Antro is an intense 2.5D rhythm-based action puzzle platformer created by Gatera Studio, a development team based in Barcelona. The game takes place in a grim future underneath the ruins of Barcelona, where just one percent of humanity managed to survive an event known as The Collapse.
The gameplay combines platforming, parkour, puzzle solving, and combat driven by music. Every action needs to be perfectly timed to a diverse urban soundtrack featuring hip hop, drill, R&B, and electronic music. It’s a great concept that is done well, despite falling short in some areas.
These Beats Can’t Lose
Playing Antro was a one-of-a-kind mix of rhythm, action, and platforming, all wrapped up in a gripping dystopian story. The game switches back and forth between two very different styles of gameplay, which helps keep things interesting and fun.
In the free-movement sections, I got to explore the dark, neon-lit underground city beneath Barcelona. These parts of the game focus on basic platforming mechanics like running, jumping, sliding, and wall-running, usually moving in a straight line through areas like back alleys and ruined urban spaces.
There are also some environmental puzzles and chances to smash drones with a club, though these sections are more about enjoying the atmosphere and story than facing tough challenges. Collectibles are hidden around the world, adding extra details to the lore.
The music, a lively blend of hip-hop, drill, R&B, and electronic beats, isn’t just there for background; it’s the core of the gameplay, with the world around me pulsing and reacting to the rhythm. Pulling off a flawless sequence feels amazing, like I’m part of the music itself.
Antro really shines in its rhythm-based auto-runner segments, which are the best part of the game. In these fast-paced chase sequences, Nittch automatically dashes forward, and every move has to be perfectly timed to the game’s urban soundtrack.
Even though these rhythm sections are exciting, they require sharp precision, and sometimes the controls felt a little loose or stiff, leading to some annoying trial-and-error, especially when I missed the timing. Still, the nonstop energy and the way the music ties into the gameplay make Antro a standout and rebellious experience. The small issues don’t take away from how unique and memorable the game is overall.
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Its 1984 Again
Walking into Antro, I found myself thrown into a grim, dystopian future hidden far below the ruins of what used to be Barcelona. The city, now called Antro, felt like a crumbling, broken maze, sharply split by social class. The wealthy rulers lived in comfort high above, while the rest of us, especially those in the lowest levels, fought just to survive under harsh and oppressive conditions.
You start by playing as Nittch, an ordinary-seeming courier. At first, the job was simple: deliver a strange package to someone Nittch doesn’t know. But this basic task soon drags you into a growing rebellion against La Cúpula, the ruthless corporate dictatorship that ruled with an iron grip. This oppressive government had crushed all forms of personal expression, especially music and art, wiping out any trace of freedom.
As you move through the dangerous streets, dodging constant surveillance, you end up joining forces with Los Discordantes, a secret resistance group. Their mission is to take down La Cúpula and bring back freedom, art, and music to the city.
The story, though brief and often told through the environment and the intense soundtrack rather than long conversations, pulls you deep into the struggle. It carries strong Orwellian themes of censorship and control, but also a powerful message of fighting back.
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Can Be Very Slow Despite Having Many Fun Points
When I first started playing Antro, I was instantly impressed by its one-of-a-kind mix of rhythm, action, and platforming, all wrapped up in a gripping dystopian story. This isn’t just a game with background music; the music is a core part of the gameplay, making the whole experience feel like a revolution you can actually sense.
The best parts for me were the rhythm-based auto-runner sections. However, that meant the rest of it kind of fell short. The sections with free-movement platforming, environmental puzzles, and drone-smashing combat were decent. They helped expand the dark underground city beneath Barcelona, but they mostly felt like a breather before the next intense rhythm chase.
The game’s visual style is striking, with its low-poly design and muted colors broken up by bright neon lights, giving it a strong cyberpunk vibe. This look pulled me deep into Antro’s bleak world. Thatat said, there were times when the controls felt a little loose or inaccurate, especially in tough sections, leading to some frustrating trial-and-error that broke the momentum.
Above all, the game is pretty short, so I found myself thinking that it ends right when it should be beginning. Even with these small issues, Antro’s bold combination of music, unique style, and gripping rebellion story made it a standout and incredibly fun experience.
We give Antro a 7 out of 10. While it’s fun in some areas and is worth buying, the controls could be tighter, and it’s pretty short overall.
