Review of Breakout Beyond on PlayStation 5

Choice Provisions and Atari have teamed up to offer Breakout Beyond, a fresh and vibrant twist on the timeless arcade favorite. This game brings back the nostalgic essence of Breakout but with a vivid, neon glow and a unique perspective. Let’s dive into what makes this game stand out in our Breakout Beyond review.

In its classic arcade form, Breakout was known for its vertical gameplay. This version flips that on its head with a horizontal layout. The goal remains the same: you’ll need to return the ball to break through to the level’s finish. However, unlike the classic where you had to focus on clearing every brick on the screen while defending the bottom, this iteration promises an engaging twist on the old formula.

Originally conceived as a title for the elusive Amico console—which is now years behind schedule—Breakout Beyond now finds its home within Atari’s Beyond series. This series is known for reimagining old favorites. As someone who’s had my hands on Lunar Lander Beyond before, and absolutely loved the narrative twist it gave to a classic, I was eager to see how Breakout Beyond would reshape its predecessor. The aesthetic feels reminiscent of BIT.TRIP Flux—a game from Choice Provisions’ original era as Gaijin Games—which I fondly remember from the WiiWare times.

Whether you choose to tackle Breakout Beyond solo or with a friend in two-player co-op, the game offers a dynamic pace full of changing sights and sounds. Each of the 72 levels provides an exhilarating challenge, encouraging you to rack up combos and score big. A diverse array of blocks offers unique bonuses—a shield, explosive bombs, a powerful laser, a block-busting drill, the essential multiball, and more—that add strategy and variety to the gameplay.

As you advance, these levels insist you push your skills to their limits. Thankfully, you’re not alone; Focus Mode lets you slow things down temporarily if you’re willing to trade off some of your score. And, there’s always the option to bring a friend into local two-player co-op for some shared triumphs. Keep an eye out for Infinite Mode—ideal for those high score hunters—and 1976 Mode that pays homage to the original Breakout’s roots.

For trophy hunters, the lure of a Platinum trophy beckons, with a trophy list that includes goals like becoming a multiball master, exploding your way through blockades with various bomb types, or achieving the high scores in 1976 and Infinite Modes. Completing the game, breaking blocks pacifistically, or excelling in co-op, each challenge compounds the sense of achievement.

Breakout Beyond breathes new life into a beloved arcade classic with its neon glow and refreshing approach—turning a vertical challenge into a horizontal trek towards liberation. It offers layered challenges and fun variations, like Infinite and 1976 Modes, perfect for showing off your prowess. The game is available on PlayStation 5 priced at $14.99, also accessible on PlayStation 4 as a separate purchase for the same amount.

In conclusion, Breakout Beyond offers both nostalgia and novelty, making it a must-see in Atari’s library. Whether solo or working together in co-op, it’s an experience that captivates by layering the familiar with the innovative. Happy breaking! This review was written based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Atari.