Disclosure: I was provided with a review copy of this game, All opinions in this review are my own and have not been influenced or altered in any way by the developers.
The first thing that immediately stood out to me in Abathor were the incredibly detailed background animations. They almost made me forget that I was looking at sprite art, every environment feels alive, from the flickering torches to the subtle weather effects that add depth to the action. It’s a rare case where pixel art manages to feel both nostalgic and modern at the same time. The four playable characters instantly reminded me of Golden Axe, with the first warrior carrying a strong Conan the Barbarian energy, while the rest of the roster brings their own unique flair and playstyle. The enemy designs deserve special mention as well, they look original, fierce, and fit perfectly into the world’s brutal aesthetic rather than relying on the usual fantasy clichés.
Gameplay-wise, Abathor nails that sweet spot between classic arcade action and modern refinement. Combat feels weighty, deliberate, and satisfying, with well-timed attacks and dodges being key to survival. Levels are built with clear attention to pacing, mixing platforming sections with intense combat sequences that keep the adrenaline going. Boss battles in particular stand out for their scale and creativity, demanding both quick reflexes and pattern recognition.
While the character movement and jumping feel slightly heavy and a little slower than you might expect, it never becomes frustrating, more of a stylistic choice that fits the game’s grounded tone. It’s a small nitpick in an otherwise finely tuned experience, one that doesn’t affect the fun or challenge in any meaningful way.
Visually and thematically, the game hits all the right notes. The art direction embraces the gritty side of 16-bit fantasy while still feeling distinct, and the lighting work really brings each stage to life. The soundtrack, full of powerful melodies and haunting tones, perfectly captures the atmosphere of its world, it’s the kind of music that would’ve turned heads if this game had launched in the ’90s.
I tested the Nintendo Switch version of Abathor, and performance was rock solid throughout, with smooth gameplay, sharp visuals, and no noticeable slowdowns. Sadly, I wasn’t able to test multiplayer yet, but given how well the combat system works in single-player, I can easily imagine it being one of the game’s biggest highlights. It’s easy to picture Abathor shining in couch co-op, just like the classics that inspired it.
All in all, Abathor is a fantastic example of how to make a retro-inspired game that doesn’t just imitate the past but celebrates it. From its art and soundtrack to its tight gameplay and worldbuilding, it feels like a genuine lost gem from the 16-bit era, polished and refined for modern systems. It’s easy to see the dedication and love poured into every frame of animation and every strike of the sword.
Score: 8/10
Abathor is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox, and PC.
