Breakout: Recharged Nintendo Switch (REVIEW)
Atari Games
Release Date 2/10/2022
Breakout: Recharged brings the classic brick-breaking arcade game with a modern update. It is redesigning the game with updated graphics, new game play, and an original soundtrack by Megan McDuffee. With new features and styles, can Breakout: Recharged be a hit like its initial release from the ’80s.
Gameplay
The concept of Breakout is pretty simple. Keeping the original idea of keeping up a bouncing ball and breaking bricks, the majority of the variations come with the type of gameplay. In Arcade mode, you can play the original version with power-ups or a combination of both styles. There is also a co-op/competitive option as well.
The controls are pretty much the same as they were from the ’80s. The significant differences are with the power-ups and specialty bricks. The power-ups are limited and can either help or hinder the level. One power-up can make your paddle wider but is more susceptible to getting hit by a turret.
The other option outside of arcade mode is missions. The missions are a series of challenges that you have to accomplish to beat the level. Challenges can range from clearing all the bricks in a level, using a power up to clear specific bricks, or a combination of removing a particular amount of bricks using a power-up. The more challenges you complete, the more you open up.
With Breakout, you can play with other players in co-op or competitive. Playing with another person adds a fun challenge as you will need to work together and communicate to beat the level. In missions, you can try and beat each other time and set records.
Final Thoughts Breakout: Recharged
Breakout: Recharged is a fun game that reimagines an arcade classic to current-gen systems. The replay value is good, especially when challenging friends and family to set missions or work together to clear levels in co-op arcade mode. Even playing solo allows you to test your skills on how quickly you can break your records. The soundtrack is excellent and fits the theme and tone of the modern game.
The game is pretty simple, and it does, after a while, get boring with the repetitive levels and layout. With the basic right or left controls, some variety would help spruce up some power-ups or levels. The switch relies on the joycons and can cause problems if it has drift issues. Having an option to map out the triggers or other buttons would benefit players who have the joycon drifts.
Atari did a great job bringing a classic back, especially at the listed price of $9.99. Breakout: Recharged is an excellent game for kids and adults who want different options and challenges. The solo and co-op options are executed well and give hours of gameplay.