Astérix & Obélix Encounter Cleopatra

Returning to the world of cell phone gaming in 2009, it was now French developer and premier cell phone game company Gameloft who was tasked to make Astérix portable. Going back to a tried and true classic, the game is a platformer based on Astérix et Cléopâtre.

Similar to the other games by Gameloft like Chuck Norris: Bring On The Pain, Astérix & Obélix chez Cléopâtre is a platform game using small scripted events and simplified controls throughout an impressive 11 levels, taking you from the snowy winter of Gaul to the roasting sun in Egypt. The game follows the events of the source pretty closely, as each level usually relates to a specific scene with some expanded elements to allow for more interesting level design. The stages are filled with Romans and sometimes even have multiple routes. To get through the stages you will need to use both Astérix and Obélix to overcome some puzzles or roadblocks, playing to their different strengths. While the majority of the game is a standard 2D platformer, there are also certain levels that involve boating with down the river from an overhead perspective, and free roaming fights against enemies. The controls for the co-op parts are flashed on screen when you reach the moment where they’re is needed. The only real thing taken from the In Fusio titles is the pre-stage briefing of items which you can pick up and be rewarded a 1-up if achieved. Magic potions can also be picked up for temporary invincibility.

For a cell phone game, it’s actually pretty damn good considering how cheap and unplayable the In Fusio titles were before it. The animation is surprisingly smooth with huge detailed sprites, looking better than many of the games developed for the SNES and Genesis. The challenge is also well balanced and genuinely fun with some interesting co-op sections sprinkled in to keep the game varied. For anyone hungry for some good gaming on their cell phone, this would be an excellent choice. The Nokia 95 version is especially smooth.

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Batman: Return of the Joker (Game Boy) Astérix (SMS) Astérix and the Great Rescue Prince of Persia: Harem Adventures Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Portable) Captain America and the Avengers (Arcade) Astérix & Obélix Dick Tracy (NES) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fast Forward: Ninja Training NYC / TMNT: Power of 4  Astérix: Rescue Obélix / Astérix and the Vikings / Astérix and Cleopatra