videogamescritic
← all games
Antonball Deluxe

Antonball Deluxe

Summitsphere · released Mar 4, 2021

ActionAdventureCasualIndiePCNintendo Switch

The breakout title from Summitsphere, Antonball Deluxe is a retro, high-octane smorgasbord of ballbusting arcade action! Antonball Deluxe quite literally turns the breakout genre on its head, blending traditional brick-breaking gameplay with tight, intense platforming.

88
VGC Score
Stablemedium confidence
82%
At launch
96%
Steam all-time
70%
Press
97%
Recent sentiment

Screenshots & trailers

Review sentiment over time

Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.

How this score was computed

The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (Metacritic)7014
All-time Steam reviews96%91448
Metacritic user ratings0
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)97%922
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 88.3, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 902 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 5 reviews sampled · 6 total reviews in window · weighted 3.3 up / 0.1 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (6)

Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.

  • 60
    trust 76Oct 3, 2021

    As a solo game it's an easy pass, but on multiplayer we can see it clicking with the right group. It didn't set our world alight, but its simple charms may just work for you and your mates.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 61Sep 28, 2021

    Antonball Deluxe is a fun, addicting, and mildly frustrating arcade-style game with witty writing and great sound effects. The character voices and background music fit in with the iconic soundtracks of classic games. There are 69 unique phases that challenge players with varying levels of difficulty. Even with the minor control issues, the diverse gameplay and nostalgic atmosphere make Antonball Deluxe a fun and addicting retro-style game.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 60Oct 14, 2021

    Antonball Deluxe includes a few different games that revolve around a similar theme, and they’re all reasonably fun. The multiplayer game, Vs. Antonball, can be a riot with the right bunch assembled. If you enjoy your brick breakers, you may want to give this one a look. On the other hand, if you find this type of admittedly vintage gameplay to be old hat Antonball probably won’t change your mind.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 58Oct 22, 2021

    Antonball Deluxe is a fun, addicting, and at times a frustrating game, especially when the difficulty ramps up. Adults should enjoy the retro feeling of its arcade style with throwback graphics and great retro sound effects. As Antonball Deluxe helps you relive your Nintendo 8-bit days the question is are your reflexes still top-notch to take on this delightful platformer?

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 57Oct 13, 2021

    Antonball Deluxe does not hide its inspirations. It combines the block-breaking hook of Arkanoid and the simple platforming of the original Mario Bros.. While it may not feel revolutionary, it’s a notable diversion from the genre incorporating a unique twist in an immensely enjoyable package, especially if you have friends.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    trust 56Nov 11, 2021

    Antonball Deluxe is a wonderfully retro and niche title that will appeal to old school gamers. There are elements that leave a lot to be desired: difficulty options, and more incentive to unlock characters wouldn’t go amiss. That said there are three diverse game modes on offer and at the very least Antonball’s simplicity allows it to be enjoyed as some light entertainment if you’re traveling or have an hour to kill.

    read full review ↗

Patch history

  1. PATCH UPDATE #4 and NEW DLC IS HERE!
    Jul 13, 2021significant · resets scoring window
  2. ANTONBALL DELUXE DLC is ALMOST HERE!
    Jul 12, 2021significant · resets scoring window
  3. NEW CHARACTER DLC!
    Jun 30, 2021
  4. ANTONBALL DLC: "BETTER THAN NOTHING" ANNOUNCED!
    Jun 29, 2021significant · resets scoring window
  5. Update #3, "Balance to the Balls", is now live!
    Jun 7, 2021significant · resets scoring window
  6. A little update on Update #3...
    Jun 4, 2021significant · resets scoring window
  7. Update #1 - The Quickest Update in the West
    Mar 8, 2021significant · resets scoring window