The Smurfs – Dreams delivers a new platforming adventure set in the imaginative world of the iconic blue characters. Developed by Ocellus Studio and published by Microids, the game sets players on a quest to awaken their fellow Smurfs, who have fallen under a curse cast by (who else?) Gargamel. While the premise may seem simple, the dreamlike setting adds a charming layer of unpredictability to the experience.
The narrative, though straightforward, effectively taps into the classic Smurfs theme with its blend of lighthearted adventure and the ever-present threat of Gargamel. The dreamworld environments provide a fresh and imaginative twist on the standard platforming formula though, as each Smurf’s dreamworld is uniquely designed. This results in different challenges, puzzles, and boss fights that keep things interesting. The game’s structure, while relatively simple, is still engaging enough to maintain the attention of both young players and longtime fans of the franchise. However, for those seeking deeper storytelling or complexity, the game’s plot (much like most of the source material, in all fairness) may feel a bit thin.
When it comes to gameplay, The Smurfs – Dreams offers a fairly standard 3D platforming experience with some puzzle elements and boss encounters. Players will jump, dash, and solve environmental puzzles across various dreamscapes, using different tools and abilities to navigate challenges. While the controls are generally responsive, there are moments where the platforming mechanics feel imprecise, especially during more intricate jumps and fast-paced sequences. This can lead to some frustration, particularly for younger or less experienced players who might assume this is more kid-friendly – but luckily there’s multiplayer!
The cooperative aspect of the game is one of its highlights, allowing players to team up with a friend for local two-player action. This feature adds to the game’s replayability and makes it a fun option for families or younger gamers looking to share the adventure with their older siblings. However, the two-player mode is limited to local play, which might be a downside for those hoping for online multiplayer options. We think it’s a great option for some family-friendly gaming though, and recommend checking out the mode.
Visually, The Smurfs – Dreams expertly captures the charm of the Smurfs’ world. The colorful, cartoonish environments are full of life and detail, bringing the dreamworlds to life in a way that feels true to the source material despite the original environments you’ll navigate. The visual variety between different dreams ensures that the game never feels monotonous, though some environments are more engaging than others. The audio design complements the visuals with playful music and sound effects, but the repetitive nature of certain tracks may start to wear thin over longer play sessions.
Overall, The Smurfs – Dreams succeeds in delivering a fun, family-friendly platforming adventure that Smurfs fans will appreciate. Its colorful visuals and cooperative gameplay make it a great choice for younger players as well, though the lack of depth in both the story and mechanics may leave older audiences wanting more. With some minor polish needed on the controls and level design, it’s a solid, if not groundbreaking, addition to the Smurfs’ gaming catalog.
Score: 7.4/10
Press Play Media 