Antstream Arcade is a service that I didn’t know I wanted. This retro platform has been available on PC for a while. Consequently, we console gamers have missed out. However, if you game on Xbox, you can now join the retro-loving community. With over 1400 titles to pick from, this is akin to a kid in a sweet shop. As such, you’re entitled to go a little crazy as you tackle an ever-growing list of classic games.
Developed and published by Antstream Ltd, this is a gateway to a nostalgia-infused experience. Blending practically every available genre, you are spoilt for choice. Moreover, there are mountains of challenges to complete, tournaments to take part in, and the ability to play cooperatively or multiplayer. Accordingly, this is the perfect opportunity to pick up a game that forged your gaming “career”.
Antstream Arcade is instantly accessible.
Downloading game after game has become tiresome! Thankfully, though, Antstream Arcade is instantly accessible. Instead of downloading each title from their vast library, you stream whichever experience you want from their server. Subsequently, the wait times are reduced and you can focus on having fun instead. This was phenomenal, especially when you were playing otherwise unheard-of games.
The sheer volume of titles on hand should be overwhelming. However, the streamlined UI ensures a trouble-free experience. The home screen allows you to access online tournaments, new challenges, and an array of popular features. Alongside this, you can manually search using keywords such as release date, genre, or platform. This approach was fantastic, as it allowed you to find the things that mattered to you. On top of this, you could add anything to your “favourites list”. Consequently, you can create a refined library that only comprises your top titles.
Tournaments and challenges.
Antstream Arcade focuses heavily on community gaming and the desire to win. As such, there are weekly tournaments that allow you to challenge the best global players. These winner-takes-all competitions are brutally tough but undeniably rewarding. With an ever-shifting leaderboard, you become obsessed with your score and where you stand. This idea was incredible as it epitomises arcade gaming. If you are skilled enough to win, you are paid a share of the tournament pot. This in-game currency is essential to enter every tournament, challenge, and Giants battle.
The challenges are readily available in a large percentage of games. If the challenge icon adorns the thumbnail, then you know you’re in business. Each title has a list of objectives that become progressively harder. Whether it’s limited lives, a set score, or a timer, they will test your resolve. Additionally, the harder tasks require unlocking with the in-game currency. As such, you must work hard to complete every available challenge.
Giants Vs Slayers.
The Giants Vs Slayers quests are daunting. To enter one of these events, you must invest 5 gems (the in-game currency). With your money spent, you must now try to beat the Giants’ score. If you fail, you may retry the task. However, every subsequent entry doubles the entrance fee. Therefore, costs mount up and you may have to abandon a challenge before you are successful.
This all-or-nothing approach is both bitter and euphoric. Whenever you defeat and your fellow Slayers defeat a Giant, the sense of achievement is incredible. Yet, failure is a deflating experience. Consequently, you must focus on your favourite genres, or practice freely in the play now section.
Play with no restrictions.
Though I adored the online challenges, I was rarely flush with in-game currency. Accordingly, I spent most of my time flirting with different games. This is the beauty of Antstream Arcade! Thanks to its vast catalogue, you can freely play your favourite blasts from the past or try something altogether different.
The play now mode lets you select from any of the 1400+ games. Moreover, if you are playing solo, you get to enjoy them for free. This was ideal, especially if you wanted to practise before entering a challenge or a tournament. Furthermore, if, like me, you use up your credit immediately, you can still enjoy a nostalgia hit.
Antstream Arcade is an incredible gaming platform.
Though I hated waiting, it was worth every arduous minute. Antstream Arcade is an incredible gaming platform that works perfectly on console. Additionally, this streaming service lets you jump straight into the action. Subsequently, it is a straightforward, seamless, and trouble-free experience that impressed me. Accordingly, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here!
