A small Gaul with a big moustache and an even bigger fist — Asterix is one of Europe's most famous comic-book heroes, and his adventures naturally spilled over into the world of video games too. The SEGA Master System version is a classic eight-bit platforming trip into the world of Gaulish villagers, Roman legionaries and magic potion.
The gameplay rests on the tried-and-tested pillars of the genre: you run, jump, pummel enemies and collect items across colourful levels inspired by the source material. As a fan of the comics you'll recognise familiar motifs and settings, from the Gaulish village to the Roman camps, and the game draws on the visual identity Asterix has carried for decades.
Licensed platformers based on comics and cartoons were a genre unto themselves in the eight- and sixteen-bit era — some were slapdash, others surprisingly solid. Asterix on the Master System belongs among the more carefully crafted pieces, with reasonably legible graphics and a characterful take on the original.
For players who grew up on European comics, such an adaptation held a special charm: seeing your favourite heroes in motion, controlling them and guiding them through your own levels felt like a small miracle back then. Even today the game works as a pleasant nostalgic stop.
The difficulty and length match the conventions of the time — expect a fair challenge and a design that assumes you'll learn from repeated attempts. It's a typical product of its era, but with the charm the comic licence lends it.
Why play it: A likeable eight-bit platformer for fans of the Gaulish hero and lovers of classic licensed games.
Game 19 of 67 for SEGA Master System
