Platform Reviewed: Steam
Also on: Switch
Price: $19.99
I'll be the first to admit that I am a loud-and-proud Nintendo fan. Whenever a first-party title releases it usually grabs my attention. Heck, I even purchased Donkey Kong Country Returns all three times. The reason I mention this is because even though I love me some Ninty, there's one thing they do that I don't like: neglect successful formulas. Case in point: the Wario Land games. I love the gameplay of those titles, with Wii's Wario Land: Shake It being one of my favorites. Unfortunately, we haven't seen a game from Nintendo utilizing this style since 2008. Fortunately, indie developers stepped up and took over. And this “spiritual successor” mindset is what brings us this fun throwback title, Antonblast.
The game places you in the shoes of Anton, or his female counterpart Annie. One day, while appreciating how 'red' he is, the Devil find out from his magic mirror that there is an individual that's even redder. In typical villain fashion, he sends his minions to steal Anton's most prized possessions. Anton then sets out for revenge. Is it a silly premise? Yup. Does it matter? Nope! Antonblast’s narrative is simple but effective, drawing inspiration from the nonsensical plots of classic platformers like Earthworm Jim or Boogerman. The plot isn’t really the game's focal point; it serves better as a backdrop for the gameplay and adds some motivation for Anton's journey. This leaves the emphasis squarely on the action rather than the plot.
If you've ever played the aforementioned Wario Land games, you'll know how Antonblast operates. At its most basic, you're barreling through each level, defeating enemies and timing your jumps until you reach the end, and collect your spirit. This activates “Happy Hour,” where you'll have to race back to the beginning of the level, outrunning a timer. Areas that were blocked while moving left-to-right will open up when going back, which adds some variety to each level. All the while, you're collecting poker chips and hidden items. It's a great mix of precision platforming, exploration, and all-out chaos.
Antonblast excels in its platforming, delivering tight and responsive controls that make each jump, attack, and ground pound feel precise. The game offers a wide array of abilities for Anton to unlock throughout his adventure, and provides fresh ways to approach puzzles and combat. Each level also has several hidden collectibles, which encourages players to explore and revisit levels to uncover hidden secrets. The level design is cleverly crafted, offering challenging platforming sections, obstacles, enemy encounters, and boss battles that keep each level engaging from start, to finish, and then evidently back to start again.
Anton can also purchase abilities, which not only opens up new gameplay possibilities but also encourages exploration. Each ability is carefully integrated into the environment, making the journey feel rewarding as you uncover hidden secrets and tackle the platforming puzzles in new ways. You'll traverse each level and find hidden areas by jumping into the background, entering doors and going dumpster diving. What makes this interesting is that you can complete each level at your own pace. Want to take your time and explore every nook and cranny? Go for it. Want to unlock your inner speedrunner? You can do that too! In terms of difficulty, Antonblast goes back and forth. While the game does present a fair challenge, it can feel overwhelming at times due to all the chaos that unfolds.
Visually, Antonblast strikes a perfect balance between retro-inspired pixel art and the smooth animations of modern games. The game’s colorful environments and character designs evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a clean and polished look. I especially like the scritch-scratchy designs and the thick outlines, and the exaggerated expressions gave an air of the 90's cartoon Cow and Chicken and the even more obscure art of the character Rat Fink. It's all just so delightfully wacky.
The levels are varied and thoughtfully designed, with each one offering unique visuals and challenges. The music complements the energetic pace of the game, featuring catchy, upbeat tracks that enhance the atmosphere without being too overwhelming. The sound design is similarly solid, with sound effects that are satisfying without being distracting. Oh, and there's a scream button. And, yes, I spent several seconds just screaming for no reason. And, yes, it was a blast.
The controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to execute precision jumps and quick movements. The game’s pacing is spot-on, with each level providing the right balance of action and exploration, ensuring that the experience never feels monotonous.
All in all, Antonblast is a delightful experience that blends nostalgia with innovation. Its well-executed platforming, vibrant world, and satisfying progression make it a must-play for fans of retro-style games. Whether you're in it for the challenge, the exploration, or the sheer joy of playing, Antonblast will likely leave you grinning from ear to ear.
While Antonblast is a highly enjoyable experience, it’s not without its flaws. While the controls are mostly tight, there are moments when the platforming can feel a little too punishing, especially in sections that demand near-perfect precision. One missed landing during Happy Hour can knock precious seconds off the timer, and can be frustrating. A more forgiving design in certain areas would help alleviate any frustration, allowing players to enjoy the experience without hitting a wall. Finally, while the game’s visuals are generally excellent, you can get lost and lose your place due to the speed of the gameplay and the violent screen shaking. You can change the intensity of the screen shake though, so be aware of that while fiddling with the options.
Final Grade: A-
Antonblast is a delightful and silly platformer that successfully captures the spirit of those retro Wario-style games while still introducing some modern and fun twists. The fluid gameplay, vibrant visuals, and engaging mechanics make it a great pick for anyone who loves a good 2D challenge. The game can get pretty brutal and visually confusing, but its strengths far outweigh these minor issues, making Antonblast a fun and rewarding adventure.
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