Don't be blue, this game is acually not that bad!
The Smurfs 2 is clearly aimed at kids and it shows. The presentation is simple and to the point allowing kids of all ages to pick up the controls and have fun. Remember, this game is kids focused, is not focused on realistic graphics. You start off in Smurf Village, which serves as a central hub. You then enter portals to different areas around Smurf Village and the movie. The locales in the game are colorful, but the palate seems a bit muted. The levels also seem like rescanned clones of each other. This could have ben done intentionally to have the blue hue of the Smurfs stand out more. The Smurfs are detailed and each one has a little quirk that distinguishes them from each other. The presentation will not win any awards, but it is good enough to maintain the interest of the target audience during gameplay.
Gameplay in The Smurfs 2 is simple and challenging. Each Smurf has a special ability that is mapped to one or two of the face buttons on the controller. While some characters have personality specific powers like Vanity having the ability to freeze enemies in their place to gaze at his beauty, others do not. Brainy has the ability jump higher than other Smurfs explained by possessing the scientific knowledge to do so. The character specific powers work well but they are unbalanced. Grumpy has the ability to break blocks with a ground smash but this leaves him open to attack. Papa Smurf freezes enemies with a freeze potion forcing them to stand in place. Jumping on enemies frees them from Gargamel. Enemies vary from large frogs to stinging hornets. The enemies and bosses are challenging but easy enough to defeat eliminating frustration and open gameplay to all ages.
