Slaps and Beans 2 PS5 Review

Retro-inspired games are very popular and people do like the pixel art style from that era. Back in 2018 a game was released called Bud Spencer & Terence Hill Slaps and Beans which was based on the movies that two Italian actors made whose real names are Carlo Pedersoli and Mario Girotti, famous for their spaghetti westerns. The game was not great, but fans loved it as a great tribute to the pair that made millions laugh all over the world. Now five years on the developers have developed a sequel, which has more varied gameplay to it.

Bud Spencer & Terence Hill Slaps and Beans 2 picks up where the 2018 title left off. The game starts with the pair alone in the middle of the sea on a lifeboat after a plane crash. The aim of the game is to get back home alive and also to get paid for the latest movie that they made. The duo soon finds land and quickly work on getting a method of travel back to their home. The game is in the side scrolling beat’em up vein of Streets of Rage .

The story in Slaps and Beans 2 is straightforward and serves as a perfect backdrop for the beat-em-up action. It’s designed to mimic the plotlines of Bud Spencer and Terence Hill movies, which were often simple yet endearing. The dialogue is witty, and the banter between the two protagonists is delightful, capturing the essence of their on-screen personas. The game even features voice acting by Terence Hill himself, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.

One of the standout features of Slaps and Beans 2 is its diverse gameplay elements. While the core of the game revolves around hand-to-hand combat, there are also various mini-games and puzzles sprinkled throughout. These mini-games break up the action nicely and offer a refreshing change of pace. From horseback riding to car chases and even dance-offs, these segments keep the gameplay engaging and ensure that players never get bored.

The inclusion of a co-op mode is a welcome addition that enhances the overall experience. Playing with a friend as Bud or Terence and working together to take down hordes of enemies brings a new layer of fun to the game. The cooperative gameplay is seamless and adds to the nostalgic feeling of watching these two characters team up on the big screen.

The art direction in Slaps and Beans 2 is a testament to the developers’ dedication to recreating the aesthetics of the ’80s and ’90s. The pixel art graphics ooze nostalgia, with every character and environment dripping with authenticity. While some might argue that the game could have benefitted from a more contemporary look, the retro art style is a deliberate choice and adds to the game’s charm. The attention to detail is remarkable, and the environments are filled with Easter eggs and references that will have players reminiscing about their favourite classic movies.

Slaps and Beans 2 offers a fair share of challenges, secret collectibles, and unlockable content, providing replayability for completionists. This adds depth to the game, as players can revisit levels to discover hidden treasures or improve their high scores. The game encourages exploration, and the rewards for doing so are satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Slaps and Beans 2 successfully captures the essence of the ’80s and ’90s era and pays homage to Bud Spencer and Terence Hill’s cinematic legacy. The combination of authentic retro aesthetics, entertaining beat-em-up gameplay, and humorous storytelling makes it a must-play for fans of the genre and those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane. While some might find the graphics a bit dated, they are an intentional part of the game’s charm. Slaps and Beans 2 is a delightful sequel that manages to balance nostalgia with modern gameplay, delivering a slap-happy, bean-filled adventure that’s well worth the price of admission.