Atari Breakout
Atari Breakout
When video games first came into being, one of the earliest companies to catch the wave was Atari and it still thrives in titles like Atari Breakout. Return to a time when the most advanced graphics involved blocks and rectangles moving across the screen. It's also a time when multiplayer was in its earliest stages and it was all about you versus the game. Breakout is a primary example of both as you bounce a ball against colored blocks in order to break out of wherever your paddle is in the void. You could call it a minimalist game that can still keep you busy and entertained.
About Atari Breakout
Many players haven't grown up with the Atari catalog of games, but they've most likely heard of them. Breakout is a title that has created its own type of game that has been reimagined in multiple ways. It's pure and satisfying as you literally play against the game's breakable walls. The angles you use to receive and serve the ball get you involved in what's happening as you try to keep a constant pace. Depending on what type of setup you're using, new ideas immediately flood in on how to get started and then grow into how to win.
How to Play
Atari Breakout has few controls but three different methods of using them across the keyboard and the mouse.
Controls
- Move Mouse Cursor - Move Paddle Left and Right
- A/Left Arrow - Move Paddle Left
- D/Right Arrow - Move Paddle Right
- Spacebar - Spawn Ball
No matter what game mode you're playing, the goal is always the same: Break out. Specifically, you're using the paddle to bounce a white ball against a wall of colorful breakable blocks. To clear the level, you need to break all the blocks. You start with three lives as shown at the top of the screen and will lose one each time the ball goes past the paddle. If you lose all your lives, you'll need to start over.
Tips and Tricks
The paddle is surprisingly fast and precise so test out all of the control options to see which one feels right for you. Depending on the game mode, you should focus on eliminating blocks by layers rather than in groups. Be wary when the ball comes at a sharp angle as those can be tricky to receive.
Atari Breakout Game Modes
The current version of the game offers five game modes to try out, each with its own kind of challenge.
- 1 Ball - The classic mode where you're bouncing a ball against breakable blocks.
- 2 Balls - Similar to classic, but now you have two balls to break with and bounce back.
- Cavity - A mode with blocks that have encased bouncing balls waiting to break out.
- Progressive - Like Space Invaders, the breakable blocks will slowly make their way to the bottom of the screen.
- Random - Choose a random game mode to play.
Game Details
- Developer: Atari Interactive
- Platforms: Web Browser (PC and mobile)
- Languages: English
Gameplay Footage
FAQs
Can I still play Atari Breakout on Google?
Originally released as an Easter Egg, Google's version of the game is still available to play if you search for it.
Is the game copyrighted?
In an interesting piece of video game history, Atari went to court for years attempting to get a copyright for their game but it failed to meet minimal creativity standards to be considered an official audiovisual work. They eventually won their case and the copyright registration for "Breakout" was granted.
Games similar to Atari Breakout
Based on the style and appearance of the game, it can be found in the Arcade and Retro Games categories on GamePix. Check them out to find titles such as Music Rush, Color Line, Vangers, and Super Billy Boy.
