Review: Asterix (Arcade)
My childhood wouldn’t have been complete without the Asterix comics. I even read them as an adult and they remain classics for all ages. In 1992 the arcade world was graced with an Asterix game. Faithful to the comics, Asterix gives the gamer the option of playing as either Asterix or Obelix, or for real fun you can go for two player mode. Our two friends are sent on a series of adventures beginning in Gaul but heading to the likes of Egypt, Britain and Spain. Along the way you come up against hordes of Romans and have to beat them up in the style of the comics, including such moves as slapping them repeatedly round the face or spinning them above your head. Standard Roman soldiers will be your main quarry but you can expect encounters with centurions as well.
Though Obelix is the stronger of the two friends in the comics, there is a balance here. Power ups can be found in the form of a magic potion for Asterix and a freshly roasted boar for Obelix. Keep an eye out for Dogmatix who intermittently brings these boosts for our friends. Once powered up the Romans look very nervous and so they should as you race around the screen with increased strength and a spring in your step. If you fancy a break from the fighting you might bump into the lovely Panacea who leaves our heroes red faced with a kiss on the nose! At the end of each level you face a boss fight including a Roman shield wall and a charging bull. Between levels you can enjoy a bonus section such as chariot racing or terrorising those unlucky pirates at sea.
Asterix is one of the most memorable arcade games I can remember from my youth. Recreating the look and feel of the comics, this is a fun trip through many of the previous adventures as you defy the Roman Empire with the aid of Getafix’s magic potion and some steaming roast boar. Even today there’s no doubt that those Romans are crazy.
Verdict: 4/5
About the Author:
I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school.
In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu’s Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I’m a lover of films, games, books and blogging.
I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats – Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.
David M. Brown – who has written 874 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.
