Plot: What’s it about?
Just in time for the theatrical release of The Smurfs 2, we have a new Smurfs video game, but is this fun or will it just leave you blue in the face? The Smurfs 2 is of course aimed at younger audiences, so don’t expect intense game mechanics or complex mechanics. This is a simple run and jump style side scroller, where you collect items, stomp on enemies, and just try to move from left to right across the screen. If you get hit by an enemy, you lose your berries, but you can collect more. A little depth comes from being able to play as several different Smurfs, each with their own special abilities. You will need to revisit levels and make use of these special skills, if you want to score all of the game’s collectibles. You start with a few Smurfs and unlock more as you progress, so replay of levels is unavoidable here. But the levels are brisk and every so often, you engage in a “learn the pattern” boss fight that allows you to progress to a new world. All the while, you’re able to collect coins that return Smurfs to your village, provided you are able to hunt down enough of them.
As I said above, this game is for younger players, so an adult will basically crush this one in an afternoon. The game is simple, but well crafted and I noticed no bugs or glitches whatsoever. The game can feel repetitive, despite changes in scenery, but being able to unlock new Smurfs eases that somewhat. For example, Vanity can freeze enemies in mid-air and use them as steps to reach higher areas, while Gutsy can smash through otherwise invincible blocks to open up new locations. There isn’t a lot of impact on the game by switching otherwise, but it is still nice to have a moderate roster of playable Smurfs here. The game is rather short, about five hours or so of play, but you’ll need multiple runs to score all the goals. This includes collectibles, challenges, and of course, those beautiful achievement points. So the developers were able to extend the play with these additions, which helps balance out an otherwise kind of brief experience. I was also glad to find this game offers up to four players at once, though it is local only and on-line team ups aren’t possible. So while The Smurfs 2 isn’t a landmark of video game bliss, it is a solid children’s title that offers parents a decent chance to tag team bad guys with their kids.
Video: How does it look?
This game has colorful, cartoon style visuals, exactly what you’d want and expect in this case. You won’t be bowled over by the graphics, but the Smurfs look as they should and level design is solid. The backgrounds are well detailed and besides the Smurfs, the assorted enemies are well designed to boot. I found the animation to be good as well, with little signature touches for each of the featured Smurfs. Again, this isn’t bleeding edge visual work, but for a children’s game, The Smurfs 2 looks quite good.
Audio: How does it sound?
As with the visuals, the sound design reflects the cartoon nature of the source. The voices are close to the ones you’d expect, while the signature Smurfs theme song is here as well. I think the sound effects matched up well also, with the right kind of cartoon, wacky presence needed. Not the kind of game to immerse you in the action via the soundscape, but The Smurfs 2 covers all the bases and that is what matters in the end.
