Antonblast, developed by Summit Sphere, has garnered significant attention within the indie gaming community for its vibrant pixel art, exhilarating gameplay, and unapologetic love for retro gaming. Drawing clear inspiration from classics like Wario Land, this action-platformer invites players to step into the explosive boots of Anton, a demolition worker on a chaotic quest to reclaim his belongings. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into the game’s features, mechanics, art style, and its potential impact on the indie gaming scene.
Overview: What is Antonblast?
Antonblast tells the story of Anton, a hard-drinking, hard-hitting demolitionist whose beloved possessions are stolen by Satan. Armed with his trusty hammer and a penchant for destruction, Anton embarks on a whirlwind adventure across colorful and hazardous worlds. The game pays homage to the golden era of gaming, with its fast-paced platforming and destructible environments serving as a nod to 90s classics.
Released across multiple platforms, Antonblast has quickly become a favorite among fans of retro-inspired games, thanks to its polished mechanics, distinct visual style, and nostalgic appeal.
Gameplay: A Modern Spin on Classic Mechanics
At its core, Antonblast offers a high-energy platforming experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Here’s what makes the gameplay stand out:
1. Destructible Environments
One of the game’s most exciting features is its fully destructible levels. Players can smash through walls, floors, and obstacles using Anton’s hammer, creating a sense of freedom and chaos that sets the game apart from traditional platformers. This mechanic isn’t just for show; it plays a pivotal role in puzzle-solving and navigating secret areas.
2. Tight Controls and Responsive Movement
Antonblast nails the feel of a great platformer. Anton’s movements are fluid and responsive, making it easy to pull off precise jumps, dodge hazards, and chain together attacks. The game’s physics strike a perfect balance between weight and agility, ensuring that every leap and smash feels satisfying.
3. Combat Mechanics
Unlike many platformers, Antonblast incorporates combat as a key element. Anton’s hammer isn’t just for breaking objects; it’s also a weapon against enemies. The game’s combat system is simple yet engaging, encouraging players to mix platforming with strategic attacks.
4. Time-Based Challenges
Each level includes a time-based escape sequence that requires players to retrace their steps while racing against the clock. This mechanic adds an adrenaline-fueled layer to the gameplay, forcing players to think quickly and act decisively.
Level Design: Creative and Chaotic
Antonblast’s levels are meticulously crafted to encourage exploration and experimentation. The game features:
Diverse Themes: From fiery industrial zones to surreal dreamscapes, each level boasts a unique aesthetic and set of challenges.
Hidden Secrets: Players are rewarded for their curiosity with hidden collectibles, bonus rooms, and Easter eggs scattered throughout the levels.
Dynamic Hazards: Moving platforms, environmental traps, and enemy patterns keep players on their toes, ensuring that no two levels feel the same.
Visual Style: A Feast for the Eyes
The game’s pixel art is nothing short of stunning. Every frame is packed with detail, from the vibrant backgrounds to the expressive character animations. Anton himself is a visual delight, with exaggerated movements and quirky expressions that bring his personality to life.
The color palette shifts between bright and bold hues, reflecting the game’s playful tone, and darker, moodier shades during more intense moments. This dynamic use of color enhances the storytelling and keeps players visually engaged.
Soundtrack and Audio Design
A retro-inspired game wouldn’t be complete without a killer soundtrack, and Antonblast delivers in spades. The game’s music combines chiptune melodies with modern production techniques, resulting in tracks that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Each level has its own distinct theme, perfectly complementing the gameplay and visuals.
Sound effects also deserve a mention. The satisfying crunch of Anton’s hammer smashing through obstacles, the quirky enemy noises, and the environmental audio cues all contribute to an immersive experience.
Character Design and Personality
Antonblast thrives on its larger-than-life characters. Anton is a memorable protagonist with his rebellious demeanor and penchant for chaos. Supporting characters and enemies are equally quirky, adding humor and charm to the game. Satan, the main antagonist, is a hilarious and over-the-top villain who perfectly complements the game’s tone.
Replayability and Challenges
The game’s high replay value stems from several factors:
Collectibles: Players can hunt for hidden treasures and items in each level.
Time Trials: Speedrunning enthusiasts will enjoy mastering levels and shaving seconds off their completion times.
Alternate Routes: Destructible environments often lead to multiple pathways, encouraging players to explore different strategies.
Achievements and Unlockables: Antonblast includes a variety of challenges and rewards, keeping players engaged long after their first playthrough.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Engaging Gameplay: Tight controls, destructible environments, and dynamic level design make for an exhilarating experience.
Stunning Pixel Art: The visuals are rich in detail, offering a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic.
Replayability: Collectibles, time trials, and alternate routes encourage multiple playthroughs.
Soundtrack: A fantastic blend of chiptune and modern audio design enhances immersion.
Unique Mechanics: Destructible environments and time-based challenges set it apart from other platformers.
Cons:
Difficulty Spikes: Some levels can feel disproportionately challenging, which might frustrate casual players.
Limited Enemy Variety: While the enemies are charming, their lack of diversity can make combat feel repetitive.
Short Campaign: The main story might feel brief for players seeking a longer experience.
Occasional Bugs: Minor glitches, though rare, can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
Comparison to Retro Classics
Antonblast’s inspirations are clear, particularly from the Wario Land series. However, it’s more than just a tribute. The game incorporates modern design sensibilities, such as quality-of-life improvements, smoother animations, and refined mechanics. It’s this fusion of old and new that makes Antonblast feel like a true evolution of the genre.
The Indie Impact
Antonblast’s success highlights the growing demand for indie games that pay homage to retro classics while offering something new. Its Kickstarter campaign was met with overwhelming support, showcasing the enthusiasm for unique, nostalgia-driven projects. The game serves as a testament to the creativity and passion within the indie development scene.
Final Thoughts: Is Antonblast Worth Your Time?
Antonblast is a must-play for fans of action-platformers and retro gaming. Its engaging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and undeniable charm make it a standout title in the indie gaming world. Whether you’re smashing through walls, racing against the clock, or uncovering hidden secrets, Antonblast delivers a thrilling and satisfying experience.
With its blend of nostalgic inspiration and modern innovation, Antonblast isn’t just a game—it’s a celebration of everything that makes gaming fun. For anyone looking to relive the magic of retro gaming with a fresh twist, Antonblast is an absolute blast.
Key Takeaways:
Engaging destructible environments and tight platforming mechanics.
Stunning pixel art and a killer retro-inspired soundtrack.
High replay value with collectibles, time trials, and alternate routes.
A nostalgic yet innovative approach to action-platformers.
Antonblast stands tall as a shining example of how indie developers can breathe new life into classic genres. So grab your hammer and get ready to smash—Antonblast is waiting!
I saw a video of fat Satan screaming "REEEEED GUYYY!???" And decided to buy the game. It was worth it.The soundtrack is really fken cool and the gameplay is really fken cool too. I like the animations n' stuff. the game is really fun.
A very good game. It's quite hard at first but once you get used to it, it gets a lot better. It's also very unique in how it's levels are made with each one being based around a different gimmick such as pinball mire being pinball themed (shocking right?). The boss fights are well made and add a different type of challenge from the levels. Overall i'd rate it an 8/10.
It's a good game but the boss fights only range from "okay" to "god awful". Why does a fast paced platformer turn into an endurance contest every boss fight?
Antonblast has the makings of a great game but needs a bit more polish.Before I get my issues with it out the way, there's a lot of things I love about this game. The gameplay's really enjoyable once you get it down, the levels are all really cool and do a great job at keeping the experience fresh (along with making my favorite water themed level of all time, the fifth level is perfect, no notes), the sound design and voice actors are on point, the comedy consistently was very entertaining, and the artstyle is both extremely unique and has amazing presentation.Now, onto some of my issues. At points, I feel like the game isn't visually clear when there's a lot going on about when you get hit, as Anton's voice clips are inconsistent and the effect that plays to signify that he got hit can get lost very easily with how bombastic the game is, which can make some of the hits you take feel cheap. I'm fine with the game being difficult but I do think it wouldn't hurt to make it clearer that you got hit. The most glaring issue I've found though is that the game seems unstable. Multiple times throughout my game I've had issues with the fullscreen mode shrinking back down and refusing to fix itself until I restarted the game and I've also had multiple seemingly random crashes, which makes it difficult to recommend this game for the Time Trial mode as, while a great idea, left me more scared of the game deciding the run's over rather than any mistake I made. In one instance on the second to final standard level, the game flat out wouldn't load my save until I verified the game's files with Steam, which is an issue I genuinely don't think I've ever experienced in another game without the usage of mods.Despite all this, Antonblast is a gem that oozes passion and charm. Even something as little as the copyright year on the title screen uses its comedy fantastically. Would absolutely recommend it if you wanna play a great mix of Wario Land and Crash Bandicoot, but I'd personally wait for the game to be tuned up a little more before doing anything like speedrunning it.
ANTONBLAST is an Amazing and Hilarious Game! It is a lot of fun and it get's even funner, cooler, and funnier as you progress through! The dialogue is super funny and the characters are very well written as well as the storytelling! I absolutely recomend this game! You will have a BLAST!
ANTONBLAST is an electrifying platformer that bursts onto the scene with unapologetic energy and a distinct personality, blending frantic action with a cartoonish aesthetic reminiscent of the wildest ‘90s games. You take control of Dynamite Anton or his partner Annie, diving into a zany quest to reclaim stolen spirits from the bizarre and grotesque army of Satan’s moles, known as the Ballbusters. The game’s narrative might sound absurd—and it is—but that absurdity is part of its charm, delivering a story told through irreverent humor, explosive set pieces, and over-the-top character animations that make every moment feel like a wacky cartoon come to life.At its core, ANTONBLAST thrives on fast-paced, momentum-driven gameplay that rewards timing and skillful movement. The controls are tight yet layered, offering a variety of mechanics such as dashing through enemies with the “Clutch” move, bouncing mid-air using the “Hammer Vault,” and triggering the powerful “Antomic Blast” ground slam. These moves combine to create a flow that is at once accessible and deeply satisfying once mastered. The game constantly pushes you to maintain speed and rhythm while navigating treacherous terrain packed with enemies, traps, and environmental hazards. This focus on momentum and precision recalls classic platformers but injects it with a fresh, explosive twist that keeps the gameplay engaging throughout.Each level in ANTONBLAST is a vibrant playground filled with destructible environments, quirky enemies, and a dizzying array of hazards. The stages vary wildly—from sewers where you ride a shark to pinball-inspired areas and urban rooftops filled with grind rails—each imbued with a vivid art style that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. The colorful pixel art, paired with energetic animations and a loud, punchy soundtrack, immerses you in a world that never slows down. Sound design plays a big role here: Anton’s gruff voice lines, the comedic boings and explosions, and the musical cues all heighten the manic atmosphere, ensuring that the game’s personality shines as brightly as its visuals.A defining gameplay moment comes with the introduction of “Happy Hour,” a mid-level event triggered by planting a detonator. This kicks off a tense, timed escape sequence where the level’s layout changes dynamically, forcing you to find new routes and maintain your momentum under pressure. These sections are thrilling and frantic, providing a sharp contrast to the exploration and combat that precede them. They demand quick reflexes and mastery of the game’s movement mechanics, making them some of the most memorable parts of the experience. This mechanic adds a clever layer of strategy, as you must balance your pace to trigger Happy Hour at the right time while ensuring you’re prepared for the ensuing rush.Boss battles punctuate the adventure with bursts of creativity and challenge. Each boss is a spectacle in its own right, bringing unique attack patterns and requiring both patience and precise timing to overcome. The game wisely places checkpoints before and during boss fights, making these encounters challenging but fair. These boss fights are more than just obstacles—they’re set pieces that reinforce the game’s offbeat humor and frantic energy, often featuring hilarious animations and exaggerated attacks that fit perfectly with the game’s overall tone.Despite its many strengths, ANTONBLAST can sometimes feel overwhelming. The visual style, while vibrant and full of character, is also extremely busy, which can make it hard to track the action during intense sequences. Some players may experience sensory overload due to the rapid pacing, flashy effects, and constant on-screen chaos. Additionally, the difficulty ramps up significantly in later levels and boss fights, which, combined with the need for perfect execution in timed segments, can be frustrating. Secrets and collectibles encourage replaying levels, but this can disrupt the game’s momentum and feel tedious if you’re chasing 100% completion. However, these issues do little to detract from the core fun and excitement that the game delivers.Technically, ANTONBLAST performs well on PC, offering smooth frame rates and responsive controls. The Nintendo Switch version has faced some challenges with stability and performance, including occasional crashes and framerate drops, but developers have been actively working on patches to improve the experience. Given the game’s reliance on quick reflexes and precise movement, maintaining a stable performance is crucial, so these improvements are eagerly anticipated by the community.What sets ANTONBLAST apart is its unrelenting personality and how it marries high-octane platforming with humor and style. It manages to carve out a unique space by combining the chaotic spirit of ‘90s platformers with modern design sensibilities. The game’s bold art direction, punchy soundtrack, and witty dialogue inject life into what could have otherwise been just another challenging platformer. Player reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise often focused on its fresh approach to movement, inventive level design, and the sheer fun of blasting through every screen with reckless abandon. Its critical and commercial success has already put discussions of a sequel on the table, cementing ANTONBLAST as a standout indie title.In summary, ANTONBLAST is a wild, fast-paced platformer that challenges players to master its unique movement system while reveling in a world filled with explosive action and irreverent humor. It’s not a gentle introduction to the genre, but for those who thrive on manic momentum and appreciate a game with bold character and creative level design, it offers an unforgettable experience. The blend of chaotic gameplay, vivid art, and quirky storytelling makes ANTONBLAST a refreshing breath of fresh air in the crowded platforming landscape—a game that celebrates destruction, speed, and fun in equal measure.Rating: 9/10
Very fun experience that proves that genre throwbacks can still bring unique ideas to the table. Pays homage to early 2000's platformer classics while carving its own identity as an inheritor of the now-vintage 90's cartoon visual style, complimenting the pleasing veneer of raunchy humor. The game is short, but dense with variety and challenge, and the general presentation is immaculate. Well worth the humble asking price.
I may suck at it, but that doesn't mean I can't think it's an amazing game (because it is!)The artstyle of ANTONBLAST is something you almost never see, which is a shame because it's SO GOOD. The gameplay is intuitive, and the level design is immaculate. The dialogue is hilarious, and the story, while bare-bones, is really fun. I haven't tried doing many of the various "challenge" things, primarily because I'm bad at 2D platformers, but what I have seen of them, they look awesome.If you're looking for a cool game to play, BLAST away.
every time a cool mechanic was introduced or I managed to hammer vault 3 times in a row by killing enemies or when there was a character animation full of personality or when I listened to the Pinball Mire B theme i jorked it a lil.
AntonBlast is raunchy, destructive, outrageous, stupid fun. But it also has a big problem, and, interestingly, that problem isn't Pizza Tower.Everything about AntonBlast's presentation is right on point. The art direction is impeccable. Anton and Annie are lovable idiots. The enemy and boss designs are interesting and offbeat. The soundtrack blows your ears out.And the gameplay itself - you really are encouraged to destroy everything. Platforming is fairly precise, The "clutch" charge system is satisfying and fun to chain. Your double jump is itself an attack. It's all here, and it's predictably fun.Where AntonBlast really starts to fall off is in its secret-finding and its difficulty curve.First, secret-finding. Since the game tracks how much you've destroyed in a level, nothing that you've defeated respawns when you come back around and visit it a second time (except for a certain variety of boxes). So, when a collectible or high-value poker chip is located after a platforming challenge with destructible objects, you literally only get one attempt to reach it, and if you fail, you have to move on or restart from the checkpoint. It makes me want to go for the collectibles less - so I just didn't.But more importantly, it's the general difficulty curve that's the real killer. For around half the game, it's not easy, but it's an absolutely fair challenge. But as you progress closer and closer to the final levels and final boss, it ramps up in an unfortunate way. You'll soon start seeing "gotchas" in levels - that being, off-screen hazards that appear to be deliberately designed to make you mess up on your first play through a level. And then when you get to Deviled Garden and Hell Manor, you are faced with an absolute gauntlet of Crash Bandicoot 4-level garbage level design. You find yourself raging like Anton and Annie - because you as the player are expected to be memorizing the levels instead of getting through them with your skill.If you can get around that big problem, AntonBlast is a satisfying experience with plenty of replayability thanks to different runs you can complete after finishing a level for the first time. Unlike Pizza Tower, which constantly hovers your rank above you at all times, your first run can be at your own pace and you can choose whether to go for full combo, or time trial afterward. It feels good, and doesn't insult the player (in that way).I completed the main story in about 8 and a half hours, obtaining all health upgrades but not a whole lot else.
Pizza tower except playing well doesn't require overstimulating yourselfI mean, to put it more eloquently, and with all due respect Pizza Tower, this is superior in every way.
Genuinely some of the most atrocious, gimmicky, padded, hard to read, and flat out unfair level/boss designs I think I've ever seen. That being said I still do enjoy coming back to this game. It's easy to pick up, and even easier to rage alt+F4 out of 20 minutes later.
