Review - Breakout Beyond

Developer: Choice Provisions

Publisher: Atari

Available On: PC (Steam), PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

Review System: PlayStation 5

There comes a time when a classic gets a shot at redemption and is brought back to present-day audiences. Is that classic remade shot-for-shot, or is it reimagined? Sometimes, you have to flip something on its head to get new, refreshing ideas. Sometimes, as bonkers as those ideas may be, they can lead to something phenomenal.

One of the very first arcade video games, Breakout, comes back from the past into a brand new game, Breakout Beyond. This re-imagining of the watershed classic brings the tried-and-true gameplay of Breakout and turns it into an intense yet cozy synthwave competitive experience, the likes of which have to be played to believe. This is a classic reborn, and it is fantastic!

The Beginnings

It is May 13th, 1976. Breakout is released upon arcades the world over. This game was one of the big firsts for video game company Atari as it was developed by Nolan Bushnell, Steve Wozniak, Steve Bristow, and future Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Breakout instantly became a wide-ranging commercial success that would spawn many imitators. Classics like Space Invaders and Arkanoid had their designs inspired by the foundation of Breakout.

Taking ideas established by Atari's own Pong in 1972, Breakout puts 8 rows of bricks in front of the player. The player uses a paddle and a small ball to break the blocks repeatedly. The gameplay loop was incredibly engaging, leading to multiple ports for various consoles, like the Atari 2600. It's a simple gameplay mechanic from a simpler time in games. Like other classics, this mechanic rings true to this day.

Breaking Out

Breakout Beyond takes the established formula and turns it: Literally. Breakout Beyond is a reimagined interpretation of the original Breakout. This reimagining keeps the gameplay but turns it horizontally as opposed to the game's vertical display. Across 72 levels, the goal is to break as many blocks as possible, gaining a high score and combo meter. Breakout Beyond also adds a few new surprises.

The first few levels teach the basics. Players have a few lives to use. The goal is to break as many bricks as possible and cross the finish line. Each successful bounce of a ball from he paddle builds the combo but also builds speed. At times, the ball curves mid-flight, making the bounce even harder. Fortunately, Breakout wisely adds a sprint button and a focus button. The sprint button moves the paddle faster. Focus slows down the ball to better lock in and catch the ball at the expense of the combo. Multiple bounces ignite the ball into a flaming ball of glowing sparkles that easily eliminates swaths of bricks.

Bricked Bricks

After the first few levels, Breakout Beyond introduces power-ups. These range from bombs to ball splitters to literally turning the paddle into a laser weapon. These greatly enhance the gameplay experience and are essential for surviving and completing levels. Of course, there is no way to hit the power-up. The goal is to bounce and bounce wisely in the hopes that the right deflection hits the desired spot.

Gameplay is only one part of Breakout Beyond The team behind Breakout Beyond, Choice Provisions, worked on the BIT.TRIP games, which were known for their eccletic retro and pixelated presentations. Breakout Beyond looks and feels like a retro cosmic odyssey from the 70s. Bright neon colors coincide with a soft filter that curves. The game feels like an arcade booth tilted on its side, complete with the curve of a CRT monitor from the era. The combo meter and score float in the background with cosmic black space highlighting the colors.

Sights and Sounds

Breakout Beyond is a breathtaking experience of color and explosions, a symphony of sensations and action. Colors and blocks boom and explode, and my knuckles turn white trying to ensure I don't lose any lives. Each block builds to a euphoria and excitement that is fleeting but sensational as it gets harder and harder to catch the ball. The gameplay is remarkable! Breakout Beyond's simple mechanics become an engaging sensation that wraps itself around players. This is further bolstered by the fact that there is a 2-player mode to make the creative chaos even better.

Playing the game almost feels zen-like, especially on the PS5. The controller speaker uses the sound effects of the paddle and the ball, making the experience one of sheer focus to ensure the ball goes where it needs to go. It's both cozy and intense. Furthermore, the sounds increase procedurally a the ball bounces into more bricks.

It's Breakout Beyond

The only setback to Breakout Beyond is the lack of content. There is an endless mode that challenges players to go as far as they can and conquer the online global leaderboard. However, that is the extent of content. Breakout Beyond relies on the main campaign of 72 levels. Each one will be a challenge and won't be a cakewalk. Once those levels are over, that is it. Still, the existing content is well worth the price of admission.

Breakout Beyond is another winner for Atari and its library of updated games. This unexpected twist on the established formula makes for a euphoric gaming experience brimming with color and excitement. What happens next in Atari's large pantheon of games is unknown but if it's like Breakout Beyond, it's sure to be an excellent time. BREAKOUT!

BREAKOUT BEYOND IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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