Arcade classic Breakout returns in new game from BIT.TRIP studio

Atari is digging into its catalog of classics for another revival. This time it’s the 1976 arcade game Breakout, which is coming back in style to spare thanks to the folks behind the BIT.TRIP series.

Developer Choice Provisions‘ take on the arcade block-buster is titled Breakout Beyond, and at a glance, it’s reminiscent of a few revivals that have opted for similarly explosive aesthetics. The gameplay itself is built upon the same core concept, but Beyond fires from its unassuming paddle with ricocheting lightning bolts and dynamic bursts of fireworks.

Oh yeah, and Breakout now plays horizontally, so there’s that, too. Here’s a look at how the colorful means of progression looks in action: 

Movement and destruction looks suitably chaotic despite the simplistic underpinnings, and it’s all set to the rhythm of procedural audio and visual effects. As players move across the screen, they’ll be tasked with building up combos to break through barriers so they can clear a path to the final goal. Special blocks are scattered throughout the arena, too, providing bonuses like brick-clearing explosions, protective barriers, and a laser cannon. 

Breakout Beyond boasts 72 levels in total, all of which are available to challenge solo or cooperatively with another player. From the short burst we get to see in the above trailer, co-op looks to make the proceedings even more chaotic, with the second player positioned to ricochet side-by-side or strategically placed behind or in front of their partner. 

There’s no concrete release date at this time other than being due out “later this year.” When Breakout Beyond launches, it’ll be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Atari VCS.