Antonblast
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Action, platformers, humorous, crowdfunding, indie games, 2.5D, side-scroll, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
A dynamic 2,5D platformer, in which we play as a hammer wielding Anton or his co-worker Annie. In Antonblast we watch the action from the side, eliminating enemies and destroying the environment. The game was inspired by titles released for the Game Boy Advance handheld.
Antonblast is an action-packed platformer developed by the independent studio Summitsphere, whose portfolio includes the genre and stylistically related project Antonball Deluxe. The creation of this game was made possible thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
Plot
The main character of Antonblast is a demolition worker - Dynamite Anton. When one day Satan himself steals his spiritual collection, the protagonist decides to grab his great hammer (Mighty F'n Hammer) and set off on a journey through the Burner Peninsula to destroy everything in his path and regain what belongs to him. He is not condemned to solitary play, as the casino owner, Brulo, who has his own dispute with the ruler of hell, reaches out to him.
Gameplay
In Antonblast we watch the action from the side. During the game we can play as both Anton and his crazy co-worker - Dynamite Annie. The adventure leads us through various locations full of branching paths, such as Boiler City, the treacherous Jam Jungle, or the frosty Cinnamon Springs. While rushing through them, we jump on platforms, avoid traps, switch between the foreground and background, and swing the hammer left and right.
The Mighty F'n Hammer serves us both for destroying objects like obstacles blocking the way, and even entire buildings, as well as for eliminating hordes of adversaries. Apart from regular enemies, much more powerful bosses stand in our way (sometimes filling the entire screen), with whom Anton has to struggle, so that his hammer can finally knock them off their feet.
Our primary task at each level is to find an element of Anton's spiritual collection, set one of the detonators given to us by Brulo, and escape to the beginning of the map before a powerful explosion turns the place into ashes. The game is incredibly dynamic, and in order to stay alive, we must be in constant motion, demonstrating dexterity and reflexes. There's also a challenge for those willing to beat time records on the leaderboards.
Graphics
Among the sources of inspiration for the graphic design of Antonblast the authors mention graffiti and productions released for the Game Boy Advance console.
Videos and Screens
[1:22] Antonblast Launch Trailer
[1:08] Antonblast ANTONBLAST - Release Date Trailer
Noisy Pixel: 9.5 / 10 by Bailey Seemangal
Antonblast is a chaotic and challenging 2D platformer that combines tight controls, masterful level design, and a unique sense of humor. With its relentless pacing, creative mechanics like the Happy Hour feature, and vibrant audiovisual presentation, it delivers an exhilarating experience for platforming veterans. While some unlockables and gimmicks fall short, the game's charm and intensity make it a standout indie gem and one of the year's best platformers.
Slant Magazine: 4 / 5 by Aaron Riccio
Indeed, a single level like the Mad Mall feels more inventive—between you having to scramble through a ball pit maze, race on a Segway-like device, and solve a shooting gallery puzzle—than the entirety of other platformers.
TheGamer: 4.5 / 5 by George Foster
Even at its most difficult and frustrating, I couldn’t stop myself from admiring how well put together every facet of Antonblast is. Its wonderful sense of humour, bright and bombastic style, and endlessly rewarding platforming mechanics make it one of the best platformers I’ve played in years, and is hopefully a strong start to a series I’m dying to see continue. True to its name, it’s a total blast.
The main pros of the game
- Gameplay and Mechanics: Many users praised the fluid and satisfying gameplay, highlighting the fast-paced action and the unique mechanics that combine elements from Wario Land and Crash Bandicoot. The controls were described as tight, and mastering the movement was seen as rewarding.
- Visual and Audio Design: The graphics received significant acclaim for their vibrant, cartoonish style reminiscent of 90s and early 2000s aesthetics. The soundtrack was also frequently mentioned as fantastic, contributing to the overall experience.
- Level Design: The levels were noted for their creativity and variety, with many players enjoying the exploration aspect and the inclusion of collectibles. Boss fights were described as engaging and challenging, adding to the excitement.
- Replayability: Users appreciated the multiple modes available for replaying levels, including time trials and combo challenges, which added depth and replay value.
The main cons of the game
- Difficulty Level: Several players found the game to be quite challenging, particularly in later levels and boss fights. Some felt that the difficulty spikes were frustrating and could lead to a trial-and-error experience that detracted from enjoyment.
- Visual Clutter: The chaotic art style, while appreciated for its charm, was also criticized for making it difficult to keep track of character positions and actions during intense gameplay moments. Some players reported issues with screen zoom and clutter that hindered visibility.
- Control Issues: A few reviews mentioned that the controls could feel awkward or imprecise at times, especially regarding character movement and certain transformations. Some players expressed frustration with the game's handling of speed mechanics and the lack of clear instructions for transformations.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Better Guidance: Some players felt that the game could benefit from clearer instructions or tutorials on how to use specific transformations and mechanics effectively, especially when introduced to new gameplay elements.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions for improvements included more intuitive level navigation in the hub world, better organization of cosmetic items, and options to reduce visual clutter for easier gameplay.
- Accessibility Options: A few users mentioned the need for options to help with visibility issues, such as outlines for characters or adjustments to screen effects that could be overwhelming.
Summary
- Overall, while ANTONBLAST received a lot of praise for its engaging gameplay and artistic design, some players expressed concerns about its difficulty and visual clarity, indicating areas for potential improvement in future updates.
Summary generated on:
Antonblast Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Switch
Developer: Summitsphere
Publisher: Summitsphere
Age restrictions: 12+
Antonblast System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB Intel HD or better, 100 MB HDD, Windows 8