Atari announced Breakout Beyond, a fresh spin on the classic from the devs of BIT.TRIP

The Breakout franchise is making a full return, with Atari announcing Breakout Beyond, developed by Choice Provisions (the studio behind BIT.TRIP). Not quite the classic you remember. They're saying it's a reimagining of the series that invites players to break on through to the other side.

More about it: "In this neon-infused twist on the classic 1976 arcade game, players smash through each puzzle by clearing bricks to reach the final goal. However, the script has been flipped—literally! Players now progress sideways, breaking through barriers and building up combos that ramp up the intensity of the effects, rewarding the most skilled players with a dazzling light show. Breaking special blocks offers powerful advantages, like massive brick-clearing blasts, a protective barrier to shield the ball, and a laser cannon to carve a path forward. Each one unleashes stunning dynamic effects, delivering dazzling visuals never seen before in Breakout."

Check out the trailer:

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From the press release sent today: it was originally slated as an Amico Intellivision exclusive back in 2020, Atari agreed to acquire and complete the development of the title. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring this gem to our players,” said Ethan Stearns, Senior Director of Games Publishing at Atari. “The team thought it was a brilliant concept, preserving the heart of Breakout’s gameplay while also giving the formula a completely new spin. Breakout Beyond is a worthy new entry into the Breakout pantheon, and we can’t wait to see the insane combos brick-breakers will make.”

Features:

• Unlockable endless mode with an online global leaderboard.
• 72 challenging levels that will put players’ brick-breaking skills to the test.
• Two-player co-op to manage (or ramp up) the chaos with a friend.
• Procedural audio and visual effects that increase in intensity with each combo.

Looks like you'll need Proton to run it on Linux.