Awesomenauts is a 2D multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that dares to blend platforming action with the strategic depth of team-based combat. Released originally in 2012 and developed by Ronimo Games, it carved out a unique space in the MOBA genre long before the term became synonymous with giants like League of Legends or Dota 2. What sets Awesomenauts apart, even years later, is its bold commitment to side-scrolling gameplay, its vibrant Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic, and its cast of wildly imaginative characters. Despite its relative obscurity compared to the titans of the genre, Awesomenauts still holds a certain charm and depth that makes it worth revisiting—especially for those who enjoy team strategy without the overhead of dense item systems or camera micromanagement.
At a glance, the game’s visual identity is immediately striking. Every character, map, and explosion is rendered in a colorful, hand-drawn style that leans heavily into sci-fi camp and over-the-top energy. Characters like Sheriff Lonestar, a cowboy riding a rocket-powered bull, or Clunk, a suicidal robot tank, exemplify the game’s irreverent tone and imaginative design. Each “Awesomenaut” has their own distinct silhouette and personality, which not only makes the game visually diverse but also helps players quickly identify enemies and allies in the thick of battle. The soundtrack complements this energy with catchy, synth-heavy themes—most memorably the iconic theme song that plays on the main menu, which gives off a nostalgic 1980s cartoon vibe.
Gameplay in Awesomenauts revolves around 3v3 matches where teams push through lanes, destroy enemy turrets, and ultimately bring down the opposing base core. While this structure is typical of the MOBA genre, the side-scrolling perspective radically changes how players engage with each other. Movement and map awareness are completely different than in top-down MOBAs. Jumping, vertical platforming, and tight corridors add new dimensions to skirmishes, ambushes, and retreats. The combat feels closer to a traditional action-platformer than a strategy-heavy MOBA, which can be both a strength and a weakness depending on the player’s preferences. Reaction time, positioning, and twitchy aiming are just as important as coordination and ability synergy.
Each character in the game has a unique kit of two active abilities plus a basic attack, and these can be customized through upgrade choices during the match. Rather than building from a shop full of general items, players collect in-game currency called Solar to unlock specific enhancements to their character’s abilities. These upgrades offer branching decisions that allow for different builds depending on the situation. For example, Froggy G might build for pure burst damage or lean into speed and utility depending on the flow of the match. This streamlined system strips away the sometimes overwhelming itemization layers of traditional MOBAs while still preserving a satisfying degree of strategic flexibility.
Awesomenauts shines brightest in its character diversity and how it encourages teamwork. Some characters are built for crowd control, others for burst, healing, mobility, or map control. Success depends heavily on coordination—not just in fights, but in managing map objectives and lane pressure. Despite its playful presentation, the game demands strategic thinking. Knowing when to engage, when to retreat, and how to bait enemies into disadvantageous positions becomes the difference between winning a match or being steamrolled. It rewards communication and adaptability, even more so when facing experienced opponents who know how to synergize their team comps.
However, Awesomenauts is not without its issues. The player base has dwindled significantly since its heyday, making it harder to find consistent online matches without long queue times, especially outside of peak hours. Although the game does offer bots and local play for practice or casual fun, the core experience is built around competitive multiplayer, and that suffers when the community is inactive. Additionally, while the free-to-play transition added more accessibility, it also brought with it an awkward grind for character unlocks and cosmetics, which can feel like a barrier for newcomers trying to explore the full roster.
Another lingering critique is the game’s balance. With a roster of over 30 characters, balance patches have always been a double-edged sword. Some heroes feel overtuned or underwhelming depending on the current meta, and because the game no longer receives frequent updates following its official end of development in 2018, certain mechanics or characters can feel either stale or dominant. That said, for casual play and friendly matches, these imbalances don’t ruin the experience—but for those seeking tight competitive parity, it can be frustrating.
Despite these setbacks, Awesomenauts remains a uniquely fun and experimental title. Its hybrid genre approach blends fast-paced action, quirky characters, and strategic team play in a way few games attempt, let alone pull off. For players willing to gather friends or explore community forums to find matches, there’s still a lot of joy to be had. Its skill ceiling is surprisingly high, and mastering the nuances of different characters, map control, and build orders can keep you coming back. The game’s legacy is one of cult appreciation—never mainstream, but beloved by those who got hooked on its peculiar charm.
In the end, Awesomenauts is an underrated gem that took risks, played to its own rhythm, and built something memorable in the process. It’s not the most balanced or populated game out there, but it’s undeniably original. Whether you're looking to scratch that MOBA itch with a side-scrolling twist or just want a chaotic, personality-packed arena brawler to dive into with friends, Awesomenauts still holds its own as a stylish and engaging multiplayer experience.
Rating: 8/10
