Super Breakout
Super Breakout is a sequel to the 1976 video game "Breakout" released in arcades in September 1978 by Atari, Inc. It was written by Ed Rotberg. 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 involve multiple, simultaneous balls in play. Both the original and sequel are in black and white with monitor overlays to add color. It was distributed in Japan by Namco and Esco Trading. The arcade game was commercially successful in Japan and the United States. Atari published  home versions–in color–for most of its consoles and computers, including as the pack-in game for the 1982 Atari 5200. Gameplay. The fundamental gameplay—use a paddle to bounce a ball into a wall of destructible bricks—is the same as "Breakout", but "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. The game was written by Ed Rotberg, who later designed "Battlezone" (1980) for Atari. Rotberg developed "Super Breakout" after hearing that Atari founder Nolan Bushnell wanted "Breakout" updated. Ports. "Super Breakout" appeared as a cartridge for the Atari 8-bit family in 1979 with support for up to 8 players taking turns. A port for the Atari VCS (later renamed the Atari 2600) was available at the end of 1981, initially as a Sears exclusive release under the Tele-Games branding. An  Atari branded version was then released in January of 1982. The VCS port includes two "Children's Version" games that require less skill to play. Four years after release, "Super Breakout" became the pack-in game for the then-new Atari 5200 console in 1982. Prior home versions use paddle controllers; the 5200 port uses the system's analog joysticks. 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 Color in 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 Japan, it was the ninth highest-earning arcade video game of 1978. In the United States, it was the eighth highest-earning arcade video game of 1979. Atari sold a total of 4,805 "Super Breakout" arcade cabinets. In regard to "Super Breakout" being included with every Atari 5200, David H. Ahl of "Creative Computing Video & Arcade Games", wrote in 1983: Legacy. For Kid Stuff Records, John Braden recorded a 7-in 33 RPM record  telling the story of "Super Breakout". This science fiction story dealt with NASA astronaut Captain John Stewart Chang returning from a routine mission transporting titanium ore from Io to space station New California. He encounters a rainbow barrier, presumably a force of nature, that seems to have no end on either side. He has three lobbing missiles of white light that he can bounce off the hull of his shuttle, and they prove able to break through the layers of the force field. With his life support systems failing, what follows is a test of endurance turned game as he  strives to break through the barrier in space. Glu Mobile released a licensed cellular phone version. In 2008, Atari released the game for the iPhone and iPod Touch via Apple's App Store.