Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant revival of an arcade staple with “Breakout Beyond,” developed by Choice Provisions and Atari. This game delivers a fresh, neon-lit spin on the beloved classic, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts with you in this review.
Originally, Breakout was all about the vertical challenge it presented in arcades. However, in this modern iteration, the approach takes a horizontal turn. Your goal is to strategically hit the ball back and break through to the finish line for each level. Unlike the traditional setup, where you focused on smashing through every brick while desperately preventing the ball from dropping to the screen’s bottom (lest you lose a life), this version offers a refreshing twist on the classic gameplay formula.
Interestingly, “Breakout Beyond” began life as a proposed title for the elusive Amico console—which, despite its promises, has seen delay after delay for over four years now. Back in those early days, it was simply called Breakout but has since evolved to join Atari’s Beyond series, reimagining their classic titles. Having played the revamped Lunar Lander Beyond, which cleverly integrated a narrative spin, it’s exciting to see how far these titles have come. Just like its predecessor, “Breakout Beyond” is rich with a bit of that BIT.TRIP Flux energy—a previous project from Choice Provisions (then Gaijin Games) that brightened the WiiWare era with its unique charm.
Gamers can tackle “Breakout Beyond” solo or bring a buddy along for the ride in local two-player co-op mode, which can ease the demand of its fast-paced nature. The game’s procedural audio and visual effects adapt dynamically to your combos, rewarding adept performance and engagement. With 72 handcrafted levels to navigate, your task is to smash through them while stringing together combos and building your score. Along the way, you’ll encounter special blocks: some shield your ball, others detonate in spectacular explosions, fire laser blasts to clear a path, or equip your ball with a drill to easily break through obstacles. Naturally, there’s also the nostalgic multiball option that sends a flurry of chaos across the screen.
The game pushes your skills to the edge but provides a helping hand along the way. Activate the focus mode to slow time—at the expense of your score—or call a friend to join the entire venture for a little extra support. Beyond the main campaign, you’ll have a chance to unlock the elusive Infinite Mode, perfect for high-score chasers. There’s also the retro-styled 1976 Mode, lovingly nodding to the game’s original format—a significant treat for nostalgic fans.
For those trophy hunters out there, “Breakout Beyond” packs a full list of trophies, including a coveted Platinum. Across 8 Bronze, 11 Silver, and 6 Gold trophies, the challenges range from unlocking unique block effects like the multiball and powerful bombs to clearing levels without moving or losing a ball. Competing for high scores in Infinite and 1976 Modes also adds to the fun.
Ultimately, “Breakout Beyond” revitalizes the arcade experience with style and substance. This iteration’s horizontal layout spices up the beloved mechanics, inviting both veterans and newcomers to enjoy breaking out of traditional expectations. If you’re keen to top leaderboards or simply relish in neon nostalgia, the PS5 and PS4 versions are available at $14.99. Whether you’re dealing with endless challenges or diving into retro modes, it’s a thrilling revival that’s hard to resist.
A huge thank you to Atari for providing the PlayStation 5 copy for this review. Enjoy the breakout and have fun!
