The test for November has just concluded, and there was one final game from Microids’ catalog to review: Astérix & Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2, the sequel to the pleasantly surprising release in 2021, developed by Mr Nutz Studio. Available since November 30, 2023, this second episode was intended to refine the formula, address previous issues, and offer more surprises, but unfortunately, Microids’ pattern of underwhelming releases from 2023 continues. This Astérix & Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2 fails to meet our expectations, as well as those set by its predecessor, and it is clear that this sequel does not stand on its own merits but rather appears more like a poorly disguised DLC.
Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V
Certainly, let’s start with the positive aspects. Visually, the graphics remain as beautiful and pleasing to the eye as before. Character sprites are large, environments continue to be detailed, and there are still plenty of Romans or enemies to eliminate in clusters. We stay within familiar territory, but the pleasure of encountering this design and Philippe Dessoly’s art style remains intact. The story, however, is quite basic, if not anecdotal. It revolves around Goudurix’s arrival in the Gaulish village, which prompts Asterix, Obelix, and Idéfix to travel to Rome to confront Caesar. Goudurix is suspected of involvement in the theft of the Lutèce Aquila, orchestrated by his father Océanonix. This serves as a good excuse to take us to new lands and promises a journey through several different countries. From this perspective, Astérix & Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2 does not disappoint and takes players to uncharted places. Special mention goes to Lutèce, bustling with people, which primarily highlights the main issues of this sequel. Evidently due to a lack of time, Mr Nutz Studio overuses copy-pasting in this sequel. Some landscapes, like those in Lutèce, are composed of around six character sprites placed in different situations. With arms on hips, holding baskets, from the back, talking or shouting, there is some variety in animations, but they are literally the same characters. The crowd aspect might fool some at first glance, but upon closer inspection for a few seconds, the deception becomes apparent. Worse, some enemies encountered throughout the adventure have been reused as inactive background characters. If only these were new, we could overlook it, but once again, Mr Nutz Studio has merely reused assets from the first game to an excessive degree in this sequel.
Newcomers First
During the approximately 3-4 hours required to complete the adventure, players will encounter only three entirely new enemies for the first time after about 3/4 of the game, as these are new Vikings. We previously noted that there was only one type of Viking enemy in the first episode; it appears that the developers have addressed this feedback. This is commendable and we thank them if true, but in reality, among the three “new” Viking enemies, only one has been newly designed, with the others being the same character with different facial features. Their animations and behavior patterns are identical to each other. In Astérix & Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2, there is a lack of coherence in enemy encounters. The first episode featured enemies that were well-adapted to their respective environments—Romans in forests or Rome, pirates on pirate ships, gladiators in the Colosseum, and Vikings in northern territories, etc. In this sequel, however, enemy types are mixed indiscriminately; Romans, pirates, Vikings, and even gladiators can be encountered without any logical reason. It seems the developers have abandoned a structured approach to enemy placement as long as players can engage them. Consequently, the sense of revisiting the same game from two years ago becomes increasingly evident.
When analyzing the gameplay, it is clear that there has been no evolution. Other reviewers criticized the lack of options in terms of combos, which is accurate; however, the game compensates with its system of significant waves of enemies to eliminate. Managing such large flows without getting overwhelmed was quite enjoyable. It remains fun to defeat Romans like bowling pins, but when discussing a sequel, one expects new features. Unfortunately, Astérix & Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2 does not offer any new elements.
November has just ended, marking the final game from Microids’ catalog for testing this year: Astérix & Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2, which is the sequel to the well-received release in 2021 developed by Mr Nutz Studio. Available since November 30, 2023, this second episode was expected to refine the formula, address previous shortcomings, and surpass the initial installment, but unfortunately, Microids’ trend of underwhelming releases continues. Astérix & Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2 does not meet our expectations or those set by its predecessor, and it is clear from the outset that this is more a disguised DLC than a proper sequel—though the disguise is notably ineffective.
