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Antstream Arcade is an all-new retro gaming subscription service, and its features are a slam-dunk far as we're concerned. This novel service may not technically be the only or even really the first retro gaming platform, but once you learn about it, we reckon you'll be plenty interested in what it's got to offer.
In the broadest terms possible, Antstream Arcade features an impeccable selection of games to play on an extremely wide variety of platforms. On top of that, it also comes with a whole bunch of modern features most of us will greatly appreciate. For example, there's genuine retro esports support, as well as community-wide social challenges to compete in. These are some pretty new gaming developments when all is said and done, but Antstream Arcade has managed to successfully implement them in their service. Fully optional, of course, for retro gaming purists among us.
This article will basically tell you everything you need to know about Antstream Arcade, its many features, its full game list, and all the other good stuff. If you're at all interested in getting started with Antstream, we've also got discounts and other important goodies, so scroll on ahead and have fun!
Get started with Antstream Arcade today - at no additional cost!
What is Antstream Arcade?
Described as 'Netflix for retro gaming', Antstream Arcade is... pretty much that: retro gaming Netflix. The way it works is that you buy a monthly subscription and then play to your heart's desire. Yes - that simple. There are, of course, a few caveats, but basically, none of them relate to the quality of the service. Rather, we suspect that the problem might line in the fact that one's definition of "retro" gaming varies greatly from one person to another. After all, we are in 2020, and someone born in 2005 might consider PlayStation to be a retro console. Technically, it is, and many of us are older than we'd care to admit, but you won't be playing PSX games via Antstream Arcade regardless of that.
Antstream Arcade Pricing & Subscription
By default, a monthly subscription to the Antstream Arcade service costs £9.99. If you decide to sign up for a full year's worth of Antstream, the price drops by a full 2 quid on a monthly basis: you'll end up paying £7.99 that way.
Is there an Antstream Arcade Discount in place?
There is one, in fact! If you end up subscribing sometime before January 6th, you'll get a 25% discount on the total yearly (or monthly) price, depending on your specific subscription plan of choice! It goes without saying, however, that this is a timed deal, so grab it while you can if you're even remotely interested in getting long-term access to Antstream Arcade features and content.
How to play Antstream Arcade for Free?
Every subscription to Antstream Arcade you get off' the service's official website also nets you a full week's worth of free trial. That way, you'll have more than enough time to see if this is the right sort of gaming Netflix for you.
What Features does Antstream offer?
Most obviously, there's the fact that you can play retro games via Antstream Arcade, but bonus features are an important matter as well. These range from game-specific achievements (yes) all the way to unique leaderboards and even retro gaming tournaments. Implementation of these items cannot have been easy or simple, so we're taking our proverbial hats off to Antstream's team.
Antstream Tournaments
Precisely what it says on the tin: one of the main Antstream Arcade features is the fact that they support tournaments for just about every game available on Antstream. This does, in fact, include even dedicated single-player titles. In cases of no multiplayer, players chase after high-scores and a number of other achievements and/or collectibles.
Antstream Challenges
Challenges seem to be exclusive to multiplayer games, far as we can tell, and they primarily focus on delivering an additional layer of difficulty to the experience. Challenges also allow you to compete against your friends and the community in a more direct manner. These include, but are not limited to: high-score chasing, timed attack modes, and community-wide accomplishments. Most high-end Challenges are unlocked by using Gems - an Antstream Arcade in-app currency.
Antstream In-App Currency: Gems
Don't fret: Gems are not a paid in-app currency. Instead, Gems are an earnable item that you can get by winning challenges, earning medals, winning tournaments, and even simply logging into Antstream Arcade on a daily basis.
In turn, Gems are used to unlock particularly high-end and difficult Challenges. A bit of an in-app economy there, but it's nothing especially complicated or some such. Consider it an additional drive towards retro game completion, instead.
Most important of Antstream Arcade Features: Save-States
Save-States are in! A welcome addition and a borderline must-have for those who are familiar with emulators, we are sure. The feature works precisely as it usually does, too. Whenever you exit a game, Antstream takes a snapshot of your state and saves it for you to continue next time. Simple as pie! Worth pointing out is that the games' default save features work, too.
What Platforms does Antstream support?
Though Antstream Arcade features are a whole bunch of good news for retro gaming across the board, we feel that the service's widespread support for just about every platform under the sun should be universally praised. Find the full list of supported platforms below.
- Universal Windows Platform via Microsoft Store
- Windows 8 and up via the official website
- Xbox One via Microsoft Store
- Android Tablets, Phones, and TV via Google Play Store
- Amazon Fire Tablet and FireTV via Amazon Store
- Mac OSX via the official website
So... you can play Antstream Arcade on your phone, on your tablet, and on your PC. On top of that, you can also enjoy retro gaming on your Xbox console, as well as on your office Mac device. Even on your Amazon Fire and FireTV tech! As we said - phenomenal support all around.
Does Antstream Arcade support all major game controllers?
Somewhat unsurprisingly, there's no simple answer to Antstream Arcade controller support. From what we can tell, it depends greatly on your platform and gamepad of choice. So, for example, the regular Windows installation of Antstream will offer the most widespread support for gaming peripherals. From keyboards to third-party controllers, just about everything goes here. When it comes to, say, an iMac Mini, you can straight-up ignore the existence of Nvidia Gamepad, Atari VCS controllers, and the like. It's a mixed bag, really.
Further, controller support is still in the testing stages on most platforms. If you're interested in reading up on the details, we suggest taking a look at the official Antstream gamepad support sheet. It's a hoot.
Antstream Arcade Game List
At the moment of writing this short overview, Antstream Arcade features over 1,200 games from a number of different consoles and platforms. While this includes games from 1972 all the way 'till 2000, Antstream has sadly not been able to secure Nintendo games. Yet. For the most part, this includes platforms such as Commodore Amiga, Commodore 64, Spectrum ZX, and the like. As retro as retro gets, right? The emphasis is - clearly - on the '80s era arcade gaming. Thankfully, this means that most of our childhood titles are, in fact, available via Antstream Arcade. Find a list of some of our favorites below!
- Boulder Dash
- Pac-Man
- Metal Slug
- WORMS
- Asteroids
- Space Invaders
- Mortal Kombat
- Manic Miner
- E.D.F.: Earth Defense Force
- Double Dragon
- Earthworm Jim
- Ghost Pilots
- Super Methane Bros
- Trailblazer
- Hellfire Attack
- Cadaver
- Dark Seal
- Galaga
And, naturally, a metric tonne more. This really does barely scratch the surface of what Antstream Arcade offers. Chances are that your favorite retro title is available, too, and all you need to do is - check.
Is Antstream Arcade a good service?
We find ourselves thinking that - yes - Antstream Arcade is pretty dang awesome. Not only do you get immediate access to over 1,200 retro games with no fuss and no installation whatsoever, but the list is always growing, too. If you're unsure about it, you can always take it for a 7-day trial and see how Antstream Arcade features suit you. For those who want maximum retro gaming fun with minimum hassle wherever they are and whatever device they might want to play on, this is basically a must-have.
Note that an Internet connection is necessary, but all the games we tested (reference the list above) ran perfectly fine on our 50 Mbps connection, on a mid-tier gaming laptop connected via wi-fi. Can't complain there, at least not in our case!
In other news, have you had the chance yet to check out our Winter Sale? it's a big one, we promise! In case you need a few recommendations, a highlight, or a showcase here and there, be sure to visit our community hub, too. Lots of stuff to read up on there: have fun!
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