Breakout Beyond

The only gripe we have is that some of the smaller menu text can look a little blurry in handheld mode, but given the overall lack of text in the game, it’s not a dealbreaker. Whether you’re an old-school fan or a newcomer, Breakout Beyond may be the best way to experience Atari's stone-cold classic.

I suppose the real question to ask is, did Breakout need this much of an overhaul from the original concept? The honest answer is no. First off, Pong-style paddle-on-the-side gameplay makes the perspective of the game really difficult mixed with the CRT view. Second, the scrolling screen is an interesting concept, but feels like a faulty premise overall.

It's hard to mess up Breakout as it remains fun after all these years (decades even), but darn if Choice Provisions nearly did with their inexplicable decision to lock content, including online leaderboards. The fact that the game still succeeds despite this blunder is a testament to their talent and the timeless source material.

While Beyond may be pretty simple and a game you can jump into and know what to do right away, that doesn’t mean it can’t be some serious fun, and I found it to be a great and chill way to break some bricks while passing the time. Choice Provisions really did the concept great justice here!

Breakout Beyond is a 2D game brought to us by Atari and Choice Provisions in which we will have to destroy a series of blocks with our ball in order to reach the goal and complete each level. The neon style, a correct music and good sound effects make the title a solid experience to take into account. We also have the option to play cooperatively and live a more frenetic experience, that if there is little mechanical variety making a few minutes we see that little more can offer us.

Breakout Beyond is a fantastic remake of a timeless classic.

Breakout Beyond carries a legacy that is hard to ignore. Even though it changes the meaning of a nearly 50-year-old formula, it is still an addictive game that will always make players want to try again in that boring level. The new perspective and intense visual details may make it a bit difficult to assimilate this model, but those who enjoy an old-school challenge will not be disappointed.

Breakout Beyond is another version of a great puzzle game from early age of gaming. Easy to pick up and play, great use of power ups and focus mode to help through some of the harder levels. However, it’s greatest feature is also its greatest downfall; lack of gameplay variety and replay value. If you’re looking for something different to keep you busy, Breakout Beyond is a great way to spend some time and money.

A neon-infused take on the beloved arcade classic

Overall, Breakout Beyond has a few notable flaws, mainly in its visual effects and paddle speed, but it remains a highly engaging and fun arcade experience. The level progression, unlockable content, and multiplayer modes add to its replayability, and the Switch's handheld mode makes it a perfect pick-up-and-play title. While the blinding flashes and overly fast paddle movement can be frustrating, the core gameplay is strong enough to keep you coming back for one more breakout attempt.