Antonblast | |||
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Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Antonblast is an action platformer where destruction and precision are the name of the game…somehow. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Antonblast Review Overview
What is Antonblast?
Antonblast is a loud, explosive, and in-your-face action platformer where you take control of the titular Anton (or his equally cranked-out co-worker, Annie) on an absolute wreck-fest of an adventure through various colorful and dynamic platforming stages.
After having their drinks stolen by Satan himself and having a legion of moles sicced on him for good measure, Anton has to reclaim somehow what’s his and avoid all the moles chasing him down by doing what he does best: screaming, jumping, and hitting things with a huge hammer.
Antonblast features:
⚫︎ 12 unique worlds and maps to explore (and destroy)
⚫︎ Additional Hard and Boss Rush modes
⚫︎ 2.5D platforming mechanics across two layers
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Antonblast's gameplay and story.
Digital Storefront | |||||
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Steam | Switch | ||||
Wishlist Only |
Antonblast Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
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Smooth as Butter Platforming
Distinct and Explosive Visual and Audio Style
Amazing Speedrunning Potential
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Skill Floor is Rather High
Simple Story, Simpler Characters
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Antonblast Overall Score - 76/100
What Antonblast lacks in replayability and accessibility, it more than makes up for with style and solid game design. While its precise platforming might not be the easiest for non-platforming aficionados to master, it’s still a well-crafted experience worth a shot to see if it’s your kind of chaos. Between its vibrant visuals and equally colorful language, one thing’s for sure: whether you love it or struggle with it, Antonblast is a game you won’t forget anytime soon.
Antonblast Story - 5/10
Antonblast's story isn’t aiming to win awards or revolutionize character writing and world-building—but that’s part of its charm. It’s hilariously over-the-top and unapologetically itself, reveling in its own absurdity. While it doesn’t necessarily elevate the game’s experience to new heights, it strikes a sweet middle ground: a quirky, lighthearted backdrop that stays out of the way of the gameplay, ensuring the fun comes first.
Antonblast Gameplay - 8/10
Antonblast’s gameplay might not rewrite the platforming rulebook, but it’s a solid mashup of well-executed mechanics with a few clever twists thrown in. The 2.5D platforming, which lets you jump between foreground and background, is both fun and inventive, adding a literal extra layer to the experience. And when it comes to precision platforming, it hits that sweet spot—a satisfying mix of Pizza Tower’s tight controls and Sonic the Hedgehog’s energetic flow.
Antonblast Visuals - 9/10
The visuals in this game are the undisputed star of the show, setting it apart from its peers with sheer personality. It’s a riot of bold, explosive energy—sharp angles and striking character designs that demand your attention. The aesthetic is an irresistible mix of pop-punk vibrancy and that deliciously rebellious thrill of sneaking a peek at Adult Swim after bedtime. You won’t find many action platformers with half as much personality as this one.
Antonblast Audio - 10/10
Antonblast doesn’t just crank up the volume—it blows the speakers. From a button dedicated solely to screaming (with zero gameplay purpose, mind you) to its hilariously quirky, top-tier voice acting, this game’s sound design is pure chaos in the best way. Every smash, crash, and yell is a visceral treat, letting you feel the destruction as much as you hear it. It’s loud, it’s absurd, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Antonblast Value for Money - 6/10
Let’s be real—this game wasn't meant to be for everyone, and it's alleged $20 price is unlikely to be worth it to most. Sure, the smooth controls, stunning visuals, and stellar sound design are definite highlights, but the niche genre and steep skill floor make it a tough sell for casual players. While the variety of modes is commendable, the replay value takes a nosedive unless you’re into speedrunning. It’s a good game, no doubt, but only if you’re the right kind of player.
Antonblast Review: Boom-bastic Platforming for Pros Only
Action platformers have been experiencing something of a second wind lately, what with the release of legendary titles like Pizza Tower and the ever-present shadow of oldies like Sonic the Hedgehog and Wario Land. Well, the ball was destined to keep rolling for these kinds of games because Antonblast is here and it’s every bit as fun, explosive, and off-the-rails as every other game in this niche, but with a few bells, whistles, and dynamite wicks to boot.
Loud, Proud, In-Your-Face
The first thing you’ll notice about Antonblast is just how unapologetically loud and in-your-face it is—both conceptually and literally. This game doesn’t give you a second to catch your breath. From the moment you hit the main menu, the title card is screamed at you, there’s a button for your character to scream (for no gameplay reason other than pure chaos), and an ever-present, blaring theme song keeps the energy dialed up to 11.
The gameplay mirrors this relentless intensity with its high-octane pace, blending speed, precision, and quick decision-making. Imagine the split-second, momentum-driven movement of classic Sonic the Hedgehog games combined with the environmental destruction of Dead Cells—minus the enemy attack patterns. Antonblast thrives on action, asking you to tear through each level with near-maniacal glee.
The core loop is straightforward but exhilarating: reach the end of the level, activate the detonator, find your Spirit, and escape before the entire stage blows up. Armed with a simple moveset—boosting, jumping, attacking, and sliding—you’re free to tackle levels your way. Between the destructible environments and lack of downtime between sections, the game keeps the action flowing, making it feel almost criminal to stop smashing, dashing, and leaping your way to the exit.
The pacing only lets up between levels, where you can visit the bartender to purchase minor power-ups, like extra lives and item magnets, using chips you’ve collected. These brief intermissions offer just enough respite to prepare for the chaos ahead.
Boss fights punctuate the gameplay, pushing your platforming precision to its limits. They often require some ingenuity to land the decisive blow with your hammer, adding a clever twist to the otherwise fast-paced action. Add in the ability to switch between foreground and background platforms—a feature reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. Wonder—and you’ve got a game that takes full advantage of the platforming genre’s playbook. Unfortunately, that also includes a rather simplistic story.
Simple Story, Simpler Characters
I hate to start on a low note, but let’s get the weakest link out of the way—it’s what you’d expect from any action platformer, after all. Antonblast’s story is delightfully absurd, matching the game’s chaotic energy, but it’s also as straightforward as they come.
So, what story awaits you in Antonblast? Well, Satan himself swipes your Spirits because, apparently, you’re too red for his liking. That’s about the extent of it. Sure, the Bartender has some personal vendetta against the Devil, and your co-worker Annie is chronically asleep and/or out of her mind, but don’t expect any deep dives or narrative twists beyond that surface-level absurdity. While the story might make you chuckle, it’s clear the gameplay takes center stage here—and rightfully so.
On the bright side, keeping the story simple allows Antonblast’s platforming mechanics to shine without any unnecessary distractions. And believe me, the game brings enough chaotic, bombastic action to justify that choice. However, a little extra character or nuance in the story wouldn’t hurt. It’s not a dealbreaker—this game is still a blast (pun intended)—but even the most mindless fun can be elevated with a sprinkle of meaningful plot.
Smooth as Butter Platforming
Now let’s shift gears and dive into one of Antonblast’s strongest suits: its smooth-as-butter platforming—a must for precision action games like this.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. The controls are sharp and responsive, the level design is both clever and satisfying, and the whole experience radiates that polished, expertly crafted vibe you’d expect from something like Pizza Tower or Trackmania.
There’s a real sense of accomplishment that comes from nailing the momentum and flow of a level once you’ve mastered its layout. Add in the nifty foreground-to-background platforming mechanic, enough destructible environmental effects to fill a scrap heap, and enough hidden passages to reward thorough exploration, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for some seriously gratifying gameplay. While it doesn’t quite hit the free-flowing heights of Sonic, it comes pretty darn close.
The only hiccup I can think of in this implementation is that slightly awkward double bounce you can pull off when attacking mid-jump—it’s a neat trick, but having to land first to use it can occasionally interrupt the flow. Still, when everything clicks, Antonblast’s platforming is pure gold.
Distinct and Explosive Visual and Audio Style
Blasting forward (probably through a wall), let’s talk about how Antonblast looks because honestly, it’s impossible to ignore. The game’s pixel art style and vibrant colors evoke a kaleidoscope of chaotic influences.
The best way I can describe it is by picturing an Adult Swim show that your 6-year-old self definitely wasn’t supposed to watch—but now it’s a platformer. Toss in the occasional f-bomb, Satan’s bare cheeks (yep, that’s a thing), and just enough violence to make any parent side-eye the screen, and you’ve got the vibe nailed to a tee.
But that’s just the visuals—how does this game sound? In a word: loud. In two words: very loud. This is the kind of game that’ll make your neighbors file a noise complaint, with bombastic fanfare and a thumping bassline that keeps pace with its wild energy. The voice acting is unhinged in the best way, with every delivery evoking more than just a few screws loose in every character, and Him from the Powerpuff Girls in the case of Satan.
The result is a soundscape as manic and over-the-top as the visuals, and honestly, I’m here for it. It’s the kind of chaos I’d have adored as a kid, and I’m definitely a fan now.
Skill Floor is Rather High
But do you know what I didn’t adore as a kid? Losing. And let me tell you, you’re going to be doing plenty of that in Antonblast—especially if you’re an average gamer with average skills. The skill floor here is pretty high, particularly if you’re aiming for those jaw-dropping speedrun times or flawless no-hit runs. It’ll likely take a little bit of learning for you to gain that rush.
Now, don’t get me wrong—this isn’t Dark Souls in platforming form. The average player can absolutely finish the game with enough persistence. But getting to the end? That’s a whole other story, and it’s one wild, punishing ride that not everyone might enjoy completely. For those within the niche, this is an absolute must-play. Everyone else? Maybe dip your toes in first.
Amazing Speedrunning Potential
If do manage to earn the platforming skills to play this game at the level it was meant to be played—or if you’ve been a platforming prodigy from the get-go—Antonblast transforms into an entirely new beast, one tailor-made for speedrunning. Sure, you could argue that any game can be speedrun, and there’s truth to that, but Antonblast takes it to another level with mechanics and stage designs that practically beg for it.
First off, the game includes a built-in timer, perfect for budding speedrunners who haven’t yet splurged on dedicated timing software. On top of that, everything about Antonblast—from its focus on speed to the precision baked into its mechanics—feels purpose-built for those looking to shave off seconds with every attempt. And let’s not forget its clear inspiration from Pizza Tower, a game with a thriving speedrunning community still going strong.
If you’re itching to carve out a niche and set records in a game where the leaderboard is still fresh, this might just be your next obsession.
A Great Game for the Right Players
When all is said and done, Antonblast’s potential is crystal clear. This is a game built for a specific crowd—precision action platformer enthusiasts and speedrunners who thrive on tight controls and breakneck gameplay.
That’s not to say the rest of us can’t enjoy it. With its bombastic presentation across visuals, audio, and design, there’s plenty for any player to appreciate. But the real magic? It’s reserved for those who can blast through levels, leaving the timer gasping to hit triple digits.
Sure, the game’s simple story and steep learning curve mean it’s not an all-encompassing masterpiece. But don’t be fooled—this is a title that leaves a mark. With its bold style and razor-sharp design, Antonblast is a game you’re bound to hear more about and one that’ll stick in your mind long after the credits roll.
Is Antonblast Worth It?
Only If You’ve Got the Skills for It
It’s tough to call Antonblast a universally appealing showstopper—because, quite frankly, it’s not trying to be. As far as we can tell, this allegendly $20 game is aimed squarely at speedrun and platforming enthusiasts who thrive on challenge and the thrill of optimization. For the average player, that price tag might feel steep, especially when paired with a bare-bones story and a skill ceiling that can feel more like a barrier to entry. For it to be more readily accessible, perhaps a $15 price is more appropriate.
If you’re someone who loves dissecting levels and shaving seconds off your best times, Antonblast is absolutely worth the plunge. If not? Maybe take a step back, watch a few Antonblast speedruns, and see if the chaos feels like your kind of fun.
Digital Storefront | |||||
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Steam | Switch | ||||
Wishlist Only |
Antonblast FAQ
How Do I Hammer Bounce in Antonblast?
Players can perform a hammer bounce by pressing the appropriate key bind for a boost while in mid-jump. Doing so will make them spin around and bounce once, jumping higher than a normal jump after. This can be repeated as long as the player inputs the correct key bind before they land.
How Do I Clutch in Antonblast?
Players can clutch by pressing the boost key bind just as their character hits an enemy, which triggers a second, more powerful speed boost. This is repeatable as long as the player can keep hitting the key bind at the right time.
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Antonblast Product Information
Title | Antonblast |
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Release Date | December 3, 2024 |
Developer | Summitsoft |
Publisher | Summitsoft |
Supported Platforms | Nintendo Switch, Steam(PC) |
Genre | Action Platformer |
Number of Players | 1 |
ESRB Rating | T |
Official Website | Antonblast Website |