AntonBlast

AntonBlast (2024) is a frantic running-and-jumping game where you play a disgruntled construction worker who has a feud with Satan. It's reminiscent of the classic Wario Land games, as you smash through buildings, enemies, and obstacles with your hammer. It stands out not only for its bizarre lightning-fast action but for the ability to dive between the background and foreground, adding an extra layer of strategy.

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You play Dynamite Anton, a "destruction" worker who sets out on a vengeance-fueled quest to get his own back after Satan steals his treasured spirit collection. You explore the varied levels of the Burner Peninsula, from ruined cities to ancient castles, destroying everything in your path in your singular mission to have your revenge.

Play involves moving through the stages, avoiding obstacles, jumping over caverns, and defeating enemies. You use your hammer both as a weapon and a tool: destroying obstacle blocks, detonating explosions and smashing enemies. Special pads let you switch between the foreground and background plane, adding a layer of strategy as you figure out the best and most effective ways to advance.

The result is a unique revisiting of classic platforming games. Like Wario Land, it incorporates zany energy and high-velocity gameplay but adds some unique twists that create a surprisingly fresh (if backwards-looking) take on the genre.

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Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked AntonBlast 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 4 months ago.