Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mortadelo y Filemón: El Sulfato Atómico delivers a playful mix of puzzle-solving and stealth mechanics, wrapped in the duo’s signature brand of slapstick humor. Players alternate control between Mortadelo and Filemón, each with unique abilities: Mortadelo’s knack for disguises and Filemón’s clumsy but effective brawn. Level designs often require quick thinking—choosing the right outfit for Mortadelo to bypass guards or using Filemón’s brute strength to move obstacles—adding depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward adventure.

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The game’s progression is mission-based, guiding you through corridors of an enemy state to infiltrate its governmental palace. Objectives range from sneaking past patrols and disarming security systems to collecting key items like Bacterio’s atomic sulphate canister. These varied tasks keep gameplay fresh, though some players may find certain puzzle segments a tad repetitive if they lean heavily on trial and error rather than logic.

Controls are intuitive, with responsive character movement and simple context-sensitive button prompts for interactions. However, during frantic escapes from giant, mutated insects (thanks to the rampaging power of the sulphate spray), the camera can occasionally struggle to keep up, leading to unexpected collisions or slip-ups. Still, the challenge of outsmarting both human guards and colossal bugs contributes to a tension that feels true to the comic’s chaotic spirit.

Graphics

The visual style of El Sulfato Atómico faithfully captures the comic book’s vibrant aesthetic. Character models are exaggerated and caricatured, from Mortadelo’s lanky frame to Filemón’s rounder silhouette, ensuring fans recognize their favorite detectives instantly. Environments—ranging from dense jungle outposts to imposing palace halls—are rich with detail, featuring ornate columns, flickering torches, and cleverly hidden shortcuts that reward exploration.

Color palettes emphasize bold primaries and sharp contrasts, reinforcing the game’s humorous tone. Cutscenes seamlessly blend 2D illustrations with in-game animation, preserving the hand-drawn charm of Francisco Ibáñez’s artwork. Minor textures, such as the peeling paint on fortress walls or the gleam of Bacterio’s laboratory instruments, demonstrate a dedication to world-building that enhances immersion without overshadowing smooth performance.

Animations are lively and often exaggerated for comedic effect: Mortadelo’s disguises morph comically at every change, and Filemón’s pratfalls generate genuine chuckles. The design of the giant insects is suitably grotesque yet cartoonish, ensuring encounters are tense but never too frightening for younger players. Frame rates remain stable across most consoles, though occasional pop-in is noticeable in outdoor levels with complex foliage.

Story

The narrative thrust of El Sulfato Atómico takes inspiration directly from the classic comic plot: Bacterio’s invention of a spray that grows insects to gargantuan proportions falls into the wrong hands—specifically those of General Bruteztrausen, a caricature of a foiled enemy leader. Mortadelo and Filemón are dispatched to retrieve the atomic sulphate before chaos reigns, setting the stage for a globe-trotting caper that’s as unpredictable as it is amusing.

Dialogue is peppered with witty one-liners and slapstick exchanges that echo the comic’s banter. Voice acting enhances character personality: Mortadelo’s high-pitched glee at absurd disguises contrasts sharply with Filemón’s exasperated grumbling. Cutscenes often break the fourth wall, with file tabs and speech bubbles appearing on-screen, reinforcing the game’s comic-book roots and offering frequent laugh-out-loud moments.

Supporting characters—including a flustered Professor Bacterio and the ominous General Bruteztrausen—are more than mere plot devices. Bacterio’s lab-bound cameo sequences offer tutorial-like guidance with a comedic twist, while Bruteztrausen’s fortress is littered with nods to his over-the-top militaristic personality. This blend of humor and story progression keeps players invested in rescuing the sulphate and restoring order.

Overall Experience

Mortadelo y Filemón: El Sulfato Atómico stands out as a faithful adaptation of Spain’s beloved comic duo, balancing engaging puzzles and stealth segments with a hearty dose of humor. Its approachable difficulty curve makes it accessible to younger audiences and fans new to the genre, while hidden collectibles and alternate mission paths provide extra challenges for completionists.

The game’s comedic timing, bolstered by expressive animations and playful sound effects, ensures no two moments feel dull. Whether you’re sneaking past guards in a bizarre jungle hideout or dashing through palace corridors to avoid oversized beetles, the experience remains delightfully unpredictable. Multiplayer co-op would have been a welcome addition, but the single-player campaign still offers generous playtime and enough secrets to warrant multiple playthroughs.

For fans of the original comics, as well as anyone seeking a lighthearted adventure with puzzle depth and cartoon flair, El Sulfato Atómico is a solid choice. It captures the spirit of Mortadelo y Filemón perfectly, delivering a game that’s as mischievous and entertaining as its source material. Prepare for laughs, clever challenges, and the occasional giant insect chase—this game is a quirky trip worth taking.

Retro Replay Score

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