Atari has just revealed a new installment in the Breakout series for Nintendo Switch. Out later this year, the game is being developed by Choice Provisions (the developers of the excellent Bit.Trip series, formerly known as Gaijin Games).
In this “reimagining” of the franchise, gamers will find themselves playing in a new sideways perspective with 72 new levels, and two-player co-op support.
NintendoUp’s Take
Ever since the Game Boy Alleyway game, I’ve been a fan of Breakout style games. They’re simple—essentially pong with blocks to break—but they’re mindless fun to unwind after a hard day.
With this new game, Atari is adding a great indie developer responsible for Bit.Trip Runner 2 (one of my favorite games on Wii U), and it looks like an incredible update to the classic.
I’m not 100% sold on the sideways perspective yet, but there’s plenty of time to change my mind. Don’t sleep on this one.
Here’s all the current information about the game:
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.
Ethan Stearns, Senior Director of Games Publishing (Atari)
In this neon-infused twist on the classic 1976 arcade game, players smash through each puzzle by clearing bricks to reach the final goal. However, the script has been flipped—literally! Players now progress sideways, breaking through barriers and building up combos that ramp up the intensity of the effects, rewarding the most skilled players with a dazzling light show. Breaking special blocks offers powerful advantages, like massive brick-clearing blasts, a protective barrier to shield the ball, and a laser cannon to carve a path forward. Each one unleashes stunning dynamic effects, delivering dazzling visuals never seen before in Breakout.
Featuring 72 challenging levels, players’ brick-blasting skills will be pushed to the brink—but they won’t need to face the challenge alone. Block-breakers can forgo going solo and team up with a friend for local two-player co-op and tackle the mayhem together. Alternatively, a new focus mode slows down time, sacrificing a higher score for greater control.
Key Features
- 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
Are you excited for a new Breakout game? Let me know in the comments down below!