Asterix et la potion magique (1986)

Astérix et la Potion Magique (1986)

Asterix et la potion magique is considered to be the first true adventure game in the history of Asterix games. It was developed by a popular at that time French studio Coktel Vision in 1986. The game was first released on a very old ancient French console Thomson MO5, that wasn't popular outside of its home nation and which at that time got quite limited reach outside of France since it could not compete with other giants, such as Commodore 64 and Spectrum that were dominating the European market. The game eventually was released also on Amstrad CPC console on the same year and the only difference that these two games had were colorful graphics and no other changes in the gameplay. This is a pretty bizarre release since this game also included in its box 1x board game/1x mini puzzle/1x 3 page comic called "In 50 BC."

Asterix et la potion magique is a side-scrolling platformer with very janky controls and a very slow gameplay. You control Asterix and switch from screen to screen in search of ingredients for the magic potion and try to overcome obstacles ahead with the help of Obelix and Cacofonix and reach the end of the game by giving all of the collected ingredients to Getafix who is waiting for you in the Roman camp.

### Story

The game is partially based on the central plot point of *Astérix The Gaul* comic book. Here Getafix gets captured by Romans and is being ordered to reveal the recipe of magic potion and prepare it. He gives Romans a fake list of ingredients and sends them to get those rare items. After Romans return with the ingredients, the druid cooks the potion and gives it to the Romans. After consuming the potion Romans' hair growth tremendously gets faster just like their realisation that they were tricked by Gauls again.

### Thomson MO5 Gameplay Deconstruction

You control Asterix with arrow keys and can move left/right, jump and attack with space bar. You can switch between Asterix/Obelix/Cacofonix with the keyboard. **A** stands for Asterix, **B** stands for Cacofonix and **O** stands for Obelix. Obelix can be activated at any time but Cacofonix needs his Lyre in order to summon him. You will use these characters during the game in order to proceed further and beat it. There are no given directions where to go, you spawn in the Gallic Forest and all you need to do is explore surroundings and figure out which ingredients to collect first. Further down is the game interface breakdown.

Interface elements
* There are stats for Asterix and Obelix at the bottom part of the screen which are very important. Asterix stats has **Yellow Helmets** which represent the game timer and his "health". The helmets slowly drain during time. To keep this stat full of helmets you need to fight Romans on the map in order to win some time for yourself to finish the game.
* **Magic Potions** are an important stat for Asterix since they give him the ability to get into fights with Romans. Thankfully this stat doesn't run out like the helmet timer but it runs out whenever you get into a fight with a Roman. Game map in general has 6 magic potions so you don't have to worry about running out of this stat anytime soon.
* Next to the Asterix stats there are Obelix Stats. The **Boar Heads** are like the Yellow Helmets timer for Asterix and can run out with time. To keep this stat active you need to fight some boars on the map to obtain a boar head and use Obelix for longer period of time. (To switch to Obelix press **O** button)(To switch back to Asterix press **A** button)
* On the upper left corner we have a shelf with 5 slots for Asterix. This shelf is a place where you will collect your **5 Key Elements** that you will need to give to the druid to finish the game. These Key Elements are scattered around the map. Some of them are easy to obtain and some of them require an **Interactable Object's** help to be obtained.
* Right next to the Key Element shelf we have **Interactable Object** slot. Here you will see current item you are carrying.
* Next to the Interactable Object slot you have a **Character Shelf**. Here you can see Cacofonix and Obelix. Despite the fact that 98% of the time you play as Asterix you still need help from these two. Cacofonix will help you bypass an enemy by playing on his lyre that you can find on the map and Obelix will help you destroy some doors to proceed further when he has Idefix in the slot of Interactable Objects. You can pay attention to Obelix when you move from sector to sector, if he opens his eyes then it means there is a door around he can destroy, so keep your eye on him.

**Character Introduction.** Here is the cast of characters that are worth mentioning. Asterix needs to collect potions to be able to fight, Obelix needs boars otherwise he will fall asleep and won't be able to help you break through doors, Cacofonix needs to play his Lyre to scare away the bearded enemy.

Character Introduction
### Game Map for Thomson MO5

Here is a full game map created exclusively for this game by community. As you can see it's pretty small and compact. Just what you need for 10 minute gameplay from start to end. Enlarge the image for full size.

Exclusive community made map for Thomson MO5 release
### Key items

Let's begin the breakdown from the most important part, the Key Elements. 5 of these Key Elements are scattered around the game map which you need to find and bring to Getafix to win the game.

**Strawberry/Olive Branch/Log/Beer Mug/Cauldron**

Some are just laying there and all you need is to pick it up and some others need an Interactable Object in order to get access to them.

* For Strawberry you will need a Shield so the arrow doesn't kill you on the way to it.
* You will need Golden Sickle interactable object from the hut to cut down Olive Branch.
* Log is just laying there and all you need to do is fight the Roman and take it.
* Beer Mug is secured in a hut and will need Obelix's assistance to get into it.
* Cauldron is also secured in a hut and you will need Cacofonix's Lyre in order to clear your way to it.

5 Key Elements for beating the game
### Interactable Objects

Interactable Objects are the items that help you stay alive and beat the game. They are all scattered around the map and are easy to be obtained. You can't carry more then one interactable object and only can replace one object with another. There are 5 interactable objects on the map overall.

**Idefix/Shield/Lyre/Sickle/Laurel**

* Idefix is an important item for scaring away the druids that block your way into the hut.
* Shield is necessary to bypass certain parts of the game and not die. Can be used to obtain Strawberry and also to get to the druid.
* Lyre is used once in the game by Cacofonix. You will need to scare an enemy that stands on your way.
* Sickle is needed to cut the Olive Branch, therefore you need to choose carefully which object you are replacing it with.
* Laurel doesn't really do anything other then playing a role of a slot where you can put a necessary item close to you to save time and make backtracking less frustrating.

Interactable Objects
### Guide

For a more comfortable exploration of the map some additions have been made, such as markers showing the object positions and possible routes for quickest way possible to complete the game. The guide below shows one of the possible ways of beating the game. Just follow the numbers chronologically and don't get confused by extra numbers on some objects, this game has some backtracking so you will need to interact with same objects twice at least throughout the game. Enlarge the map for comfortable use.

Exclusive community made map marked information
* 1) First things first you need to take a Shield(1) and pick up a Strawberry(1)(Key Element) with it, because if you don't you will die from arrow.
* 2) Return back to the number 2 interactable object and replace your Shield(2) with the Laurel(2), after which you will have to replace it with Idefix.
* 3) After taking Idefix you will have to get to the Lyre(3) interactable object and replace Idefix with it in order to defeat one of the enemies blocking your way into the hut. (Also don't forget to collect the Log(Key Element) after defeating the Roman that is guarding it on your way)
* 4) With the **Lyre(3)(Key Element)** in your hand go to the number 3 marker, stand under the tree and press **B** to summon Cacofonix and scare away the enemy from the way.
* 5) Proceed further to the hut and by reaching near the door press **O** to summon Obelix and then press **Space** to break the door. (Don't forget to press **A** in order to switch back to Asterix and not waste the boar meter for no reason)
* 6) Enter the hut and take the **Magic Cauldron(4)(Key Element)**
* 7) After taking the cauldron, return back and replace Lyre(5)(Key Element) with Idefix.
* 8) Proceed to the marker 5 and fight the Roman blocking your way into the hut. (After fighting switch to Obelix and break the hut door and enter)
* 9) Take the **Beer Mug(6)(Key Element)** and proceed further into the hut.
* 10) Jump on stone stairs and then jump on the upper platform and proceed further in order to obtain the **Golden Sickle(7)(Key Element)**
* 11) Take the Golden Sickle with you and return all the way back to the Spawn point and get the Branch(7)(Key Element) by using a Sickle on it. (Don't forget to fight the Roman on the way)
* 12) After taking the final key element proceed to the number 8 interactable object and replace Golden Sickle with the Shield that we left there before. Then switch to Obelix and break the door.
* 13) Proceed further and further till you reach Getafix. (Congratulations! You have beaten the game!)

### Amstrad CPC Gameplay Deconstruction

Everything pretty much remained the same on Amstrad CPC release. Items/Key Elements/Interactable Objects/Enemies map layout. Everything is on it's usual place. The major difference from Thomson MO5 are the graphics that are more appealing to the eye and sadly thats where it ends. Despite such changes Amstrad CPC release is worse then Thomson MO5 release.

The controls are much more janky and that all is combined to the fact that Asterix is now doing everything slower. Jumping/moving/fighting. The controls respond with delay and it can result to some fatal mistakes. Fights with romans now drain the potion even more, but despite all that you can actually avoid a fight by jumping over the enemy. Below will be displayed only few images to show the graphical differences, so you can feel free to pass Amstrad CPC release the same way as we did in Thomson MO5 guide.

Lets take a look at the interface and see what has been changed. Most notable thing that we can recognise is that Asterix stat has been divided by two and now we have **Helmet Stat Timer** separated from **Magic Potion** stat. This change feels more comfortable and you have things on spot. The biggest minus of the interface change would be the **Character Shelf** and how oversimplified Cacofonix and Obelix now look like. If in Thomson MO5 release you could look after when Obelix open's his eye's which meant that there is a door nearby to break, then here you cant track that happen. To a player that never played for example Thomson MO5 release and got familiar with the game through Amstrad CPC release it must have been tough to figure out some things, since game doesnt really tell you anything. The rest of the interface remained unchanged.

Interface Breakdown
**Character Introduction.** Lets now check how the charcters changed in this new version. Certainly we can call it an improvement. Characters became more recognisable and colorful. They blend pretty well with environment.

Asterix et la potion magique Amstrad CPC characters

### Game Map for Amstrad CPC

Another community made game map is presented below and as you can see Amstrad CPC release map became smaller then it was in Thomson MO5 release version. Developers squashed the map and slowed down Asterix, making the gameplay more slow paced and painful for the player.

Exclusive community made map for Amstrad CPC release
### Key items

Key Elements didn't change much, except they became more detailed and more recognisable. Other then that noting much to say about it. They work the same way as in Thomson MO5 version. Collect them and bring them to Getafix to win the game.

Amstrad CPC Version Key Elements

### Interactable Objects

Same applies to the Interactable Objects. They became more detailed even though Laurel looks like a red bush and Shield looks a bit off.
Nothing much to say about them.

Amstrad CPC Version Interactable Objects
### Guide

Here is the same Amstrad CPC release map but marked. Since both games and their gameplay is perfectly identical you can feel free and use Thomson MO5 Guide to pass this game.

Exclusive community made map for Amstrad CPC release marked
### Conclusion

Comparing both releases of the game the award takes Thomson MO5 release. It is recommended to start with this version first if you want to get familiar with the game. Thomson MO5 release is overall easier to play and you can get more joy from it. Amstrad CPC release despite the fact of having graphical enhancements gives awful experience after Thomson MO5 release. It is very slow paced and less forgiving.

### Box Art

Thomson MO5 box cover art frontThomson MO5 box cover art backThomson MO5 cassette cover art
Astérix et la Potion Magique Thomson MO5 Cassette side AAstérix et la Potion Magique Thomson MO5 Cassette side B
Astérix et la Potion Magique Amstrad CPC Cassette
### Extras

The game came with some extra goodies as a gift such as a 3 page comic named "In 50 B.C." which was part of Asterix and the Class Act comic book, Asterix et la potion magique board game, and a set of 4 minipuzzles.

The most exciting discovery for every fan not only of the games but also the comics is this 3 page comic. These 3 pages were a part of a comic book **Asterix and the Class Act** .Since the game was released in France only the comic is on French as well. English version also exists and you can find the full comic here which includes these 3 pages ===> Asterix and the Class Act comic. (Scroll to pages 16-18)

"In 50 B.C." was an introduction to the stories of Asterix for USA audience. The comic itself was published in 1977 issue of National Geographic Magazine for an article on the history of Celtic people. Appeared in the original "La Rentree Gauloise" and "Astérix mini-histoires"

**"In 50 B.C" exclusive 3 page comic**

In 50 B.C. Page 1In 50 B.C. Page 2In 50 B.C. Page 3
**Asterix et la potion magique board game**

Board game box frontBoard game box backBoard game mapBoard game villager figuresBoard game roman figuresBoard game overall look
**Set of 4 minipuzzles**

Minipuzzle box front coverMinipuzzle box back coverMinipuzzle completed
## Trivia

* Game is inspired by the 1st comic book Asterix le gaulois by Goscinny and Uderzo, published in 1961.
* You can jump over the yellow druid in Amstrad CPC game version without bringing Idefix with you. Be careful when you use this trick.
* It is possible to not get into a fight with roman in Amstrad CPC version by just jumping over him or getting closer to him so he moves forwards and gives you a room for a jump.
* Shield protects from arrows, and Golden Sickle helps to cut Olive Branch.
* Find a Lyre, then find a lonely druid and play some music for him with the help of Cacofonix.

**Footnotes**

* LostMediaWiki
* BoardGameGeek
* Asterix et la potion magique moby games ThomsonTO
* Asterix et la potion magique moby games
* VideoGameGeek
* CPCPower.com
* Genesis8Bit.com
* HardcoreGaming.com
* dcmoto.com