Asterix & Obelix Slap Them All! 2

Asterix and Obelix are back for more slapstick adventure in Asterix & Obelix Slap Them All! 2. This side-scrolling beat ‘em up game from developers Mr Nutz Studio and Microids stays true to the spirit of the beloved comic books, while also improving upon its predecessor.

The game opens with Justforkix arriving in the Gaulish village seeking help from our heroes. His father has been falsely accused of stealing the Lutetia Eagle emblem from the Romans, so Asterix and Obelix set out on a slap-filled journey to uncover the truth. This lighthearted premise allows the game to take our heroes across a variety of colorful locales ripped right from the pages of the comics.

Beat ‘Em Up Action

While the original Asterix & Obelix Slap Them All! was a solid beat ‘em up romp, this sequel really steps up the variety with its combat and level design. The expanded movesets for Asterix and Obelix make battling hordes of Romans feel fresh and engaging. Small additions like a fury attack and environmental destruction also help spice up the pugilistic action.

Levels feature more depth and secrets than before. While the gameplay remains straightforward on the surface, there is enjoyment to be found in fully exploring each environment. They capture the exotic locales of the Asterix comics with their own unique obstacles and enemies. One moment you may be brawling spear-wielding legionnaires in a Roman encampment, the next navigating rickety bridges over a misty bottomless chasm. It keeps the pace of the game feeling lively.

Most Improved Sequel

When compared to contemporaries like Streets of Rage 4 or TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, Asterix & Obelix Slap Them All! 2 is not as refined. The combat lacks some of the nuance of those games, and the presentation is not as slick. However, this sequel represents a big step up from the original game. Enhancements across the board show the development team’s passion for the license and dedication to improvement.

If you are a fan eager to step into the sandals of these iconic French heroes, Asterix & Obelix Slap Them All! 2 delivers a fun co-op beat ‘em up experience. The buddy cop banter between Asterix and Obelix will have you chuckling as you dole out slap after slap. This game proves there is plenty of life left in this classic comic book franchise.

A Comic Book Come to Life

While the gameplay shows marked improvements, the 2D visual presentation steals the show in Asterix & Obelix Slap Them All! 2. The environments pop with color and character, bringing the exotic locales from the comic books to vivid life. Lush forests, Roman architecture, and Gaulish villages are all rendered with beautiful hand-drawn art.

The animations also capture the exaggerated, slapstick energy of the source material. Asterix and Obelix move with a delightful cartoon fluidity. Extra touches like word bubbles during dialogue sequences make the visuals feel ripped right from the colorful pages of the comic books. Fans will delight in this lovingly crafted interactive incarnation.

Pros:

• Colorful, comic book-inspired levels
• Enjoyable co-op banter and teamwork
• Upgraded combat and expanded movesets

Cons:

• The presentation feels a bit unpolished
• Combat lacks the depth of its contemporaries