ANTONBLAST – Game Review

A cartoon ant in sunglasses bursts through a wall, surrounded by brick debris, with the bold "ANTONBLAST" text above.

When I first saw ANTONBLAST in action, it immediately reminded me of afternoons spent with my old Game Boy Advance. Those fast-paced platformers, packed with wild characters and chaotic action, were some of my favorite gaming memories. ANTONBLAST brings that same energy back but with its own modern spin. Developed by Summitsphere, this game captures the spirit of classic platformers while cranking up the intensity and humour.

Fans of Wario Land or Pizza Tower will feel right at home, as ANTONBLAST borrows elements from both while adding its own flair. The game thrives on a fast-paced rhythm, requiring precise timing to chain dashes, jumps, and hammer strikes. It’s not a game that holds your hand, but the payoff for mastering its mechanics is incredibly satisfying.

From its vibrant, cartoon-inspired visuals to its energetic soundtrack, ANTONBLAST feels like a celebration of retro platformers. But does it manage to keep that chaotic charm fun without becoming frustrating? Let’s find out.

Raising Hell for a Lost Stash

The story of ANTONBLAST immediately took me back to the ridiculous plots of 90s cartoons. It’s wild, nonsensical, and completely unapologetic in its humour. The game opens with Dynamite Anton, a demolition worker with a short fuse, facing his wildest challenge yet. The Devil himself, enraged after being declared less “red” than Anton, declares war with an army of mole minions. They storm Anton’s apartment and steal his prized collection of stolen booze, setting off a chaotic journey for revenge.

The Devil kicks off the chaos by mocking Anton’s reputation in a taunt so absurd it made me laugh out loud. The game leans heavily into its cartoonish absurdity, delivering a tone that feels both exaggerated and self-aware. It’s the kind of humour that feels like it’s winking at you, daring you to take it seriously.

The Devil is the perfect antagonist, constantly showing up to ridicule Anton and adding a layer of personality to each stage. Small details, like NPCs who turn from friendly to furious when Anton smashes their surroundings, make the world feel more alive than expected. It’s the little moments like these that left me grinning between the chaos.

The story isn’t deep, but it doesn’t need to be. It exists to set the stage for explosive gameplay, and it does so brilliantly. It’s a reminder that sometimes, simplicity and humour are all you need to keep the action moving.

In a vibrant, spiky landscape with a green backdrop, the cartoon character in red from ANTONBLAST skillfully dodges a worm-like creature.

Breaking Walls and Breaking Records

ANTONBLAST thrives on fast-paced, momentum-driven gameplay that challenges your reflexes and timing. You’ll dash, roll, and hammer your way through chaotic levels filled with hazards and secrets. The game’s flow-based design rewards precision, and when you get into the rhythm, it’s incredibly satisfying.

One of my favourite levels in the game for me was a pinball-inspired stage, where Anton ricochets off bumpers and flips switches to progress. The mix of platforming and puzzle-solving kept me hooked, and pulling off a perfect sequence felt like nailing a tough combo in a fighting game. These creative level designs add variety to the gameplay while keeping the action relentless.

Anton’s abilities feel powerful but require practice to master. Dashing through walls and enemies gives you a rush, especially when you chain moves together. The hammer attack adds a vertical element, letting you bounce on enemies or smash obstacles. Timing is key, though, and early levels can feel punishing until you adapt to the mechanics.

Each stage ends with an intense escape sequence where you retrace your path under a strict time limit. These moments are a rush, pushing you to rely on memory and reflexes while avoiding new hazards. While checkpoints are sparse, the challenge feels fair once you learn the level layouts.

The game’s punishing difficulty might not appeal to everyone, but it makes each victory more rewarding. ANTONBLAST isn’t afraid to push you, and that challenge is what makes it so memorable.

A character in a suit rockets through a purple cave, dodging colorful obstacles and crates in an exhilarating ANTONBLAST adventure.

A Cartoon Explosion in Motion

ANTONBLAST feels like a Saturday morning cartoon brought to life, with visuals and sound design that ooze personality. Its pixel-art style draws inspiration from the Game Boy Advance era, with bold designs that make everything stand out. Thick outlines and vibrant colours keep the action clear, even during chaotic moments.

The animations in ANTONBLAST add so much personality, especially during Anton’s hammer swings. Watching him wind up for a massive strike, complete with smear frames and exaggerated poses, always made me smile. It’s the kind of detail that brings the game’s chaotic world to life.

The levels are packed with visual gags and small details that make the world feel rich without ever becoming cluttered. From crumbling walls to explosive set pieces, the environments contribute to the game’s chaotic energy. That said, the action can get a bit overwhelming at times. Particularly during sequences with lots of on-screen effects like explosions or screen shakes. It’s exciting but occasionally hard to follow.

The music matches the intensity, blending energetic electronic beats with rock-inspired tracks that fit each level’s theme. The track in the mall level stood out to me, combining frantic beats with playful, quirky undertones. The sound effects are equally satisfying, with exaggerated booms and crashes that enhance every action.”

Overall, ANTONBLAST nails its presentation, combining retro charm with modern polish. It’s a visual and auditory treat, even when the chaos occasionally takes over.

In the vibrant world of ANTONBLAST, animated characters race through a kaleidoscope of colors in their lively vehicle. With the countdown timer ticking away, every moment is filled with thrilling anticipation in this dynamic video game setting.

ANTONBLAST Is a Chaotic Celebration of Retro Platforming Done Right

ANTONBLAST is a bold, chaotic platformer that thrives on its fast-paced gameplay, creative level design, and distinct personality. It channels the spirit of classics like Wario Land while carving out its own identity with over-the-top humour and relentless energy. The game requires precision and patience, rewarding those who embrace its challenges with satisfying moments of mastery.

What I really enjoyed about ANTONBLAST is the way it never lets up. From explosive escape sequences to humorous interactions with the Devil, the game keeps you engaged and laughing, even when frustration threatens to creep in. It’s rare to find a game so confident in its chaos, and ANTONBLAST pulls it off with style.

That said, the steep learning curve and occasional visual clutter might not be for everyone. Checkpoints are few and far between and the intense difficulty makes it less approachable for casual fans. But if you enjoy a challenge, this game delivers a wild ride that feels as rewarding as it is unpredictable.

In the end, ANTONBLAST isn’t just a throwback—it’s a fresh take on retro platforming. With its chaotic charm and modern polish, it stands out in today’s crowded market. If you’re ready for a challenge, this game is more than worth your time.

ANTONBLAST

Review by @4ScarrsGaming

A cartoon ant in sunglasses bursts through a wall, surrounded by brick debris, with the bold
Gameplay
Presentation
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Summary

ANTONBLAST delivers fast-paced platforming with chaotic energy, creative level design, and a bold personality. Inspired by retro classics, it balances humour, challenge, and satisfying gameplay. While its steep learning curve and visual clutter might not appeal to everyone, those who embrace the chaos will find an unforgettable experience. This is a must-play for fans of Wario Land and frantic platformers alike.

4.4

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4ScarrsGaming

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

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