{{Short description|2024 video game}}
{{Infobox video game | title = Abathor | image = Abathor.png | developer = Pow Pixel Games | publisher = Jandusoft | composer = {{ubl|Gatex|Daniel Teles|[[Soyo Oka]]|[[Gryzor87]]|J. A. Martín Tello}} | platforms = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X and Series S]]}} | released = July 25, 2024 | genre = [[Platformer]], [[Hack and slash]], [[Action game]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[multiplayer]] }} '''''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 X and Series S]] 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.igdb.com/games/abathor | title=Abathor | date=25 July 2024|website=[[IGDB]]|access-date=23 February 2025 }}</ref>
== Gameplay== [[File:Abathor_gameplay.png|left|thumb|[[Multiplayer]] mode with four players.]] ''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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martín |first=Sergio| date=30 July 2024 |url=https://www.3djuegos.com/juegos/abathor/analisis/plataformas-accion-noventeras-juego-buenisimo-que-han-hecho-espana-analisis-abathor | title= Análisis de Abathor |website= 3D Juegos |language=es|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref> 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 format with different controls. Throughout the game, players encounter a variety of enemies, with more than 100 different enemy types appearing across the zones. All enemies have distinct movement patterns, attack styles, and behaviors. Each stage includes strategically placed checkpoints, allowing the 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]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Dunitz |first=Alana| url=https://www.gamegrin.com/reviews/abathor-review/ | title=Abathor Review | date=25 July 2024 |website= GameGrin|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref>
== 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.
==Development and release== ''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]].<ref>{{cite web | last=Johnson | first=Gemma | url=https://gamerant.com/abathor-retro-co-op-characters-gameplay-story-explained/ | title=Abathor Dev Details Gameplay and Backstory for Its 4 Playable Characters | date=18 March 2023 | website=[[GameRant]] | access-date=23 February 2025 | archive-date=24 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324003930/https://gamerant.com/abathor-retro-co-op-characters-gameplay-story-explained/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
The game was released in physical format in September 2024, offering both Standard and Collector's Editions, distributed by Tesura Games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rodríguez|first=Víctor |date=4 September 2024 | url=https://cadenaser.com/cmadrid/2024/09/04/abathor-el-golden-axe-espanol-en-el-que-sonamos-con-ser-conan-el-barbaro-ser-madrid-sur/ | title=Abathor Physical Release | website=[[Cadena SER]] |language=es|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref>
Updated version ''Abathor - Ultimate Edition'' was released on April 17, 2025''.'' The major differences from the original are upgraded handcrafted [[Overworld|world map]], balanced [[Game balance|difficulty modes]], [[Speedrunning|speedrun mode]] and ability for characters to run.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-17 |title=Abathor - Abathor - Ultimate Edition Update is here! - Steam News |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2295610/view/640181878351988065 |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=store.steampowered.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Reception == {{Video game reviews | MC = PS5: 90/100<ref>{{Cite web |title=Abathor for Playstation 5 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/abathor/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=23 February 2025 |archive-date=4 March 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250304193538/https://www.metacritic.com/game/abathor/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PC: 78/100<ref>{{Cite web |title=Abathor for PC Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/abathor/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref><br />NS: 70/100<ref>{{Cite web |title=Abathor for Nintendo Switch Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/abathor/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref> | OC = 67% recommend<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Abathor'' |url=https://opencritic.com/game/17032/abathor}}</ref> | MS = 8/10<ref name="meristation_review">{{Cite web |last=Herrero |first=Pedro |date=25 July 2024 |title=Abathor Analysis|url=https://as.com/meristation/analisis/analisis-de-abathor-una-formula-clasica-adornada-de-elementos-actuales-n/ |website=[[MeriStation]] |language=es|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref> | NLife = {{Rating|7|10}}<ref name="nlife_switch_review">{{Cite web |last=Talbot |first=Ken |date=25 July 2024 |title=Abathor Review |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/abathor |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=23 February 2025 |archive-date=15 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215072021/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/abathor |url-status=live }}</ref> | TGMIt = 7.5/10<ref name="games_machine_review">{{Cite web |last=Mercurio |first=Nicholas |date=7 August 2024 |title=Abathor Recensione |url=https://www.thegamesmachine.it/abathor/abathor-recensione/ |website=[[The Games Machine (Italy)]] |language=it |access-date=23 February 2025 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115022348/https://www.thegamesmachine.it/abathor/abathor-recensione/ |url-status=live }}</ref> }} ''Abathor'' received generally favorable reviews from critics, achieving a Metacritic score of 78/100<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/abathor/ | title=Abathor Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref> and an OpenCritic average of 78.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://opencritic.com/game/17032/abathor | title=Abathor Reviews | website=[[OpenCritic]] | access-date=23 February 2025 | archive-date=15 January 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115012846/https://opencritic.com/game/17032/abathor | url-status=live }}</ref>
''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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Talbot |first=Ken |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/abathor |date=25 July 2024 |title=Abathor Review (Switch) |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=23 February 2025 |archive-date=15 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215072021/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/abathor |url-status=live }}</ref>
''PlayStation Universe'' rated the game 9/10, highlighting its "exceedingly well-crafted" design, retro-inspired visuals, and soundtrack that complements the gameplay.<ref>{{cite web |last=Colton |first=Tony |date=15 October 2024 | url=https://www.psu.com/reviews/abathor-review-ps5-solid-retro-action-platformer-that-proudly-wears-its-influences-on-its-sleeves/ | title=Abathor Review (PS5) | website=PlayStation Universe|access-date=23 February 2025}}</ref>
''The Games Machine'' (Italy) scored ''Abathor'' 7.5/10, commending its revival of a long-dormant genre and its balanced, entertaining co-op gameplay.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mercurio |first=Nicholas |date=7 August 2024 |url=https://www.thegamesmachine.it/abathor/abathor-recensione/ |title=Abathor Recensione |website=[[The Games Machine (Italy)]] |language=it |access-date=23 February 2025 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115022348/https://www.thegamesmachine.it/abathor/abathor-recensione/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:2024 video games]] [[Category:Action games]] [[Category:Adventure games]] [[Category:Cooperative video games]] [[Category:Dark fantasy video games]] [[Category:Fantasy video games]] [[Category:Hack and slash games]] [[Category:Indie games]] [[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch games]] [[Category:Platformers]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]] [[Category:PlayStation 5 games]] [[Category:Retro-style video games]] [[Category:Video games about demons]] [[Category:Video games based on mythology]] [[Category:Video games developed in Spain]] [[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]] [[Category:Video games set in Atlantis]] [[Category:Video games with Steam Workshop support]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Xbox One games]] [[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]