Antonblast

Antonblast is the kind of game that'll either have you pumping your fist in the air or throwing your controller across the room – and I'm not entirely sure which side I fall on most of the time. On one hand, this explosive platformer nails the frenzied, over-the-top action that I crave. But on the other, it can be frustratingly unforgiving, with a learning curve steeper than a mountain.

The premise is simple enough: you play as Dynamite Anton, a demolition expert with a serious anger management problem, on a quest to reclaim his stolen Spirits from the clutches of Satan himself. Expect more of that sort of random humor as you progress – but don't worry, it absolutely works in the game's favor.

And when Antonblast finally clicks with you, it does so spectacularly. Or it blows up in your face. Both things happened to me when I played it – and honestly, the game still rocks.

Smash, Dash, Repeat

When Antonblast is at its best, it's an absolute blast. The platforming feels tight and responsive, with Anton's Mighty F'n Hammer providing a delightfully destructive way to tear through obstacles. Smashing through walls in this game feels just as rewarding as it did in Wario Land, or for the younger players in the audience, Pizza Tower.

The boss battles, in particular, are where Antonblast really shines. These colossal showdowns against Satan's minions are the video game equivalent of a Metallica concert – loud, intense, and almost completely overwhelming.

Still, as chaotic as most of the action can be, that only makes it all the more rewarding once you finally "get" the game's mechanics right. This is one of those games you can approach as if they were a sports title, like Riders Republic: you start off slow, but eventually learn to master all the platforming system has to offer.

Rage Against the Checkpoints

As much as I want to heap praise on Antonblast, I'd be sloppy if I didn't mention the areas where it falls short. For a game so focused on breakneck speed and frenetic action, the checkpoint system can be a real buzzkill. Lose a life to a cheap shot, and suddenly you're slogging through the same gauntlet of obstacles all over again.

It might sound like nothing for those of us who grew up playing games like Super Meat Boy, but it can get weary after a few dozen tries. Though repetition and adaptation are two of the game's main gameplay pillars, that doesn't excuse how punishing Antonblast can get.

Master of Mayhem

A game like this naturally comes with a steep learning curve. Fortunately, climbing that curve is as fun as it is rewarding. The game doesn't hold your hand, and figuring out the nuances of Anton's momentum-based movement and the environmental destruction can be a real trial-by-fire experience.

Antonblast is the kind of game that's easy to love and hate in equal measure. When the stars align and you're in the zone, demolishing your way through a level with lightning-fast precision, it's an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that's hard to top.

I'm not ashamed to confess I watched some YouTube guides to finally master Anton's hectic movements. Still, learning the ropes by yourself and finally having that "Eureka!" moment as an ability finally makes sense is one of the most rewarding feelings I've ever experienced in gaming. And it all came from a game about a demolition expert fighting Satan. Funny how that works.

Pros

• Vibrant, graffiti-inspired visuals that pop off the screen
• Satisfying, combo-driven destruction mechanics
• Boss battles that are equal parts thrilling and punishing

Cons

• Punishing checkpoint system
• Steep learning curve that may intimidate less experienced players
• Occasional cheap deaths