Awesomenauts (Collector’s Edition)

Awesomenauts (Collector’s Edition) is a special release of the popular 2D action MOBA game, featuring exclusive physical and digital content. This edition includes a steelbook packaging, a soundtrack CD, an art book, and a Steam key that unlocks the base game along with the ‘Ultimate Overdrive’ pack, adding nine additional characters. The game is set in a vibrant, sci-fi universe filled with diverse alien species and planets, where players control unique heroes in fast-paced, team-based battles.

Awesomenauts (Collector’s Edition): Review

Introduction

Awesomenauts (Collector’s Edition) is a 2D multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) released in November 2016 for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh. This special edition offers fans an enhanced experience with:

• Exclusive steelbook packaging
• Original game disc
• Steam key granting access to both Awesomenauts and the Ultimate Overdrive expansion (9 additional characters)
• Soundtrack CD
• Art book-style manual
• Collectible art card

Developed by Ronimo Games, Awesomenauts was originally launched in 2012 to critical acclaim and has since cultivated a dedicated fanbase. After a period of dormancy following Ronimo’s bankruptcy, the game was revived by Atari in 2025, bringing its unique blend of MOBA strategy and platform combat back to players.

Development History & Context

Ronimo Games, a Dutch independent studio, first revealed Awesomenauts in 2011 with a prototype showcased at E3. The game was built using Ronitech, an in-house 2D engine. Inspired by the 1980s Saturday morning cartoons, Awesomenauts aimed to bring fast-paced MOBA gameplay to console audiences while retaining the depth of strategy found in PC titles like League of Legends.

The Collector’s Edition was a Gamestop exclusivity, capitalizing on the growing enthusiasm for physical collector releases in the gaming market. Although the priority among developers shifted as the original Ronimo team experienced financial struggles, the game’s legacy persisted through community support and eventually Atari’s acquisition.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Set in the year 3587, Awesomenauts depicts an interstellar conflict between two factions vying for control over “Solar,” a precious resource. To break the deadlock, they hire the Awesomenauts—a diverse roster of mercenaries each with unique skills and backstories.

The lore, detailed in character bios and upgrade descriptions, introduces a rich tapestry of alien species:

1. Humans from Earth, now colonizing Planet Russia
2. Kremzons, chameleon-like schemers from Aiguillon
3. Frogs from Ribbit IV, hip-hop enthusiasts with water-based powers
4. Namalas, zen sapients from Okeanos
5. Skroggles, acid-vomiting invaders
6. And many more

Themes of conflict, survival, and cultural clashes permeate the narrative. With each Awesomenaut offering a distinct take on heroism and villainy, the game creates a dynamic cosmos where no single race or ideology prevails.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Awesomenauts functions like a traditional MOBA: two teams of three players each aim to destroy the opponent’s Solar Collector while defending their own. Key mechanics include:

• 2D Platforming: Characters move left/right with double jumps and special moves, adding verticality to lane control.
• Character Selection: Over 30 unique Awesomenauts across different classes (Tank, Fighter, Harasser, Assassin, Support) with distinct skills and playstyles.
• Upgrades: Earn Solar by killing creeps/structures, then spend in the shop to enhance abilities and attributes.
• Map Obstacles & Objectives: Interactive elements like Sorona’s Tremor Worm or Ribbit IV’s Solar Bosses provide additional strategic layers.
• Customization: Skins, taunts, and voice lines allow players to personalize their experience.

The Collector’s Edition includes the main game plus the nine characters from Overdrive, expanding the strategic possibilities and replay value.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Awesomenauts’ art direction draws heavily from 1980s cartoon aesthetics, with bright colors, varied character designs, and detailed environments. The art book included in the Collector’s Edition offers behind-the-scenes sketches and concepts, enriching the player’s understanding of the world.

The soundtrack, which spans multiple genres including electronic, rock, and orchestral, complements the game’s high-energy action. The CD included in the edition features selections from the original score, underscoring the emotional beats of the battles.

The game’s voice acting adds depth to the characters, with memorable lines and taunts that encourage engagement. From Lonestar’s Western drawl to Voltar’s scholarly bon mots, each Awesomenaut has a distinct personality.

Reception & Legacy

Upon release, Awesomenauts received positive reviews for its accessible MOBA gameplay, innovative platform elements, and charming art style. Metacritic scores hovered around 75-80%, indicating broad critical approval. However, the original release struggled to reach a mass audience, partly due to the console focus in an increasingly PC-dominated MOBA market.

After Ronimo’s bankruptcy and server shutdowns, the Awesomenauts community seemed destined to be a footnote. But Atari’s intervention and server revival in 2025 injected new life into the game, allowing players to rediscover its unique appeal. The Collector’s Edition, with its physical package and additional content, remains a sought-after item for collectors and loyal fans.

Conclusion

Awesomenauts (Collector’s Edition) stands as a testament to the game’s resonance and the fanbase’s determination to keep it alive. It offers not just a game but a boxed piece of gaming history, combining genre innovation, rich lore, and dedication to excellent design. Whether you’re a long-time ‘Naut or a new recruit, this edition provides an immersive and deeply satisfying experience in the vast, colorful universe of Awesomenauts.