Breakout

The Good
We can see with this game that Atari has done some improvement in programming the games. Now we're going even further away from the original Pong. Whether you play alone or with up to 3 other players, the game is equally fun. I'm still surprised how such a simple game can offer so many hours of entertainment. Well, simple applies mostly to the concept. Because time, you can choose the angle of the bounce, though it's really not that easy to control. And if you get really good, you may decide to dig a hole through all the walls really early so you get points faster by accessing to the last wall and by having your ball bouncing up and down the upper screen for a while, IF you can handle having your paddle shorter right at the start... You may also optionally "catch the ball" so you can aim a little more, but I personally wasn't too excited about this feature. Not enough challenge I guess! This little game is a classic that many remembers and that concept has often been imitated since then.

The Bad
Even if the developers tried to offer variations on the game, the basic principle remains the same: you get to bounce the ball on a wall. Even if the wall optionally disappears, the gameplay is mainly the same. Nice try though! The graphics are quite basic, but at least, they are colorful and don't take away much of the pleasure. I cannot say the same for the beeps sounds that Atari kept as a trademark. But you can always turn it off...

The Bottom Line
The game is a more complex variation of good ol' Pong. Up your screen, you have several layers of brick walls. You have to bounce the ball on the walls with the help of your paddle. Each time you touch a brick, it disappears, allowing you to hit the next wall. After 8 hits, the ball goes faster. When you reach the last wall, your paddle shrinks to make it more difficult. The further the wall is, the more points you get. The angle of the pitch depends where the ball bounces on your paddle.

The Good
There wasn't really that much I really really liked, I mean, it's one of the original breakout games. I think it was the first one with color so that's cool. Um, I mean there really isn't that much to be said about it. It doesn't really blow me away.

The Bad
Like I said before, It's one of the first breakout games, heck, it's one of the first video games. There's not much to complain about considering what it was competing with. Find me a better Breakout game made in when this one was and then we'll talk.

The Bottom Line
Breakout is your basic Breakout game. (Isn't it great i'm writing such insightful comments? I'd recommend it to anybody who really likes breakout, and that's about it.

The Good
Breakout is one of those timeless concepts that’s easy to pick up and start playing. On the Atari 2600, it’s challenging enough to keep you on your toes, but it never feels unfair or impossibly hard. That balance makes it satisfying to clear a row of bricks without getting too frustrated. It’s pure arcade simplicity in cartridge form.

The Bad
As much as I appreciate the challenge, the game just doesn’t hold my attention for very long. After a round or two, I usually feel like I’ve had my fill. Without power-ups or extra twists, it can feel a bit repetitive - especially compared to later takes on the same idea.

The Bottom Line
Breakout does exactly what it sets out to do: give you a quick, satisfying brick-busting fix. It’s fun in short bursts, but not something I find myself playing for long stretches. Still, as an early Atari 2600 title, it’s a classic worth firing up once in a while - earning a steady 3 out of 5 stars from me.