Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Asterix & Obelix: Bash Them All! delivers straightforward side‐scrolling action that captures the essence of the original SNES classic while adding a fresh layer with the Asterix & Cleopatra adventure. Players guide Asterix (and sometimes Obelix) through a series of platforming stages, each bristling with obstacles to jump over, pitfalls to avoid, and environmental hazards that require quick reflexes. Controls are intuitive: running, jumping, and bashing enemies into the air feels responsive, allowing newcomers and veteran players alike to pick up the game quickly.

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The inclusion of two distinct game modules enhances replayability. The port of the SNES Asterix & Obelix title brings back the familiar gaulish atmosphere filled with Roman legions, pirates, and cunning traps. Meanwhile, the Asterix & Cleopatra segment shifts the scenery to ancient Egypt, complete with sand dunes, crumbling temples, and pyramid construction sites. Each segment introduces its own set of platforming gimmicks—moving platforms over boiling lava, collapsing scaffolds, and even active construction machinery—that keep the experience from feeling repetitive.

Enemy variety is a strong point. From legionnaires in shining armor to pirate captains equipped with cutlasses, every foe requires a slightly different approach. Bashing enemies sends them flying, sometimes triggering chain reactions when they collide with hazards or other foes. This “bash and bounce” mechanic adds a satisfying layer of strategy, as positioning yourself to send enemies into spikes or off-screen can clear the way more efficiently than repeated button‐mashing.

Between each main level, mini‐games punctuate the action, ranging from fast‐paced scroll‐swiping challenges to reflex tests that reward precise timing. These interludes feel thematically appropriate—helping Egyptian architect Artifis measure blocks or sorting supplies for Cleopatra’s banquet—and serve both as a breather and an extra source of replay value. Though some mini‐games can be brief and easy to master, they provide a nice counterpoint to the core platforming.

Graphics

Graphically, Asterix & Obelix: Bash Them All! delivers charming 16‐bit‐style pixel art that pays homage to its SNES roots. Character sprites are robust and expressive—Asterix’s determined face and Obelix’s jiggle animation when he runs evoke the spirit of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s classic drawings. Backgrounds are layered with parallax scrolling, giving levels a sense of depth whether you’re in a Gaulish forest or amidst Cleopatra’s glittering court.

The color palette is bright and varied. Gaulish villages feature earthy browns and lush greens, while Egyptian levels burst with golden sands and turquoise highlights. Developers have done well to maintain visual clarity; enemies stand out clearly against each backdrop, and interactive objects are easily identifiable. Even on handheld screens, sprites remain crisp without excessive aliasing.

Animation frames are generous, with smooth transitions between walking, jumping, and bashing stances. When Asterix lands a powerful blow, the enemy sprite rotates or bursts into a shower of stars, adding comedic flair. Decorative touches—like birds that scatter when you dash through a bush or hieroglyphic details on temple walls—further enrich the world. Occasional slowdown in later stages can interrupt the flow, especially when many sprites populate the screen, but these moments are rare and seldom affect gameplay significantly.

Menus and HUD elements mirror the source material’s style, with scroll‐like status bars and stone‐tablet pop‐ups for level names. While minimalistic, they complement the game’s overall aesthetic without cluttering the screen. Loading times between levels are brief, ensuring that players remain immersed in the visual spectacle.

Story

The narrative framework of Bash Them All! leans heavily on its comic origins, though it prioritizes action over exposition. In the Asterix & Obelix port, the story is implied rather than narrated: Caesar’s jealous ploys send waves of Romans to capture the indomitable duo. The plot unfolds through title cards and occasional in‐game speech balloons, preserving the lighthearted humor fans expect.

In the Asterix & Cleopatra chapters, the storyline is fleshed out more fully. After an introductory cutscene in which Cleopatra wagers on the grandeur of her pyramid, players take on the role of Asterix (with Obelix cameo appearances) to help architect Artifis. Dialogue is presented in text boxes with simple illustrations, closely following key scenes from both the comic and animated film. The result is a faithful retelling that adds context to each platforming challenge.

While there are no voiceovers, the text is well‐written and peppered with signature puns and playful banter. Character personalities shine through—Obelix hides behind barrels when faced with snakes in the Egyptian desert, and Cleopatra’s regal aloofness emerges in brief interludes. These touches remind players that the game isn’t just about bashing Roman centurions, but about celebrating a beloved universe.

Rather than a deep cinematic experience, the story serves as a functional road map for level progression. Fans of the comic series will appreciate the nods to iconic moments—retrieving the magic potion, constructing the pyramid under tight deadlines, and fending off pirate raids on the Nile. Those unfamiliar with Asterix lore can still enjoy the straightforward motivations and clear objectives that guide them from one stage to the next.

Overall Experience

Asterix & Obelix: Bash Them All! strikes a satisfying balance between nostalgia and accessibility. Longtime fans of the 16‐bit era will relish the pixel‐perfect presentation and faithful adaptations, while newcomers can enjoy a polished platformer that doesn’t overstay its welcome. The dual‐game format—combining the SNES port with the Cleopatra adventure—offers generous content, spanning dozens of levels and mini‐games that clock in at several hours of playtime.

Difficulty is well‐tuned, offering casual players a manageable challenge with optional secrets to discover, while more experienced platformers can go for 100% completion by finding hidden paths and mastering mini‐game high scores. Checkpoints are generously placed, reducing frustration during longer stages and encouraging exploration rather than repeated trial‐and‐error.

Multiplayer options vary by platform but often include local co‐op, allowing a friend to join in as Obelix for combined mayhem. Shared screen antics—bouncing enemies off each other, accidentally stumbling into hazards—add unpredictable fun and casual hilarity. While there’s no online leaderboard, high‐score challenges in the mini‐games provide a simple form of competition.

Ultimately, Bash Them All! is a love letter to Asterix enthusiasts and retro platform aficionados. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it refines a classic formula with care, charm, and authenticity. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering the Gauls for the first time, you’ll find plenty of moments that make you want to holler “By Toutatis!” and march right back into the fray.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10