Asterix and Obelix are back in their new game Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia. With bright, colourful environments and intricate level designs, you join the pair in their next adventure as they battle invading Romans and solve simple puzzles. With added multiplayer, Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia could serve as a great way to introduce younger generations into the franchise, while joining older fans in a blast of nostalgia.
Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia released on 27th October and is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Steam from $39.99 (£34.99).
Story – Roman Invasion
The story doesn’t have as much depth as some would like. However, if you are looking for a laid-back narrative which is easy to follow, then Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia could be the game you are looking for. There are Romans invading Hibernia, with Asterix and Obelix being among the front line of defense. During this turbulent time, the titular characters are also tasked with the return of the Golden Ram.
There are characters to meet and help as you explore.
Gameplay – Family Friendly
The gameplay is the highlight of Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia. The controls are easy to pick up, using the analogue stick to control your selected character and square to attack. The lack of ability to jump was irritating to begin with, yet I soon realized that this was at the core of puzzles. Puzzles are solved through use of levers, launch pads and the smashing of items. There is replay-ability in each level too, with the option to revisit each level through level select.
Aside from the glowing collectible helmets, almost all the objects enable you to pick them up and throw them. This is a fun way of exploring the game. Throwing objects can be used to hit enemies or reach distant levers. The most important point to note, is that if you can pick it up, it can be used as a weapon. This gave me the silly joy of being able to defeat enemies by slapping them with a fish, which did not go unappreciated.
Various puzzles throughout for you to solve to progress the story.
Multiplayer
Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia also allows the option to play in multiplayer. This is a nice addition for any older fans wishing to introduce younger family members to the series. You can see that the multiplayer aspect has been kept in mind through the world design, with both characters being required at different points. Although 4 player is available, Players 3 and 4 will find themselves playing as clones of Asterix and Obelix. I think this is a shame considering other characters appear to join your party later on.
The lack of character options is not the only downside. A few times when entering a new area, the screen would glitch and the point of view would come from the inside of Asterix. As for Obelix, perhaps due to his large form, he occasionally gets stuck in areas. Although the majority of the time these problems solved themselves, twice I had to reboot the game in order to proceed.
There are still some glitches which need ironing out.
Graphics & Audio – Light and Bright
Graphics
The world of Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia is bright and colourful. There are various environments to travel through, each being vividly coloured and enjoyable to look at. All of the objects that you can interact with have been designed in cartoonish detail and nothing looks out of place. This being said, I feel as though the developers could go even further with the 3D world. I wanted to explore more, to be able to look closer at certain objects or go inside of the festival-style tents.
Audio
The sound design is consistent to the tone of the game. An orchestral soundtrack plays throughout, adding a definite tranquility while walking alongside sparkling rivers. As expected, the music becomes more upbeat when encountering enemies. Personally, the English voice actors didn’t bring the lines to life and performances felt flat. This may not be the case for the other language audio options available, such as French.
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- When powered up, you can release an Ultimate Attack using L2.
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- Different objects in the environment can be interacted with to solve puzzles.
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- Objects can be interacted with differently depending on your character.
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- The combat is simple yet not without challenges.
Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia was reviewed on PS5, with a key provided by Microids.
