A few months ago, fans of action platformers on the Nintendo Switch were treated to Pizza Tower, a game that drew inspiration from the beloved Wario Land series. While Tour de Pizza developed Pizza Tower, another indie team, Summitsphere, took a different spin on the Wario formula with Antonblast. This exciting action platformer exudes the energy and creativity of a Wario Land game, albeit with its unique style. Despite some performance issues, Antonblast offers a fast-paced and engaging experience for players.
Anton’s Furious Quest
Antonblast follows the adventures of Dynamite Anton, a character whose design rivals even Satan in its redness. When Anton’s cherished Spirits are stolen by minions sent by Satan, he embarks on a quest to recover them, armed only with his hammer and determination to put Satan in his place.
Fast-Paced Wario-Inspired Action
Playing Antonblast immediately brings to mind the classic Wario Land 4, with its emphasis on speed, destructible environments, and clever level design. As players navigate levels with Anton or his roommate Annie, they will unleash chaos with their hammer and ‘Clutch’ charge ability. The goal is to reach the bomb at the end of each level and trigger “Happy Hour,” a frenetic race back through the level with the collected Spirit. These mad dashes showcase the game’s thrilling gameplay and strategic level layout.
- Unlock Time Attack and Combo Chain modes after completing levels
- Master level layouts and Anton’s moveset to excel in challenges
- Engage with each level in unique ways for added replayability
Dynamic Gameplay and Fresh Concepts
Antonblast’s relatively short duration of around 10 hours (or double for completionists) is packed with variety. With power-ups that transform Anton into a whirlwind of destruction or an animal buddy shark for quick traversal, the game never lets up on introducing new ideas and mechanics to keep players engaged.
Aesthetics and Sound Design
Visually, Antonblast pays homage to old Flash animations and ’90s cartoon shows with its colorful and lively art style. The dynamic character animations and vibrant worlds enhance the overall chaotic experience, complemented by a pop and jazz-infused soundtrack that matches the game’s energetic pace. However, the game’s performance struggles to keep up with the action, leading to occasional frame rate drops and technical issues that hinder the experience.
Conclusion
Antonblast successfully captures the essence of Nintendo’s Wario Land series with its fast-paced gameplay and inventive level design. While the game shines in visual appeal, gameplay variety, and replay value, its technical shortcomings on the Switch might deter some players. Nonetheless, for fans of Wario and 2D platformers looking for a fresh experience, Antonblast offers a spirited and enjoyable adventure that deserves a place in your gaming library.