Review of Breakout Beyond for PlayStation 5

Choice Provisions and Atari have teamed up to deliver a fresh and vibrant version of an arcade staple with their game, Breakout Beyond. If you’re curious about how this revamp stands out, here’s a detailed look.

Breakout Beyond shifts gears from the classic arcade format by flipping its vertical gameplay to a horizontal one. In this new setup, your goal is to launch a ball across the screen, aiming to meet each level’s unique objective, rather than just clearing every brick in sight. This engagement with the game keeps you on your toes, balancing the line between progression and survival.

Interestingly, Breakout Beyond was initially slated for the often-delayed Amico console under a different guise. Now part of Atari’s Beyond series, it reimagines famous titles, just like its predecessor, Lunar Lander Beyond, which added a narrative twist to its gameplay. Fans of BIT.TRIP Flux might find elements here reminiscent of that era, a nod to Choice Provisions’ roots when they went by Gaijin Games.

Players can enjoy this game solo or team up with a partner in local co-op mode, making its brisk pace a bit more manageable. Across its 72 levels, Breakout Beyond employs procedural audio-visual effects that enhance your experience as you string together combos and gather points. You’ll encounter special blocks that offer distinct powers, such as a protective shield, explosive batches, laser cannons, drills, and multiballs, each adding layers to your strategy.

Challenge is at the core of each stage, testing your reflexes and tactics. Fortunately, a focus mode exists to slow things down if needed, albeit at a score penalty. With a friend, you can tackle the game’s adventure together. Additionally, the game’s Infinity Mode allows for endless play, pushing for top scores, while the 1976 Mode gives a nostalgic nod to the original Breakout.

For those aiming to collect trophies, Breakout Beyond has a comprehensive list tied to strategic achievements and finesse. From unlocking special powers to completing all stages without losing a ball, or even reaching high scores in various modes, the game certainly offers plenty of reasons to strive for that Platinum trophy.

Available on PlayStation 5 for $14.99, and also on PlayStation 4 as a separate purchase, Breakout Beyond offers players an invigorating twist on a familiar classic. Both versions provide an engaging mix of modern design and old-school charm, offering compelling reasons to pick up that controller.

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