Abathor

Abathor
Developer(s)	Pow Pixel Games
Publisher(s)	Jandusoft
Director(s)
Producer(s)
Designer(s)
Programmer(s)
Artist(s)
Writer(s)
Composer(s)	Gatex Daniel Teles Soyo Oka Gryzor87 J. A. Martín Tello
Series
Engine
Platform(s)	Windows Nintendo Switch PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series Steam Deck
Release	July 25, 2024
Genre(s)	2D Platformer, Hack and slash, Action game
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer
Cabinet
Arcade system
CPU
Sound
Display

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Abathor is a 2D hack & slash platformer video game developed by Pow Pixel Games and published by Jandusoft. It is designed as a retro game inspired by classic action titles from the 1980s and 1990s, featuring pixel art graphics that emulate the visual style of that era. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series and Steam Deck in July 2024. The game supports up to four players, who take on the roles of heroes defending Atlantis from a demonic invasion originating from Abathor.

Gameplay

Abathor features 52 stages divided across 10 distinct zones, each with its own set of environments, enemies, and obstacles. The game follows a structured progression system in which players must complete each stage in sequence to advance. Every zone consists of five stages, with the final stage featuring a boss battle that must be cleared to unlock the next zone. There are a total of 11 bosses, each with unique attack patterns and mechanics that require different strategies to defeat. Additionally, an extra stage is available when playing on the highest difficulty setting.

Stages in Abathor vary in design and mechanics, incorporating different gameplay elements beyond standard platforming. Some levels feature moving minecarts that require precise timing to navigate hazards, while others focus on platforming challenges with shifting or disappearing platforms. Puzzle-based stages introduce environmental interactions that players must solve to progress. The game also includes shoot-'em-up style levels, where the gameplay shifts to a side-scrolling shooting format with different controls and enemy behaviors.

Throughout the game, players encounter a wide variety of enemies, with more than 100 different enemy types appearing across the zones. Each enemy has distinct movement patterns, attack styles, and behaviors that contribute to the overall difficulty and challenge of each stage.

To support progression, each stage includes strategically placed checkpoints. These allow players to restart from designated points within a level upon defeat rather than starting over from the beginning.

The game includes three selectable difficulty levels.

Plot

The Atlanteans, driven by greed, opened the gates of Abathor in search of an endless source of power. Upon opening the gates, hundreds of demons escaped, wreaking havoc and destroying everything in their path. Players control heroes who must fight their way through the continent of Atlantis, defeating demons to reach the gates of Abathor and seal them once and for all.

The story of Abathor is inspired by Greek myths surrounding Atlantis, as well as the writings of Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft. Names, maps, and locations are influenced by the works of Plato.

Playable Characters

• Crantor. The main character. An all-around fighter with great strength. He can dodge enemy attacks and perform powerful strikes. His goal is to avenge the murder of his wife. His name is derived from Crantor of Soli, an ancient philosopher known for his writings on Plato’s works.
• Sais. A Valkyrie sent by the gods. She wields an indestructible shield and focuses on a defensive playstyle, specializing in counterattacks. Her mission is to rescue the soul of her beloved, trapped somewhere in Atlantis. Her name comes from the Egyptian city of Sais, where the philosopher Solon is said to have first heard the story of Atlantis.
• Kritias. A mysterious, cloaked warrior. He is an ancient ninja, fast and agile. In his chest beats a heart made of orichalcum, which keeps him eternally young. His name is taken from Critias (dialogue), one of Plato’s dialogues, which details the legend of Atlantis.
• Azaes. A half-demon, half-human warlock. His playstyle combines swordsmanship and sorcery. His goal is to destroy all demons. His name is inspired by Azaes, one of the ten mythical kings of Atlantis mentioned by Plato.

Reception

Abathor received generally favorable reviews from critics, achieving a Metacritic score of 78/100 and an OpenCritic average of 78.

Nintendo Life awarded the game a 7/10, stating that Abathor has a "lovely pixel art and chiptune soundtrack," while praising the four-player co-op mode.

PlayStation Universe rated the game 9/10, highlighting its "exceedingly well-crafted" design, retro-inspired visuals, and soundtrack that complements the gameplay.

Gamers Heroes gave it an 80/100, describing it as "an epic platforming challenge" that rewards players who adapt to its traditional mechanics.

The Games Machine (Italy) scored Abathor 7.5/10, commending its revival of a long-dormant genre and its balanced, entertaining co-op gameplay.

The game was released in physical format in September 2024, offering both Standard and Collector's Editions, distributed by Tesura Games.

References

This article "Abathor" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Abathor. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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