Le Geek - Retrogaming Reviews

Rating
Graphics:	2
Sound:	1
Control:	4
Depth:	2
Overall:	2

Breakout

By: Atari, Inc.
Released: 1978

Along with Pong, Breakout is a game of elegant simplicity. The aim of the game is to keep the ball in play while knocking all the bricks away. As the game progresses the ball increases in speed, and when you hit the top, your paddle becomes half as big.

The graphics don't tax the Atari 2600 by any means, but they are crisp. Sound is limited to beeps and boops when the ball hits bricks. However, the control is quite good. The paddle can deflect the ball at different angles depending on where it hits, adding some strategy to the mostly reflex-oriented game play.

Overall, the game is too simple and a little too difficult for my taste. Unless you remember Breakout fondly, I recommend the superior sequel, Super Breakout.

- Ben Langberg