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

The iconic 1976 game Breakout is set for a modern revival with Breakout Beyond, a fresh take on Atari's classic brick-breaker. Developed by Choice Provisions, the studio behind the acclaimed BIT.TRIP series, Breakout Beyond introduces a unique twist by shifting the traditional gameplay to a horizontal, left-to-right progression. The core objective remains the same—breaking bricks—but the excitement builds as players create combos, triggering an array of dazzling lights and effects.

Adding to the thrill, special bricks in Breakout Beyond can activate spectacular effects, from massive explosions to the deployment of an actual laser cannon. The game promises 72 meticulously designed levels, alongside an unlockable endless mode that challenges players to climb the global leaderboard. For those who enjoy company, Breakout Beyond offers a local two-player co-op option, ensuring that breaking bricks can be a shared experience.

Originally slated to be an exclusive title for the Intellivision Amico in 2020, Breakout Beyond's development was taken over by Atari, who saw the potential in this innovative reimagining. Ethan Stearns, Atari's Senior Director of Games Publishing, expressed enthusiasm for 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 2020 release, has faced numerous setbacks and delays, leaving its launch date uncertain. In a significant move, Atari acquired the branding and rights to Intellivision last year, excluding the Amico console itself.

Breakout Beyond is scheduled to launch later this year, expanding its reach across multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and the Atari VCS. This broad availability ensures that fans of the original Breakout, as well as newcomers, can enjoy this exciting new chapter in the franchise.