The Smurfs: Dreams is a charming and light-hearted platformer that offers a fun experience for both fans of the Smurfs and newcomers. Although the reviewer wasn’t familiar with Smurf media beforehand, the game’s premise was easy to follow, relying on classic platformer mechanics rather than an intricate narrative. The game centers around the villain Gargamel, who casts a spell to put the Smurfs into a deep slumber. Players must navigate through the dreams of various Smurfs to awaken them and defeat Gargamel. Despite its simplicity, the game is enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a feel-good, fun platforming adventure.
The game’s levels are filled with fresh ideas, such as glitching landscapes that change in real-time and mini battle arenas where players face off against monster-like enemies. These imaginative elements keep the gameplay feeling dynamic and engaging, preventing it from becoming tedious, which is often a concern with platformers. While the game may not push players to their limits, it offers a delightful and inventive experience that makes it well worth playing.
The Smurfs: Dreams runs smoothly and performs flawlessly, offering a polished and enjoyable experience. However, the reviewer’s only criticism is that the game leaves them wanting more. The game features four major dream worlds and eight smaller ones, which provide enough content for a solid playthrough, but the relatively quick pace of completion makes the game feel slightly unbalanced. An additional larger world might have enhanced the experience.
Despite its brevity, the game is charming and fun, leaving players eager to jump back in after taking a break. It’s clear that The Smurfs: Dreams is a creative, joyous, and delightful platformer, with developer Ocellus Games showing great potential in the platforming genre. While not the most challenging, the game is inventive and a wonderful surprise, making it a memorable addition to the genre.
