Review of Breakout Beyond for PlayStation 5

Choice Provisions and Atari have teamed up to deliver Breakout Beyond, a glowing update of a classic arcade favorite. This game gives a fresh twist to the original Breakout by switching from a vertical to a horizontal display, challenging players to guide the ball towards the goal across various levels. Players still need to keep the ball in play to prevent losing a life while breaking blocks to clear paths.

Originally planned for the delayed Amico console, this game has found its place within Atari’s Beyond series, alongside other reimagined classics. Last year, I dove into Lunar Lander Beyond, which added a storytelling element to the vintage title. I was impressed with it on the PlayStation 5, so I even grabbed a special edition for my Nintendo Switch collection. Breakout Beyond does echo the vibrant and rhythmic style first seen in BIT.TRIP Flux, also from Choice Provisions back when they went by Gaijin Games.

You can enjoy Breakout Beyond solo or collaborate with a friend in its two-player mode to better navigate its fast-paced action. The game includes 72 levels full of procedural audio and visual changes that respond to player combos, providing dynamic feedback based on your performance. You’ll encounter special bricks that offer power-ups like a shield to save your ball, explosive bomb blasts for clearing multiple blocks, laser cannons, a drill that carves its way through obstacles, and the ever-chaotic multiball feature.

The game is engaging, requiring tactical thinking and dexterity, but offers a Focus mode to slow down the action, albeit at the cost of your score. You can also unlock additional modes like Infinite Mode, pushing your skills and scores to new heights, and a nostalgic trip back to the original Breakout with the 1976 Mode.

Trophy hunters will find plenty to chase after, with a rich list of achievements culminating in a Platinum trophy. You’ll need to accomplish various tasks, such as completing levels without moving or losing a ball, finishing challenges in both solo and duo play, and unlocking special in-game features.

Priced at $14.99, Breakout Beyond is available on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, offering a modern revival of retro gaming fun with its neon flair and engaging mechanics. Whether you aim for high scores or just want to relive the classics with a new coat of paint, this game promises both challenge and entertainment.

This review was crafted based on a PlayStation 5 version supplied by Atari.