Asterix & Obelix XXL 3 – The Crystal Menhir

Roman helmets fly, wild boars vanish from the forest, and a strange enchanted menhir sends Gaul’s most famous duo far beyond their stubborn little village. Set in 50 B.C., Asterix & Obelix XXL 3: The Crystal Menhir is a colorful action-adventure built around comic-book slapstick rather than weighty historical drama. When Getafix receives troubling news from the northern priestess Avina Gandir, Asterix and Obelix set out across Roman-controlled lands to uncover the menhir’s real purpose. The mood stays light and mischievous throughout, with familiar villagers, ridiculous names, and the series’ signature contempt for Rome.

Players alternate between the quick, potion-powered Asterix and the permanently super-strong Obelix, using simple brawling controls to flatten squads of legionaries and larger enemies. Levels combine linear exploration, arena encounters, environmental switches, collectible hunting, and puzzles centered on carrying and transforming the Crystal Menhir. Its stone, ice, fire, and magnetic states open paths, move objects, freeze hazards, and create useful solutions during both traversal and combat. The full campaign supports local two-player co-op, letting one player control each hero; coordination matters when puzzles ask both Gauls to handle separate switches, throw objects, or protect one another.

Rather than chasing the depth of a modern character-action game, XXL 3 succeeds through approachable pacing and a faithful cartoon presentation that resembles a playable Asterix album. The compact stages reward players who look for hidden items and optional tasks, while the elemental menhir gives its puzzles more variety than a straightforward beat-’em-up. Combat is deliberately accessible and can feel repetitive for players seeking demanding combos or complex enemy behavior, but it suits younger players and relaxed co-op sessions well. Fans of LEGO-style licensed adventures, classic arcade brawlers, or the earlier XXL games find plenty to enjoy, especially when shared with a friend on the couch.