Antro Review
Antro’s killer soundtrack isn’t enough to save the frustrating rhythm platformer.
Antro. Gatera Studio / Select Play
Gatera Studio’s Antro is a 2.5D side-scrolling platformer with rhythm-based action. The game features some great Spanish hip-hop, but it’s not enough to make playing it worthwhile, thanks to frustrating gameplay.
You are Nittch, a courier delivering a package to an unknown recipient in the underground city of Antro, located beneath old Barcelona, where the remaining 1% of the human population now resides. The oppressive totalitarian government, known as La Cupula, is after Nittch, while Los Discorantes—underground rebels—try to recruit him.
Antro. Gatera Studio / Select Play
The game is made up of simple 2D platforming levels set against deep 3D backgrounds. Nittch can run, jump, climb, and slide, as well as perform context-sensitive parkour actions such as wallrunning to cross gaps. Once you find a weapon, Nittch can also attack to break barriers and knock out enemies, and later deflect enemy laser fire. The more interesting levels are the ones that shift as you run, with enemies destroying the environment or elevators moving to meet you. Not all of the levels are rhythm-based, but those are the strongest in the game. They play like a slower-paced Bit.Trip Runner, where the music helps dictate when to jump, slide, hit, etc.
Antro. Gatera Studio / Selectaplay
While the movement physics don’t feel great and could be much smoother, especially for a game with parkour, gameplay is more hurt by imprecise hit detection and instant kill traps. Often, due to the 3D depth of levels, it would appear that a platform continued when it actually ended, causing me to run off to my death. Sometimes I’d miss jumps that I was sure I should have made. Around the middle of the game, a level with fans that pushed me into the air and could also instantly kill me if I hit them made me want to throw my controller across the room.
The 3D graphics are intentionally lacking in detail, opting for simple textures for its faceless characters, but the art lacks the stylistic punch to make this visually appealing. Visually, Antro is bland. Antro’s saving grace is its excellent soundtrack. The electronic and hip-hop music is great. I really wish the game offered a stronger rhythm gameplay experience for it.
Antro. Gatera Studio / Select Play
Antro is a short experience, taking around two hours depending on your platforming skill and your ability to overcome the game’s more frustrating bits. Despite its brief length, I don’t feel I could recommend the game. I’d say check out the soundtrack instead.
Antro is available now on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Overall Score: 4/10
Played on PS5
