Get Ready to Slap Some Romans with Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! Review
Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! is the latest installment in the beloved Asterix and Obelix franchise, which has been entertaining fans for decades. The franchise originated in 1959 as a French comic book series created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. It follows the adventures of Asterix, a small but mighty Gaulish warrior, and his best friend Obelix, a menhir deliveryman with superhuman strength.
The game, developed by Mr. Nutz Studio and published by Microids, brings the iconic characters to life in a new and exciting way. It is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that pays homage to the classic arcade games of the past. Players take on the roles of Asterix and Obelix as they travel through various levels, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups along the way.
The Storyline of the Game
In Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All!, the Gaulish village is under attack by the Roman army led by Julius Caesar himself. The Romans have kidnapped the village druid, Getafix, in an attempt to gain control over the Gauls’ secret potion that gives them superhuman strength. It is up to Asterix and Obelix to rescue Getafix and save their village from Caesar’s clutches.
The main antagonist in the game is Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor who is determined to conquer Gaul and eliminate the Gaulish resistance. He is portrayed as a cunning and ruthless leader who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Players will face off against Caesar’s army of Roman soldiers, as well as other enemies such as pirates and wild animals, as they progress through the game.
Characters in the Game
Asterix and Obelix are not the only playable characters in the game. Players can also unlock and play as other iconic characters from the Asterix and Obelix universe, each with their own unique abilities.
1. Asterix: The main protagonist of the game, Asterix is a small but agile warrior who specializes in close combat. He can perform fast punches and kicks, as well as use his signature weapon, the magic potion, to temporarily increase his strength and speed.
2. Obelix: Asterix’s best friend and sidekick, Obelix is a large and powerful warrior with superhuman strength. He can easily defeat enemies with his mighty punches and can also throw them across the screen. However, Obelix cannot use the magic potion like Asterix.
3. Getafix: The village druid, Getafix is a wise and knowledgeable character who plays a crucial role in the game’s storyline. While he is not a playable character, players must rescue him in order to progress in the game.
4. Dogmatix: Asterix’s loyal pet dog, Dogmatix can be unlocked as a playable character. He is small and nimble, making him perfect for dodging enemy attacks. Dogmatix can also dig up hidden items and secrets in the game.
Gameplay Mechanics
Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! features simple and intuitive controls that are easy to pick up for players of all skill levels. The game can be played with either a controller or keyboard, allowing players to choose their preferred input method.
The gameplay revolves around defeating enemies using a combination of basic attacks and special moves. Players can perform light and heavy attacks, as well as dodge and block enemy attacks. As they progress through the game, they will also unlock new abilities and power-ups that can be used to enhance their combat skills.
The levels in the game are designed to be challenging but fair, with a variety of enemies and obstacles to overcome. Players will need to use their wits and reflexes to navigate through the levels, avoiding traps and defeating enemies along the way. The game also features boss battles, where players will face off against powerful enemies that require strategic thinking and quick reflexes to defeat.
Graphics and Sound Design
Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! features vibrant and colorful graphics that capture the essence of the Asterix and Obelix universe. The characters are beautifully animated, with fluid movements and expressive facial expressions. The levels are also well-designed, with detailed backgrounds and interactive elements that add depth to the gameplay.
The sound design in the game is equally impressive, with catchy music that complements the action on screen. The sound effects are also well-done, with satisfying punches and kicks that make each hit feel impactful. The voice acting is in French, with English subtitles, which adds to the authenticity of the game.
Difficulty Levels
Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! offers three difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, and Hard. The Easy mode is recommended for beginners or players who prefer a more relaxed gaming experience. It features fewer enemies and less challenging obstacles, allowing players to focus on enjoying the game without too much frustration.
The Normal mode is the default difficulty setting and offers a balanced experience for most players. It provides a fair challenge without being too overwhelming. Players will need to use their skills and strategies to progress through the game, but it is still accessible for players of all skill levels.
The Hard mode is recommended for experienced players who are looking for a greater challenge. It features more enemies, tougher boss battles, and additional obstacles that will test even the most skilled players. Only those who have mastered the game’s mechanics and have a good understanding of the enemy patterns will be able to conquer the Hard mode.
Multiplayer Options
Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! offers both local and online multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up with friends or other players from around the world.
In local multiplayer, players can connect multiple controllers to their gaming device and play together on the same screen. This is a great option for players who enjoy playing games with friends or family members in the same room. It adds an extra layer of fun and competition, as players can work together to defeat enemies and complete levels.
The online multiplayer mode allows players to connect with others through the internet and play together in real-time. This is a great option for players who prefer to play with others from the comfort of their own homes. They can team up with friends or join random players in cooperative gameplay, working together to overcome challenges and achieve victory.
Strategies and Tips
For beginners, it is important to focus on mastering the basic controls and understanding the different abilities of each character. Take the time to practice the different attacks and special moves, and learn how to effectively dodge and block enemy attacks. It is also helpful to pay attention to the enemy patterns and learn their attack patterns, as this will allow you to anticipate their moves and react accordingly.
For experienced players, it is important to experiment with different strategies and playstyles. Each character has their own unique abilities, so try to find the one that suits your playstyle the best. Some characters may be better suited for close combat, while others may excel at long-range attacks. It is also important to make use of the power-ups and special abilities that are available in the game, as they can greatly enhance your combat skills.
What We Like
There are several strengths that we appreciate in Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All!:
1. Nostalgic Gameplay: The game captures the essence of classic arcade beat ’em up games, bringing back a sense of nostalgia for players who grew up playing these types of games. The simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics make it easy to pick up and play, while still providing a satisfying challenge.
2. Beautiful Graphics: The vibrant and colorful graphics bring the world of Asterix and Obelix to life. The attention to detail in the character animations and level design is impressive, creating a visually stunning experience.
3. Cooperative Multiplayer: The inclusion of both local and online multiplayer modes adds an extra layer of fun and replayability to the game. Being able to team up with friends or other players from around the world enhances the social aspect of the game and allows for exciting cooperative gameplay.
What We Dislike
While Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! has many strengths, there are also a few weaknesses that we have noticed:
1. Repetitive Gameplay: The game can become repetitive after a while, as the levels and enemy encounters start to feel similar. This may lead to some players losing interest or becoming bored with the game.
2. Lack of Variety in Enemies: While there are different types of enemies in the game, they can start to feel repetitive after a while. More variety in enemy types and behaviors would have added more depth and challenge to the gameplay.
3. Limited Replayability: Once players have completed the game, there is not much incentive to replay it. While the multiplayer modes add some replayability, there is a lack of additional content or unlockables that would encourage players to revisit the game.
We Rate It: 8 out of 10 Stars
Overall, Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! is a fun and enjoyable game that captures the spirit of the Asterix and Obelix franchise. The nostalgic gameplay, beautiful graphics, and cooperative multiplayer modes make it a great choice for fans of the series and fans of classic beat ’em up games.
While there are some weaknesses in terms of repetitive gameplay and lack of variety, these do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The game offers a fair challenge for players of all skill levels and provides an entertaining and immersive adventure through the Gaulish village.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
In conclusion, Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! is a must-play for fans of the Asterix and Obelix franchise and for fans of classic beat ’em up games. It offers a nostalgic and enjoyable experience, with beautiful graphics, intuitive controls, and cooperative multiplayer modes.
While it may not have the same level of depth or replayability as some other games in the genre, it is still a solid and well-crafted game that will provide hours of entertainment. Whether you are a fan of the franchise or simply looking for a fun and challenging game to play, Asterix and Obelix Slap Them All! is definitely worth checking out.