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0 Antstream Arcade has been around for a while but recently launched on the PlayStation 4 & 5. We were lucky enough to get sent not only a code to access the game early but also a 12-month subscription. So what does this retro arcade app offer? Keep reading to find out!
RETROOOOOO!!
So what exactly is Antstream Arcade? What does it offer? Both valid questions needing answers. Which is just what I’m here to do with this review. Needless to say, there is a LOT of content in the arcade so let’s get started.
Gameplay
In essence, Antstream Arcade is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an arcade. Loading it up on the PlayStation 5 brings over 1300 classic games to your fingertips. With new games being added every week, this library is incredible! With classic games from the arcade through to PlayStation 1 games. There is something for everyone.
When I fired up for the first time I was in awe of the games on offer. Some classics that I haven’t seen in a long time such as Rolling Thunder and Puzzle Bobble. Along with games from my childhood such as Star Wars from the arcade. I spent many hours on family holidays playing that and now years on I can play it in the comfort of my sofa. Honestly, if I could go back in time and tell young me, it would have blown my mind. His mind? I digress.
Anstream Arcade does a great job at reassigning the classic controls required and mapping them to the DualSense. Whatever game you pick you are given an overview of the controls, you can even pause the game and double-check your controls.
Did We Mention Saving?
One of the great things that you can do with Antstream Arcade is save your progress. Gone are the days of playing an arcade to either completion or giving up. Now? Just save it. Save your progress and come back another day. It’s honestly a revelation to some of the games. Annoyingly you can’t transfer your membership to another platform. So once you are tied into the PlayStation option, there’s no going back. However that isn’t that big of a problem.
Once you are all set up and having fun with Antstream Arcade, there is so much more to do than just enjoying the nostalgia of the games. With over 600 challenges available across the selection of games, there is always something to do. Whether that is getting the highest score possible in a single life on Pac-Man, or trying to get the highest score possible on Doodle World. There’s so much to do, I severely doubt you will ever get around to playing all of what is available.
With community challenges and weekly tournaments rounding out what you can get to grips with. All that is left is for me to tell you about our lord and saviour, Pac-Man. Everyone who knows me, knows I love Pac-Man. It’s my first port of call at any arcade. I have the LEGO set, t-shirts and even a tattoo. So to see this guy included in Antstream Arcade made my day. Honestly though, who doesn’t love Pac-Man?
Graphics & Audio
This section is usually filled with how good (or bad) the graphics for one specific game are. This is a big job with Antstream Arcade as it has so many different games spanning 18 different platforms. So I’m going to do things a little differently. Each game that I have played so far has had graphics that were spot on for the age and platform they were originally available on.
The same can be said about the audio, all the classic retro-style audio is present and accounted for. Some might say perfection. I’d agree.
Longevity
Hahaha, seriously?! Antstream Arcade has over 1300 games, with 2 new additions each week. There are challenges, tournaments, and more. Antstream Arcade is a mammoth undertaking of retro goodness that will last you quite some time. If you haven’t realised all of that, then I’m going to hazard a guess that you aren’t a retro fan.
In all seriousness, there are hours upon hours of fun to be had with this. Even if you aim to play each and every game on this list it will take you practically all year, and that’s playing at least 3 to 4 new games each day.
Final Thoughts
As a gamer who has played on the vast majority of the platforms available in Antstream Arcade, getting back onto some of these games was an absolute joy. I had a permanent smile on my face even from just scrolling through the available games.
It’s pretty easy and straightforward, but Antstream Arcade gets the Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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