Obelix
How to Play Obelix
Step into the world of ancient Gaul with Obelix, a fast-paced action game for the Atari 2600. You take on the role of Asterix, the small but mighty warrior who refuses to submit to Roman rule. Your mission is simple but demanding: clear the screen of invading legionaries and centurions before they overwhelm you.
The gameplay revolves around a unique partnership between you and your friend Obelix. While you control Asterix, running back and forth across the bottom of the screen, Obelix marches automatically along the top edge. He carries a massive menhir, a rough-hewn rock that serves as your primary weapon. The core challenge lies in timing your actions to work with Obelix’s steady pace.
To defeat enemies, you must first stun them by running into them. Once a Roman soldier is dazed, they are vulnerable. You then need to position yourself so that Obelix drops his menhir directly onto the stunned foe. If you time this perfectly, the rock crushes the enemy, earning you points. The scoring system uses Roman numerals, adding to the thematic feel of the game.
However, patience is a virtue here. If a stunned Roman is not hit quickly enough, they will turn red with anger and wake up. These angry Romans are dangerous and can end your game if they touch you. You must constantly manage your position to ensure no enemy recovers before Obelix’s rock falls.
As you progress through the four rounds of play, the difficulty increases. The enemies move faster, and the patterns become more chaotic. To help you survive these escalating challenges, look for magic potion pellets dropped by the druid Getafix. Catching one of these potions grants Asterix temporary superhuman speed and strength, allowing you to stun multiple enemies quickly or escape tight spots.
Navigating the battlefield requires awareness of the red footbridges that connect different areas. You must move between lanes strategically to avoid being cornered by groups of Romans. The game features a cast of characters including Julius Caesar’s forces and the creative team behind the original comics, bringing the beloved Asterix universe to life on screen.
The key to mastering Obelix is rhythm. Watch Obelix’s march and anticipate where he will drop his rock. Plan your runs around his movements rather than against them. If you find yourself struggling with the speed, focus on collecting potion pellets to gain the upper hand during critical moments.
Whether you are a fan of the Asterix comics or just enjoy classic arcade-style action, Obelix offers a charming and challenging experience. It combines simple controls with strategic depth, making it a memorable title in the Atari 2600 library. Give it a try and see if you can clear all four rounds without letting the Romans win. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.