January 9th 2025.
Have you heard of Antonblast? It's the latest Wario Land tribute to hit the gaming scene, and it's definitely not holding back. This game, following in the footsteps of Pizza Tower, is all about an angry protagonist who destroys everything in sight. And let me tell you, it's been a long time coming. It's been 17 years since Nintendo released a new Wario Land game, and even longer since its heyday on the Game Boy. But now, thanks to these indie imitators, the franchise is making a comeback.
It's quite surprising to see this sudden interest in a seemingly forgotten series, but we're certainly not complaining. Whether it's for the sake of nostalgia or just the pure joy of playing a great game, we're here for it. And Pizza Tower was just the beginning. Now with Antonblast, we have another homage that stays true to the original Nintendo template. So let's dive in and see if it lives up to the hype.
First things first, let's talk about the gameplay. For those unfamiliar with the Wario Land series, the first game was actually called Super Mario Land 3. It was a departure from the typical Mario platformers, focusing more on defeating enemies and smashing through obstacles at high speeds. Antonblast takes inspiration from Wario Land 4 on the Game Boy Advance, but don't worry if you haven't played it before. You can still enjoy this game to the fullest.
The main character, Anton, looks more like Yosemite Sam than Wario, but he definitely has a similar temperament. However, if you prefer, you can also play as his roommate, Annie. The story is a bit nonsensical, involving a showdown with Satan who is jealous of Anton's redness, but let's be real, the plot doesn't really matter. What does matter is the gameplay, and Antonblast does not disappoint.
One of the most notable features is Anton's signature shoulder barge move, straight out of Wario Land. This move is used to build up momentum while running, defeat enemies, and smash through objects. But there's more to it than just that. Mastering the controls takes some time, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to perform some impressive moves. From jumping and using Anton's hammer at just the right time to bouncing off enemies and performing ground pounds, there's a lot of nuance to the controls.
Each level is a unique experience, with different gimmicks and challenges to keep things interesting. You'll ride on a swordfish, turn into a whirlwind, and even play as a pinball, just to name a few. And let's not forget the boss fights, which are a bit peculiar but still entertaining. They add variety to the game, although some may feel a bit disconnected from the main action.
The game's art style is definitely worth mentioning. It has a distinctive look, as if it's all been drawn with low-resolution marker pens. It may not make for the best screenshots, but in motion, it's quite impressive. The sound effects also add to the 2000s-era Nickelodeon cartoon vibe, maintaining the game's overall atmosphere.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the comparisons to Pizza Tower. While both are great games in their own right, we have to admit that Pizza Tower may have a slight edge. But that doesn't mean Antonblast isn't worth playing. In fact, it's the closest thing we have to a new Wario Land game, and that's a big deal. And who knows, if Nintendo ever decides to make a new game in the series, they should definitely take some notes from Summitsphere.
In conclusion, Antonblast is a fantastic game that pays homage to the beloved Wario Land series. It stays true to the gameplay and spirit of the originals while also adding its own unique madness. The only drawbacks are the surprisingly steep learning curve and the relatively short length. But with additional modes to unlock and plenty of secrets to discover, it's definitely a worthwhile experience. So go ahead and give it a try on Nintendo Switch or PC. You won't be disappointed.
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