Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! is a 2D horizontal scrolling beat 'em up action game developed for the Nintendo Switch. Players control the iconic Gaulish heroes as they battle Roman forces and other foes in hand-drawn stages drawn straight from the spirit of the classic comics. The game emphasizes straightforward combat, local cooperative play, and a light-hearted tone centered on slapping enemies across varied environments.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around side-scrolling progression through linear stages filled with groups of enemies. Asterix and Obelix each bring distinct move sets that include basic slaps and punches, jumps with aerial attacks, grabs for throws or swings, charge attacks, blocks, and special moves that consume an energy meter. Players can switch between the two characters in single-player sessions or assign one to each participant in local co-op. Combat focuses on crowd control, with attacks hitting multiple targets in range, and energy management adds a layer of strategy during longer encounters. Difficulty options range from Easy to Hardest, allowing adjustment of challenge without altering the fundamental mechanics. Stages feature short segments that encourage repeated attempts, as failure sends players back to the start of the current level rather than using a lives system.
Visuals stay faithful to the source material with detailed, colorful hand-drawn artwork and animations that capture the comic style. Environments span multiple acts inspired by familiar Gaulish adventures, incorporating elements like wild boars and assorted adversaries alongside the primary Roman opposition. Mini-games appear periodically to break up the action and provide variety during the main journey.
Game Modes
Adventure mode serves as the primary single-player or local co-op experience. It structures the campaign into acts and chapters, with most drawing from established Asterix & Obelix albums and one chapter created exclusively for this title. Progress involves clearing successive stages while managing character switches and energy usage. Upon completion, Freeplay mode unlocks, granting access to individual levels for score improvement and repeated play without story constraints.
Local co-op supports up to two players on a single Nintendo Switch system in either TV, tabletop, or handheld configurations. No online multiplayer features are present. The mode selection occurs at the start of a new file, with difficulty chosen before beginning.
Story and Presentation
The narrative opens with the familiar setup of Gaul under Roman occupation in 50 B.C., highlighting the one indomitable village that resists. Asterix and Obelix embark on a global trek to confront the empire, encountering obstacles that tie into comic lore while advancing through an original chapter. Animated sequences and comic-accurate character designs reinforce the connection to the source material. The overall presentation prioritizes charm and accessibility over complex systems, resulting in a focused experience suited to shorter play sessions.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title suits players seeking a nostalgic beat 'em up with strong ties to the Asterix comics and an emphasis on local co-op fun. Its hand-drawn art and straightforward combat deliver satisfying sessions for fans of the series or classic arcade-style action. The campaign provides several hours of content across dozens of short levels, with Freeplay extending replay value through score chasing. Reception highlights the visuals and cooperative appeal while noting repetition in enemy patterns and stage design as common drawbacks. Those who enjoy light combat loops and comic-inspired adventures on the Nintendo Switch will find the most value here, particularly in two-player setups. Availability remains straightforward as a digital or physical purchase on the platform.
