One of the most enticing titles of the shortlived Intellivision Amico hype, Breakout Beyond, is heading to a console near you thanks to Atari.
Way back when there was a tiny chance the Intellivision Amico wouldn’t turn out to be vapourware (or be released not as a console, but as an app!), the prospect of Breakout Beyond was pretty intriguing. Taking an approach not a million miles from Pong sequel qomp, Breakout Beyond takes the orginal notion and combines both modern and retro aesthetics.
Basically, Breakout Beyond is like Arkanoid on steroids, with an incredible 72 levels.
Breakout Beyond: 49 Years in the Making
Incredibly, the first Breakout was released in 1976, making it 50 next year. Reports suggest that this is a 2025 release, however, with the game rotating the action 90 degrees and adding simultaneous two-player action.
Developed by Choice Provisions, the game has clearly been in limbo for some time. It seems likely that Atari’s acquisition of the Intellivision brand unlocked the title from development hell. (Sadly, the same cannot be said of Earthworm Jim 4…)
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring this gem to our players,” said Ethan Stearns, Senior Director of Games Publishing at Atari. “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.”
Key Features for Breakout Beyond include:
- Unlockable endless mode with an online global leaderboard
- 72 challenging levels that will put players’ brick-breaking skills to the test
- Two-player co-op to manage (or ramp up) the chaos with a friend
- Procedural audio and visual effects that increase in intensity with each combo
Breakout Beyond launches later this year on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Series X|S, PlayStation 4|5, and Atari VCS. While no firm date has been given, rumours suggest March 2025.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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