Super Breakout was released in arcades in September 1978 as the sequel to Atari, Inc.'s Breakout from 1976. It was written by Ed Rotberg, who later designed Battlezone for Atari. The game uses the same mechanics as Breakout, but allows the selection of three distinct game modes via a knob on the cabinet–two of which include multiple, simultaneous balls in play. Both the original and sequel are in black and white with monitor overlays to add color. Atari published home versions–in color–for most of its consoles and computers, including as the pack-in game for the Atari 5200 console.
Gameplay
Super Breakout contains three different game modes: Double gives the player control of two paddles at the same time—one placed above the other—with two balls in-play simultaneously. Cavity also has two paddles, but initially only one ball. Two others are contained in pockets inside the wall and can be freed. Progressive advances the entire wall downward step by step, gaining in speed the longer the ball is in play.
Development
Rotberg developed Super Breakout after hearing that Atari founder Nolan Bushnell wanted Breakout updated. While the original was constructed with discrete logic instead of a microprocessor, Super Breakout uses a MOS Technology 6502 CPU. Like Breakout, Super Breakout uses a black and white display with overlays to simulate color.
Ports
Super Breakout was released for the Atari VCS the same year as the arcade game, 1978, but in full color instead of black and white with a color overlay. It includes two "Children's Version" games that require less skill to play. Super Breakout appeared as a cartridge for the Atari 8-bit family in 1979 with support for up to 8 players taking turns. Four years after release, Super Breakout became the pack-in game for the then-new Atari 5200 console in 1982. An Atari ST version developed by Pardox was published by Atari UK in 1987. Majesco released Super Breakout for the Game Boy in 1998 and Game Boy Colorin 1999. Both the Atari ST and Game Boy versions have sculpted bricks similar to those of the Breakout-inspired Arkanoid. All of the home ports also include a version of the original game simply as Breakout.
Reception
In regard to Super Breakout being included with every Atari 5200, David H. Ahl of Creative Computing Video & Arcade Games, wrote in 1983:
