Asterix At The Olympic Games (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Asterix games don't generally gain a release outside of continental Europe and here at DS-x2 we have a handful, which we keep meaning to review but never quite get around to. The strange thing is, like the comic books they are based on, they are actually translated into English so the problem been simply getting hold of them rather than understanding them. This latest outing has the obvious extra push of the Olympics and, like the recent Sonic and Mario pairing, the link to this worldwide sporting event will be very hard to ignore in the coming months. You can expect all manner of athletics Sims to appear on your gaming outlet shelves and although this is one of the earlier entries, is it also one of the best.

Gameplay

If you are getting used to DS titles with a huge number of options then you'll probably be a little surprised to learn that the only choice available here is what section of the competition to enter first and even then it's only those that have already been unlocked. They are split into sections like Viking, Gaulish, Egyptian and even Gothic, all of which contain around five events. Control of who enters the events is completely automatic, although even if you were to actually select the character you would use for a given event there's a very good chance that you'd select Asterix for the running and jumping events, with Obelix more useful for challenges requiring a little more brute force. All the events are based on 'real' track and field games albeit with a Gaulish twist, although I'm sure you're right with us when we say that we'd love to see Sack Racing and Boar Tossing in the modern games.

Once you've completed an Event you'll be rewarded with a wreath for your efforts whilst entering them again will be for medals. The problem here though is that everything is a little more challenging than before. To get around this you can cheat, which while very unsportsmanlike like will humiliate the Romans. This involves using the credits (which you win every time you succeed at an event) and spending them at the store. It's here you can purchase everything from Winged Shoes to Super Whips to give you that much needed edge in the games. Unfortunately, that's it really. No Wi-Fi support of any type or Multiplayer, which does seem a little shortsighted these days especially for a sports title.

Controls

If you can recall the original Track and Field then you'll be pleased to know that you're still in for some severe RSI although it's touch screen rather than pressing a series of keys in quick succession.

Graphics

From the initial fly-over of the Olympic stadium, you know you are in for something special and the 3D engine always keeps up with the on-screen action.

Sound

Given that this is a sports event, the main audio you are going to hear is the crowd roaring and the officials' whistle, and for the bulk of the game that really is all. You do get some music and while it's suitably sport themed it's not always audible over the crowd. There's no dialogue of any description, which could be good or bad depending on your opinion. I always prefer to imagine their voices in my head as a kind of Anglicized French but much more Gerard Depardieu than Inspector Clouseau.

Dual screen

As we've already mentioned, the touch-screen completely replaces any button bashing you may remember from the 1980s and each of the games is preceded with a brief 'on-screen' instruction of exactly how you should be using your stylus and/or blowing into the microphone. Some of these can be incredibly complicated (even though they appear simple) especially the likes of the triple jump. Fortunately there's the opportunity to indulge in some training before you even enter the games, which we strongly advise you to do.

Final comments

Given that the mini-game format is now the chosen direction of the majority of DS developers this event structured package is perfect. The events themselves range in quality from great fun to simple fillers but the visual engine on show is really quite impressive as is the animation. Unfortunately you are unlikely to appreciate this due to your endless rubbing and tapping of the screen. It also forces you to repeat many of the events in order to unlock the remainder of the game, which never ceases to frustrate. It's all still reasonably enjoyable although the absence of any Multiplayer option means that once you have attained gold, it really is all over.

Pro: Wonderful 3D Visuals and Animation.
Con: Some Interaction Very Tricky, No Multiplayer, Hard to See Visuals When you are Concentrating on the Controls.
Final score: 7

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