Asterix & Obelix XXL 2: Mission: Las Vegum
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Video games, including Asterix & Obelix XXL 2: Mission: Las Vegum |
Asterix & Obelix XXL 2: Mission: Las Vegum is an action-adventure title from 2005, developed by Étranges Libellules and distributed by Atari for both Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 2. As the follow-up to Asterix & Obelix XXL (2003), the game places the iconic French comic book heroes Asterix and Obelix within a video game satire that parodies well-known gaming figures, echoing the cultural nods found in the original comics. The cover art notably mimics that of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004).
In November 2006, a version called Asterix & Obelix XXL 2: Mission: Wifix was launched for the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. A remastered edition followed in 2018, with the franchise continuing through Asterix & Obelix XXL 3: The Crystal Menhir in 2019.
Plot
To facilitate his conquest of Gaul, Julius Caesar constructs a theme park named Las Vegum—a spoof on Las Vegas—where he confines Gauls within a human zoo. Unexpectedly, Getafix joins forces with Caesar, capturing fellow druids to strengthen Roman troops. The protagonists Asterix and Obelix, assisted by Roman informant Sam Shieffer (a nod to Splinter Cell), embark on a mission to free them.
Las Vegum consists of six distinct areas: Lutetia, WCW, LuckSore (a take on Luxor), Little Venetia (a parody of Venice), Pirate Island, and SeizeUs Palace. Throughout their journey, players encounter Roman foes modeled after famous video game icons including Mario, Sonic, Rayman, Pac-Man, and Ryu. The mini-boss Larry Craft serves as a spoof of Lara Croft. Additionally, Caesar makes references to The Matrix, addressing Asterix as "Mr. Anderson" and battling alongside his clones.
Mission: Wifix
Asterix & Obelix XXL 2: Mission Wifix () is a port adaptation of Mission Las Vegum designed for the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS. It retains the original narrative while introducing touch screen minigames and Wi-Fi-enabled multiplayer features.
Gameplay
The PSP edition offers a 3D platform experience closely aligned with the console version, enabling players to alternate control between Asterix and Obelix. It faithfully reconstructs nearly every area from the initial release, filled with humorous takes on popular gaming franchises. Conversely, the Nintendo DS iteration is a 2D platformer incorporating touch-screen minigames woven into the storyline as well as accessible separately. Both versions include multiplayer options: the PSP supports up to four participants competing in team-based arenas, while the DS allows two players to engage in touch-screen minigames alongside two exclusive multiplayer-only mini-games.
Gamers traverse elaborately designed settings such as Little Paris, WCW, LuckSore, Little Venetia, Pirate Island, and SeizeUs Palace.
Remaster
In November 2018, a remastered version was launched for platforms including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, and macOS (available via Steam and GOG.com), as well as the Nintendo Switch. Developed by OSome Studio and published by Microids, this edition made its debut on the PlayStation 5 in December 2022. In PAL territories, it was offered in both Limited and Collector's Editions.
The game's first official physical release in North America occurred in November 2019 through Maximum Games, under the title Roman Rumble in Las Vegum: Asterix & Obelix XXL 2.