Fans of the show can now control their favorite small blue guys on PlayStation, thanks to the identically named game. Like Pandemonium, Tarzan and several other titles, The Smurfs combines traditional side-scrolling action with a polygonal world. Although veteran gamers will likely find The Smurfs too simple, young children who enjoy the show will probably like the game as well.
The evil sorcerer Gargamel once again decides to imprison the Smurfs, including Baby Smurf. The player controls Hefty who must free the captive Smurfs and ultimately defeat Gargamel. In order to do so, Hefty travels through various levels filled with classic 2D -style traps and enemies. Gamers familiar with platformers from the 16 and 8-bit eras will probably know what to do immediately, without ever reading the manual. Hefty jumps on enemies' heads to destroy them, collects 100 of a given item for a free life, and must avoid lava beds, bottomless pits, etc.
Players can select two challenge levels of play, though the easier mode really isn't a game at all. Instead, it comes across as more of a training mode. Hefty explores a few different levels with some obstacles to dodge and items to gather, but he cannot die. Instead, the actual adventure depends on the harder mode. Although players must memorize the levels' layouts in order to complete them, the stages do become relatively easy after doing so. Considering the game's target audience of young children, buyers could in fact view the somewhat light challenge level as a positive factor. Experienced gamers, however, might wish for a little more substance. Hefty also gathers various items, some of which allow him to enter bonus levels. While gamers can finish individual stages with relative ease, uncovering every hidden object does require a bit more patience. Indeed, the game encourages the player to re-explore older levels and discover all the power-ups, and thus extends its replay value, if only slightly.
The controls generally respond well, though collision detection feels a bit sloppy at times. As Hefty cannot really perform many actions beyond a few types of jumps, one spin move and occasionally throw Jokey's exploding presents, players will master the control scheme quickly.
The Smurfs' graphics may not appear as impressive as those of other recent games, but the colorful, bright levels do match the general atmosphere of the cartoon. However, the level designs feel largely generic, and in fact could belong to almost any fantasy side-scroller. The music too sounds upbeat and happy, and the game also offers a choice of three languages. Interestingly, while the menu represents the English language with an American flag icon, the Smurfs speak with a seemingly British accent.
The Smurfs will entertain young gamers who enjoy the show and desire a simple, easy-to-learn game the most. Most other players will probably finish the game quickly and not find any terribly compelling reason to return. Gamers who wish for a 2D side-scroller with more unique gameplay might look into Silhouette Mirage instead. Overall, The Smurfs isn't too bad for its intended audience, though its appeal to gamers in general is relatively limited.
-- Rachel Lewis
