Bud Spencer & Terence Hill – Slaps And Beans 2, developed by Trinity Team and published by ININ Games, brings back the beloved Italian cinema duo in a pixelated beat ’em up adventure. Picking up where the first installment left off, our spaghetti western heroes embark on a new escapade in Africa, encountering familiar chaos and comedic mishaps along the way – channeling the cult films through gameplay mechanics. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
The game’s pixel art graphics pay homage to the classic era of arcade gaming, offering a visually appealing experience reminiscent of the 80s – where games like Double Dragon wowed players in the arcade and at home. The environments are very well detailed, and the camera often pans out to reveal expansive battle arenas, creating an immersive backdrop for the action with a subtle cinematic effect.
One of the standout features of Slaps And Beans 2 is the dynamic between the titular characters, Bud and Terence. Players can seamlessly switch between them, each character possessing unique abilities. This adds a layer of strategy, requiring players to utilize their strengths to overcome obstacles and adversaries. The action-puzzle elements are a welcome addition, providing engaging challenges that require both agility and strength.
The inclusion of minigames further diversifies the gameplay experience. These not only serve as entertaining interludes but also contribute to the arcade-like feel of the title. From boat races to quirky interactions with wildlife, these moments add different gameplay styles to the overall adventure and make sure the campaign never feels like it drags.
The narrative, light-hearted and straightforward, effectively captures the essence of Bud and Terence’s films. The game is replete with references and Easter eggs that will delight fans of the iconic duo, though it can also be enjoyed by those who have never seen the films. The attention to detail and dedication to preserving the spirit of the original source material is evident throughout though, and there’s a ton of fan service here.
The combat mechanics, however, still leave something to be desired, even if they’ve been improved upon from the first installment. Despite the addition of comedic actions and various team-up attacks, the combat itself can feel repetitive and lacks the depth needed to truly engage players used to some of the recent gems in this genre. The default difficulty settings may also be too forgiving, with the challenge ramping up only in the latter stages of the game.
In terms of audio, the game excels in capturing the feel of Bud and Terence’s films. The inclusion of classic tracks from the Oliver Onions adds a nostalgic touch, immersing players further in the world of the dynamic duo. This will likely not be noticed by a lot of players, but fans will certainly appreciate it.
While Slaps And Beans 2 may not revolutionize the beat ’em up genre, it successfully delivers an enjoyable and nostalgic experience for fans of Bud and Terence. The game’s strengths lie in its dedication to the source material, creative action-puzzle elements, and visually impressive pixel art. Bud Spencer & Terence Hill – Slaps And Beans 2 stands as a heartfelt tribute to the beloved duo, offering a blend of humor, action, and memorable music. While the combat may not reach its full potential, the overall experience is one that will resonate with fans of Bud and Terence’s enduring legacy.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 