Review: Breakout Beyond for Nintendo Switch

Alright, so let’s dive into Breakout Beyond. First, imagine this: an old-school game, but with a twist that’s got it leaning off to the side or something. You’re smashing bricks like usual, but now the playground’s stretched out longer. Weird, right? Anyway, it’s kinda fun, especially if you’re stuck in a waiting room or, I don’t know, avoiding chores.

But here’s the kicker. Well, for me anyway — because this threw me back into it — is the whole two-player co-op thing. Seriously, playing alone is alright, I guess. But when my wife jumped in? Whole new ballgame. We’re juggling paddles like pros (or maybe fools), and somehow that just makes it click. And sure, not everyone’s on board with this love of teamwork — you can tell from all those leaderboard numbers, but I’ll circle back to that chaos later. First, let’s talk about “voyage,” because before you even think about scores, you’ve gotta go there.

So, “voyage” has you gathering all these power-ups: bombs, jazzed-up paddles, slow-motion ball action — kinda neat despite the points penalty. And let’s be real, after level three or so, the difficulty curve throws some serious shade if you’re riding solo. It’s like it knows you’re struggling and laughs at your attempts. Gives you that “just one more try” itch though. So, tweak the paddle sensitivity (too jumpy or sluggish and buh-bye nice run!). There’s a whole 72 levels by the way, and yeah, completionists beware: you’ll want to conquer them all, though no pressure. Systematic level-clearing madness awaits if that’s your jam.

Oh, and the audio-visual deal? It’s all classic chic meets modern flair, I guess. Procedural tricks that pump up the vibe as your combo meter fills. Like, seriously, it’s Choice Provisions — you can almost hear it, right? The better (or just… persistent?) you are, the more your senses implode. Customizing those sound levels? Yes, please. Silence is golden sometimes, but not during a brick-smashing marathon.

Now about this content unlocking drama. Like, who turns leaderboard access into treasure hunting? Infinite mode and even the original arcade gem, locked tighter than Grandma’s candy jar. Why? Extra practice and variety could’ve been a win from the start. But hey, the leaderboards do their thing and separate by pals, global, modes – kinda nice even if the audience seems more about the solo grind. Side note: we snagged top spot in co-op, though it might just prove the solo squad’s got their heads down, playing.

In summary: Breakout still rocks after, what, decades? Choice Provisions flirted a bit too close to messing it up with that silly locked content move. Yet somehow, against the odds, they didn’t flop it. A tip of the hat to timeless gameplay and a dash of creative flair.