Breakout 2000

Lore & Background

Breakout 2000 was the first Jaguar project by MP Games, an Indiana-based developer that had previously worked on productivity software for PC and WalZ, a Breakout-style game for Atari ST. Lead programmer Mario Perdue originally developed a Windows 3.1x version of WalZ, which went unreleased due to its similarity with Breakout and fear of lawsuit from Atari. He later approached Atari staffer Jay Patton, who recommended working with the Jaguar hardware and loaned him a development kit. Mario sent a copy of a 3D Breakout-style game for Windows called WalZ 3D to Atari staff, who liked the concept and asked if he would be interested in completing the game as Breakout 2000, to which he agreed.

Reader's Guide

Breakout 2000 received an average reception from critics upon release. Reviewers praised its gameplay and multiplayer mode, with mixed opinions on the game's controls, and criticism directed towards the game's audiovisual presentation and slow pacing. The game features two modes: 2000 mode, which includes a third-person perspective behind the paddle in a pseudo-3D playfield, power-ups, enemies, and varying level designs; and Classic mode, a recreation of the original arcade game. It was one of the last officially licensed releases for the Atari Jaguar, published by Telegames after Atari merged with JTS and ceased production of Jaguar games. The game was only available through direct order from Telegames and retailers such as Electronics Boutique.

Did You Know?

• Breakout 2000 was the first Atari Jaguar project by MP Games.
• The game's soundtrack was scored by Mario Perdue's son, Douglas Perdue.
• Mario Perdue originally developed a Windows 3.1x version of WalZ that went unreleased due to fear of lawsuit from Atari.
• The game was completed in March 1996, before Atari suspended all new Jaguar releases.