Review of Breakout Beyond on PlayStation 5

Choice Provisions and Atari have teamed up to deliver Breakout Beyond, a vibrant reimagining of a time-honored arcade favorite. With its eye-catching neon aesthetics, this game puts a fresh spin on a retro classic, and we’re diving into the details in this review.

In this updated version, Breakout Beyond transitions from the original vertically arranged arcade setup to a horizontal format. This change challenges players to bounce the ball strategically to advance to each level’s objective. It’s a novel twist where instead of just obliterating bricks to prevent the ball from slipping past your paddle, you’re now striving to achieve level-specific goals.

Originally intended for the oft-delayed Amico console as simply Breakout, this game has now joined Atari’s Beyond series, which breathes new life into the company’s vintage titles. You may remember Lunar Lander Beyond, which successfully transformed a classic with a story-driven approach. That revamp left such an impression on me that I eagerly pre-ordered a special edition for my Nintendo Switch. The energetic flair of Breakout Beyond borrows a bit from the BIT.TRIP Flux energy—a nod to its developer past, when Choice Provisions went by Gaijin Games during the WiiWare days, releasing it with Aksys Games.

For solo players or dynamic duos, Breakout Beyond accommodates both styles with a single-player mode and a two-player co-op. The intense gameplay is accentuated by procedurally generated audio and visuals that evolve based on your combos, adding a rewarding edge to your performance. The game boasts a whopping 72 levels, each challenging you to break through barriers while amassing scores and combos. On your journey, you’ll occasionally encounter special blocks that offer helpful effects when smashed.

These power-ups include a protective shield, a bomb for clearing blocks in one go, a laser cannon for cutting a path to freedom, and a drill to easily plow through obstacles. There’s also the classic multiball that unleashes chaos across the play area.

While each level is designed to test your reflexes and strategy, you’re not without aids. You can use a focus mode to slow down time, trading in some score points for a breather. Plus, tag-teaming the levels with a buddy is an option for those who enjoy cooperative play. Breaking free in Breakout Beyond also introduces an Infinite Mode, perfect for those chasing high scores, and a nostalgic 1976 Mode that pays tribute to the original Breakout.

For trophy hunters, Breakout Beyond includes a full set with a coveted Platinum trophy. Your tasks for this shiny reward include unlocking various power-ups and modes, conquering all levels, achieving high scores in the specialized modes, and more.

This reimagined arcade adventure isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about making your mark on the leaderboards and indulging in some classic gaming vibes with the added thrill of modern twists. Now available for $14.99 on PlayStation 5, Breakout Beyond also offers a PlayStation 4 version at the same price.

In summary, Breakout Beyond gives us a bright, thrilling take on a cherished old-school classic, now with horizontal gameplay and captivating neon flair. It’s well worth checking out for fans who love a good trip down memory lane with a dash of innovation.

This review is based on a PlayStation 5 version of Breakout Beyond provided by Atari.