Intellivision branding and intellectual property last year, but not the Amico console itself.

Breakout Beyond is set to launch later this year on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Atari VCS.