Choice Provisions and Atari have teamed up to bring you a fresh, neon-soaked twist on a beloved arcade classic with Breakout Beyond. Let’s dive deeper into this exciting reimagining in our Breakout Beyond review.
Originally having its vertical gameplay staple from the arcade legacy, Breakout Beyond flips the script and introduces a horizontal layout. Here, the objective is not just about bouncing the ball to obliterate bricks, but to cleverly navigate and actually escape through each level’s end goal. This deviates from the old-school approach where preserving lives by preventing the ball from reaching the bottom was key.
In an interesting turn of events, Breakout Beyond was initially meant for the Amico console, which has faced delays stretching over four years. The game, now part of the Beyond series, joins a creative lineup of revamped classics. Last year, I explored Lunar Lander Beyond, a compelling narrative expansion on the original Lunar Lander. It captivated me to the extent that I even snagged a pre-order for the physical edition on Nintendo Switch. You might notice a touch of BIT.TRIP Flux in Breakout Beyond, a nod to Choice Provisions when they were known as Gaijin Games, a renowned creation in the WiiWare era with Aksys Games as publisher.
Whether flying solo or teaming up with a friend in local co-op, Breakout Beyond offers a thrilling 72-level journey. Engage in electrifying combo-driven gameplay, accompanied by shifts in both visual and auditory effects reflecting your performance. As you shatter blocks on your path, watch for special power-ups such as shields, explosive blasts, laser cannons, and more that add layers of strategy and fun.
Each level challenges your abilities, pushing you to master new skills. A handy focus mode lets you slow time at the price of points, giving you an edge in tricky situations. Invite a friend for some cooperative gameplay to tackle the entire game, or unlock Infinite Mode to chase high scores. A nod to nostalgia, the 1976 Mode, acknowledges the series’ origins.
For those trophy hunters, Breakout Beyond is packed with collectible goodies, culminating in a shiny Platinum trophy. You’ll tackle various challenges, from unlocking all power-ups and modes to mastering levels with unique stipulations, providing hours of engaging content.
At $14.99, Breakout Beyond offers both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 versions as separate purchases. Each promises a ride of nostalgia fused with modern excitement, all while aiming for leaderboard dominance.
A big thanks to Atari for providing a PlayStation 5 copy for this review. Dive into Breakout Beyond’s vibrant world and reconnect with your arcade roots.
