Antonblast is an overflowing platformer with a 90s soul.

Antonblast presents itself as a video game experience that evokes the craziness of Saturday morning cartoons. With its bold and maximalist style, it can often give the impression that the player does not fully understand what is happening. However, that confusion ultimately achieves a coherent sense that can even feel relaxing at times. Although Antonblast was released in 2024, its aesthetic recalls the classic 2D platformers of the 16-bit era, both from the SNES and Sega Genesis. This is not only due to its impressive pixel art but also to the fun character designs that evoke 90s culture and effects similar to Mode 7, including moments when the character slams against the screen upon dying, reinforcing its feeling of a lost classic.

Developed by Summitsphere, the game is described as "explosive and fast-paced action platforming," which effectively summarizes the dynamics experienced during gameplay. The experience resembles blending characters and franchises like Wario, Sonic, Donkey Kong Country, Crash Bandicoot, The Ren & Stimpy Show, and Rocko's Modern Life in a blender.

As you control Anton or Annie, you'll find yourself barreling through enemies and obstacles, sometimes becoming a true whirlwind of chaos to collect Spirits (in the beverage sense) that a villain named Satan has stolen and scattered across 12 distinct levels. Each level features a trick or theme that is explored with an almost Nintendo-like precision. For example, there is one level that constantly transforms your character into a pinball, while another includes sections where you take the form of a bouncing explosive bomb. One of the most interesting levels is a labyrinthine bathroom that, compared to the rest of the game, feels strangely quiet. Almost at the end of each level, you activate a switch that starts a countdown, unleashing a frantic race back to the entrance.

Antonblast focuses on fostering inertia, similar to classic Sonic titles. It's easy to enter a flow state while progressing, even when things may seem out of control due to the speed of the game or the number of elements on screen. Over time, as you improve your skills in the game, you begin to feel more at ease even in chaotic moments. The game's structure guides the player in the right direction, and one learns to accept that things happen as expected.

Boss battles are stunning spectacles and can be somewhat challenging. Sometimes the game features tricky platforms or poorly placed checkpoints that could disrupt the flow of play, much like in Sonic. Some of the bosses, large and screen-filling, can be frustratingly difficult, although the quick load times help make these frustrations more bearable. The final level and its respective boss are notably challenging, but those who manage to reach them will find that the reward for persevering is worthwhile.

Like the 90s cartoons that inspire it, Antonblast can be loud and immature. There is even a dedicated button to make your character scream. However, like the best shows from that era, the creators clearly enjoyed designing an exaggerated world, and they manage to make the gaming experience extremely entertaining, even in moments of confusion.

Currently, Antonblast is available on Nintendo Switch and Steam.