Review of Breakout Beyond on PlayStation 5

When you blend the creative energies of Choice Provisions and Atari, what you get is Breakout Beyond—a vibrant reimagining of an arcade classic. But how does this new twist stand out? Let’s delve deeper into this modern take on a beloved game.

Breakout Beyond takes the original vertical format of the arcade favorite and gives it a fresh spin with a horizontal layout. The objective remains familiar—keep the ball in play and bust those bricks—but now there’s a twist. Instead of merely clearing all bricks, your mission is to reach a goal in each level, adding a new layer of strategy and excitement. Gone are the days of just focusing on not letting the ball slip past your paddle.

Interestingly, Breakout Beyond has an origin story that’s almost as intriguing as its gameplay. Initially conceived as a title for the long-awaited Amico console—which has been in development limbo for over four years—the game has since found its home within the Beyond series. This initiative by Atari breathes new life into its classic titles. Having previously explored a similar journey with Lunar Lander Beyond, a narrative-rich twist on another classic, I can say the experience was rewarding. So much so, I even secured a physical edition for my Nintendo Switch!

For those wondering about its gameplay offerings, Breakout Beyond supports solo play and a cooperative two-player mode, allowing friends to join forces in its fast-paced action. The game dazzles with evolving audio and visual effects that adapt based on your performance and combos, making every session a unique experience. Spanning 72 dynamic levels, players will encounter a mixture of obstacles and bonuses, including protective shields, explosive bombs, laser cannons, and the multi-ball power-up for maximum chaos.

These levels will certainly test your reflexes, but fear not—there are ways to even the odds. Utilize focus mode to slow down time (at the cost of some score), or collaborate with a friend locally for double the impact. Additional modes like Infinite Mode challenge players to outdo their high scores, while 1976 Mode serves as a nostalgic nod to the game’s origins.

True completionists will find delight in the game’s extensive trophy list. With a coveted Platinum trophy up for grabs, players will have to tackle tasks ranging from unlocking specific power-ups to achieving impressive scores in various modes.

This game stands out by offering more than just blocks to break; it’s about strategy, timing, and a little bit of old-school charm wrapped in neon. Priced at $14.99, Breakout Beyond is available on PlayStation 5, with a separate PlayStation 4 version available at the same cost.

Whether you’re reliving your past arcade glory or diving into this vibrant reimagining for the first time, Breakout Beyond promises a refreshing experience filled with endless entertainment.