First look: Asterix & Obelix XXL

Atari has recently released the first information on Asterix & Obelix XXL, which is currently in development for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. The game will see players assuming the titular roles of both Asterix and Obelix, whose Roman-bashing adventures first appeared in strip cartoons back in 1959, courtesy of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo.

Asterix and Obelix XXL will consist of six levels and around 50 challenges in total, with players occasionally being required to do battle with up to 70 Romans at a time. Intriguingly, players will control Asterix and Obelix simultaneously rather than switching between the two characters, although it's not clear at this time how this feature will be implemented.

"Atari innovates again with its adaptation of the Gallic heroes' universe, in which gamers will feel like they have drunk an interactive magic potion," said Atari chairman Bruno Bonnell. "Asterix & Obelix XXL is bound to be a Christmas best seller for new-generation consoles."

Asterix & Obelix is currently scheduled for release in Europe later this year. We'll bring you more information on the game as soon as it becomes available.