Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mortadelo y Filemón II: Safari Callejero delivers a classic point-and-click adventure experience infused with slapstick humor and clever puzzles. Players step into the shoes of Mortadelo and Filemón, two bumbling secret agents tasked with corralling runaway hens that threaten to turn the city into a poultry paradise. Navigating a variety of quirky urban environments, you’ll interact with the surroundings, gather items, and combine clues to outwit Dr. Bacterio’s out-of-control hen army.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game challenges you with a series of logical—and sometimes delightfully absurd—puzzles. From figuring out how to herd oversized chickens off the highway to disarming special eggs before they can transform an innocent bystander, each objective demands observational skills and creative item combinations. The difficulty curve is generous, allowing newcomers to enjoy the madness while still offering seasoned adventure gamers a chance to scratch their heads over more intricate conundrums.

Control-wise, Safari Callejero stays faithful to its genre’s roots. A simple cursor-based system lets you examine objects, talk to NPCs, and use inventory items. While some modern players might miss hotkeys or contextual radial menus, the old-school interface retains a nostalgic charm. Drag-and-drop mechanics work smoothly, though a few pixel-hunt moments can slow progress if you don’t carefully scan the screen edges for hidden hotspots.

Variety is one of the gameplay’s strongest points. Between navigating city streets, ducking into secret labs, and even commandeering a makeshift egg-catching device, each new scene refreshes the pace. Occasional mini-games—such as a frantic chicken roundup on a makeshift farm or a timed sequence to defuse a dangerous egg—add bursts of action that break up the standard point-and-click fare.

Graphics

Safari Callejero’s visuals capture the spirit of Francisco Ibáñez’s original comic strip with bright colors, exaggerated character designs, and expressive animations. Mortadelo’s trademark disguises and Filemón’s perpetually bewildered expressions are faithfully rendered, making long-time fans feel right at home. Background art is detailed without being overwhelming, offering a cartoonish cityscape brimming with hidden jokes and visual gags.

Character animations are fluid, especially during comedic sequences when hens explode into man-sized birds or when Dr. Bacterio’s inventions backfire in spectacular fashion. Even idle moments feel lively: Mortadelo might flash a goofy grin or Filemón might nervously tap his foot as you wait for dialogue to finish. These little touches reinforce the game’s comedic tone and reward players who linger to soak in the atmosphere.

While the resolution and sprite work may seem dated by today’s standards, the game embraces its retro roots. Occasional screen transitions and scrolling backgrounds recall a simpler era of adventure gaming. Fans of pixel art and hand-drawn animation will appreciate the care taken to maintain visual clarity, ensuring that interactive elements stand out against richly painted backdrops.

Lighting and color palettes shift subtly between levels—urban sprawl scenes lean toward vibrant primaries, while Dr. Bacterio’s lab dips into more neon tones. This thoughtful use of color not only differentiates each stage but also highlights key objects in your search for clues, blending style with functionality in a way that supports both immersion and gameplay.

Story

Building on the hilariously absurd premise of Dr. Bacterio’s oversized hen experiment, Safari Callejero weaves a narrative that balances slapstick comedy with lighthearted adventure. When the good doctor’s plan to end world hunger goes awry, Mortadelo and Filemón are dispatched to clean up the mess—literally. From the first egg-cracking gag to the climactic showdown in Bacterio’s secret aviary, the plot unfolds at a brisk, entertaining pace.

Dialogue is a highlight throughout the adventure. True to the original comics, conversations are peppered with puns, double entendres, and frantic back-and-forths that showcase Mortadelo’s penchant for disguise and Filemón’s exasperation. NPCs—from terrified commuters to eccentric delivery drivers—add amusing side quests and banter, fleshing out the world and rewarding exploration with laugh-out-loud moments.

The story structure adheres to a chapter-based format, with each new segment introducing fresh complications—from navigating an egg-strewn downtown to infiltrating hen-themed warehouses. These narrative beats keep momentum high, preventing the otherwise formulaic point-and-click gameplay from feeling stagnant. A satisfying finale ties together the game’s various threads, delivering a comedic payoff that remains true to the spirit of Ibáñez’s work.

Although the game doesn’t take itself too seriously, there are nods to broader themes like scientific hubris and the humorous consequences of unchecked experimentation. These occasional moments of satire give the storyline a bit of depth, making Safari Callejero more than just a series of set-piece jokes while still ensuring that fun remains at the forefront.

Overall Experience

Mortadelo y Filemón II: Safari Callejero stands out as a love letter to fans of classic Spanish comics and point-and-click adventures. Its blend of humor, inventive puzzles, and nostalgic graphics makes for a memorable ride—especially for players who appreciate the genre’s golden age. Even newcomers can enjoy the witty writing and straightforward mechanics, though a fondness for pixel-hunt exploration will help.

The game’s pacing and variety ensure that you’re seldom stuck in one gameplay loop for too long. Just as you master one puzzle type, the next scene introduces new challenges or a mini-game that shakes things up. This careful balance of consistency and novelty keeps the experience fresh from start to finish.

Minor frustrations, such as obscure hotspot detection or occasional backtracking, are largely offset by the game’s charm and laugh-a-minute writing. Support for multiple languages—coupled with clear subtitles and UI elements—makes Safari Callejero accessible to a wide audience. Whether you’re diving in for nostalgia or discovering Mortadelo and Filemón for the first time, the game delivers a solid adventure that’s equal parts brain-teasing and belly-laugh inducing.

In the end, Mortadelo y Filemón II: Safari Callejero offers a uniquely comedic adventure that stands the test of time. Its faithful adaptation of Ibáñez’s characters, combined with well-crafted puzzles and vibrant graphics, cements its place as a must-play for genre enthusiasts and comic fans alike. If you’re looking for an entertaining, light-hearted romp through a city overrun by runaway hens, your safari awaits.

Retro Replay Score

null/10