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CRITIK

The Smurfs: Dreams

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Smurfs: Dreams
Item: The Smurfs: Dreams
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 24, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperOcellus Studio

Overview

It is a 3D platform game with puzzle elements and solo or cooperative gameplay. There are 12 levels in total and another 16 mini-levels. Players can customize their Smurfs with special magical orbs and tokens taken from bosses.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally appreciate the story of "The Smurfs: Dreams" for its engaging and whimsical narrative that immerses players into the fantastical world of the Smurfs. Movies Games and Tech commends the game for its surreal tale that adds depth to the Smurf universe, while ZTGD praises the storyline involving Gargamel poisoning the SmurfBerries with a sleeping potion, creating an intriguing premise for players to navigate dream levels. Nintenderos finds the story simple yet effective, fitting well within the Smurfs universe with magic and clever solutions, maintaining interest with unexpected elements in the dream world. This positive reception highlights the game's ability to captivate players with its charming and familiar plot. On the flip side, some critics express reservations about the depth and originality of the story in "The Smurfs: Dreams." Finger Guns considers the narrative to be a light element that merely holds the game together without standing out as a main highlight. God is a Geek notes that the storyline of rescuing the Smurfs from a curse by entering their dreams is typical for a game targeting a younger audience, suggesting a lack of complexity or innovation in the storytelling. These perspectives indicate that while the story serves its purpose in setting up the gameplay, it may lack the depth or complexity to fully engage all players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of the story in "The Smurfs: Dreams," with many appreciating its ability to immerse players in a whimsical and enchanting narrative within the Smurf universe. IGN Adria highlights the engaging premise of waking up the Smurfs before Gargamel arrives, showcasing the urgency and stakes within the story. TheSixthAxis praises the game for enabling a range of platforming environments and mechanics within the narrative, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. While some critics point out the simplicity and predictability of the storyline, the majority of opinions suggest that the story effectively sets the stage for players to embark on a magical adventure with the beloved Smurfs, making it a charming and enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise "The Smurfs: Dreams" for its engaging narrative that immerses players in the fantastical Smurf universe, with mentions of a surreal tale, intriguing premise, and charming plot. Some critics feel the story lacks depth and originality, serving mainly to support gameplay. Overall, the story receives positive feedback for its whimsical and enchanting nature, despite some reservations about complexity.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The critics generally praised the gameplay of The Smurfs: Dreams for its solid platforming mechanics and engaging level design. Movies Games and Tech appreciated the balanced gameplay that focused on platforming basics, puzzles, and unlocking special tools, offering a nice mix of casual and hardcore stages. Finger Guns highlighted the rewarding level structure with hidden paths, collectibles, and customization options, providing players with a strategic and immersive experience. GAMINGbible and God is a Geek commended the inventive and creative level designs, with unique mechanics and tight controls that added depth to the platforming experience. Additionally, Nintenderos noted the cooperative mode as enhancing the fun factor, allowing players to collaborate in overcoming challenges. On the downside, Impulsegamer expressed frustration with the boss battles, deeming them as out of place in a family-friendly platformer. TheSixthAxis mentioned that while the game offered some challenging platforming sections and innovative moments, it lacked the variety and magic spark found in Mario's adventures. Furthermore, Impulsegamer's criticism of the boss battles being frustrating and out of place aligns with the sentiment that some elements of the gameplay may not seamlessly fit into the overall experience, potentially disrupting the flow for players seeking a more cohesive and immersive platforming journey. Overall, the critics' consensus on The Smurfs: Dreams' gameplay is largely positive, with a focus on its solid platforming mechanics, engaging level design, and a mix of casual and challenging stages. While there were some criticisms regarding certain aspects like boss battles feeling out of place and a lack of variety compared to iconic platformers like Mario, the game generally succeeded in providing an enjoyable and immersive experience for players of various ages and skill levels. The blend of exploration, collectibles, and strategic mechanics contributed to a well-rounded gameplay experience that resonated positively with most critics, making it a recommended choice for fans of platforming adventures.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised The Smurfs: Dreams for its solid gameplay with engaging levels, a mix of casual and hardcore stages, inventive designs, and cooperative mode. However, some found the boss battles frustrating and felt the game lacked the magic of Mario's adventures. Overall, it offers an enjoyable and immersive platforming experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of The Smurfs: Dreams, highlighting its colorful, vibrant, and detailed environments that bring the magical world of the Smurfs to life. Critics like Finger Guns and Impulsegamer appreciated the delightful and relaxing visuals, with gorgeous environments, detailed backgrounds, and impressive lighting effects. TheSixthAxis and IGN Spain noted the top-down 3D platformer visuals reminiscent of games like Super Mario 3D World, showcasing a decent level of design and variety in environments. The game's visuals were often described as lovely, inventive, and joyous, drawing inspiration from Nintendo and Pixar, creating a visually appealing experience for players. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Smurfs: Dreams. IGN Adria mentioned that the graphics were just okay on the Nintendo Switch, with levels becoming generic and lacking coherence with the Smurfs theme. Some critics, like ZTGD, pointed out occasional issues with planning jumps due to the isometric perspective, which could affect gameplay experience. Additionally, Vandal noted that while the game features visually impressive levels overall, some dream levels may be weaker in comparison, suggesting a slight inconsistency in the visual quality throughout the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Smurfs: Dreams. The majority of reviewers found the visuals to be very good, with detailed environments, lively character animations, and impressive lighting effects enhancing the overall experience. The game successfully captures the essence of the Smurfs universe, offering a visually engaging and magical world for players to explore. Despite some minor criticisms regarding coherence in level design and occasional visual inconsistencies, the overall sentiment is that The Smurfs: Dreams delivers a visually delightful and enchanting experience that appeals to fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning visuals in The Smurfs: Dreams, praising its colorful and detailed environments that bring the magical world of the Smurfs to life. While some noted minor issues like generic levels on the Nintendo Switch and occasional gameplay challenges due to the perspective, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Overall, the game offers a visually delightful and enchanting experience that captures the essence of the Smurfs universe.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Smurfs: Dreams have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its engaging and fitting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Critics like Finger Guns and Nintendo Life appreciated the soaring orchestral score and ethereal music that added to the dreamlike atmosphere of the game. GameGrin also highlighted standout tunes in the soundtrack, particularly in Vanity's level, which added charm and humor to the gameplay. Additionally, Nintenderos mentioned dynamic musical pieces that enhanced the immersive experience in the vibrant world of the Smurfs. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the Sound Design and Music of the game. IGN Adria criticized the music for being generic and not aligning well with the Smurfs theme, while Vandal pointed out the lack of voice acting and the forgettable nature of the music, impacting the overall audio experience. IGN Spain also noted missed opportunities to incorporate iconic Smurfs tunes and the lack of DualSense compatibility, which affected the game's audio immersion. These criticisms suggest that the game's audio elements, while pleasant, may not have fully captured the essence of the Smurfs franchise for some reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Smurfs: Dreams leans towards a positive reception, with many reviewers appreciating the atmospheric and immersive qualities of the soundtrack. Worth Playing highlighted the epic tone of the music that complemented the game's levels and situations, enhancing the overall experience. However, there were valid criticisms raised by reviewers like IGN Adria and Vandal regarding the generic nature of the music and the lack of impactful sound design. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics found the audio features of the game to be enjoyable and enhancing the gameplay experience, showcasing a blend of drama, whimsy, and charm that resonated positively with players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music in The Smurfs: Dreams. Some praised the engaging soundtrack for enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere, while others criticized it for being generic and lacking alignment with the Smurfs theme. Overall, reviewers appreciated the immersive qualities of the music, but some felt it didn't fully capture the essence of the franchise.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, The Smurfs: Dreams received positive feedback from most critics. ZTGD and GAMINGbible praised the game on Xbox Series X and PS5 respectively, highlighting solid performance with no major technical issues. Impulsegamer also commended the smooth gameplay on PS5 despite budget constraints affecting cut-scenes. Additionally, GameGrin and Tech-Gaming found the PC version to be stable, well-optimized, and offering various performance options like local co-op play and scaling for different rigs. However, there were some negative aspects noted by critics regarding the technical performance on specific platforms. IGN Spain mentioned the lack of DualSense features on the PS5 version as a minor drawback, impacting the overall experience for some players. Nintendo Life pointed out a drop in picture quality in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch, which could be a concern for players who prefer playing in that mode. Worth Playing encountered a significant bug on the PC version where the player character may disappear or lose control, significantly impacting the gameplay experience and potentially frustrating players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Smurfs: Dreams generally delivers a technically solid performance across multiple platforms, with smooth gameplay, stable frame rates, and few major technical issues reported. Despite some minor drawbacks and platform-specific issues noted by individual critics, the game seems to provide an enjoyable experience for its target audience, especially children, with its stable performance, quick respawns, and accessibility features like checkpoints aplenty and local co-op play. Critics like Tech-Gaming's positive experience on the PC version, even on lower-end rigs like the Steam Deck, further emphasize the overall sentiment of a well-optimized and technically sound game across different platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

The Smurfs: Dreams impresses with solid technical performance on various gaming platforms, earning praise for smooth gameplay and stability from critics. While minor drawbacks like lack of DualSense features on PS5 and picture quality issues on Nintendo Switch were noted, the overall consensus is positive. The game offers an enjoyable experience for its target audience, with accessible features like checkpoints aplenty and local co-op play, making it a technically sound choice for players of all ages.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of The Smurfs: Dreams are varied, with some highlighting the positives of the game. Critics like Finger Guns, GAMINGbible, and Tech-Gaming commend the game for offering diverse levels, collectibles, customization options, exploration, and a satisfying challenge, all of which contribute to its replayability. Finger Guns specifically mentions that the game is a staple in family households due to its replay value, while Tech-Gaming emphasizes the encouragement for completionists to revisit levels. These aspects add depth to the gameplay experience and provide players with incentives to replay the game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's limited replay value. Movies Games and Tech notes the short length of around 10 hours, which may deter players looking for longer gameplay experiences. IGN Spain and Vandal also echo similar sentiments, mentioning that while the game offers collectibles and costumes for replay value, it falls short in providing enough content to justify multiple playthroughs. Additionally, Impulsegamer highlights occasional difficulty spikes that could impact the game's replayability, potentially frustrating players and affecting their desire to revisit certain sections. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards The Smurfs: Dreams offering decent replay value, especially for younger audiences and families. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Worth Playing appreciate the game's respect for the player's time, with structured levels and additional content post-campaign completion enhancing the replayability factor. While some critics acknowledge the game's shortcomings in terms of length and content variety, the general sentiment is that The Smurfs: Dreams manages to strike a balance between enjoyable gameplay, collectibles, and challenges that cater well to its target audience. Players who enjoy exploring levels, collecting items, and engaging in cooperative play are likely to find value in revisiting the whimsical world of The Smurfs.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of The Smurfs: Dreams. Some praise its diverse levels, collectibles, and challenges that make it enjoyable for families, while others criticize its short length and lack of content variety. Overall, the game offers decent replayability, especially for younger audiences, with structured levels and additional content enhancing the experience.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Smurfs: Dreams has garnered praise from multiple critics for various positive aspects. Movies Games and Tech commends the game for offering enjoyable gameplay, captivating story, pleasing visuals, and good audio, making it a great addition to the franchise. Finger Guns appreciates the game's attention to detail and love for the IP, labeling it as a "surprisingly fantastic platformer." Tech-Gaming highlights the solid gameplay experience, engaging platforming, creative level design, and technical stability, recommending it for fans of the franchise. TheSixthAxis and GameGrin both praise the platforming mechanics, level design, charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and a forgiving difficulty curve, offering a solid and magical experience for players seeking a fun adventure. On the flip side, some critics point out certain negatives about The Smurfs: Dreams. IGN Adria criticizes the game for falling short in terms of story, graphics, music, and thematic coherence, resulting in a mediocre experience. Impulsegamer mentions frustrating boss battles as a flaw in an otherwise enchanting game. IGN Spain notes that the game lacks depth and could have expanded more on the Smurfs franchise, suggesting a missed opportunity for a more immersive experience. Nintendo Life highlights the short length and handheld mode picture quality as drawbacks that slightly detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of The Smurfs: Dreams. While there are some criticisms regarding aspects like short length, lack of depth, and occasional flaws in gameplay, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game for its enjoyable platforming mechanics, charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and overall appeal to fans of the franchise. Critics like God is a Geek and Vandal consider it a standout title within the Smurfs license, with God is a Geek even going as far as calling it one of the best platformers of the year. The general sentiment suggests that The Smurfs: Dreams succeeds in delivering a pleasant and magical gaming experience, especially for those looking for a family-friendly and cooperative title with solid gameplay foundations.

TL;DR

The Smurfs: Dreams impresses with enjoyable gameplay, captivating story, and charming visuals, earning praise from critics for its solid platforming mechanics and magical experience. While some note drawbacks like short length and lack of depth, the majority laud it as a standout title within the Smurfs franchise and one of the best platformers of the year, perfect for fans seeking a fun and cooperative adventure.

CRITIK

Reviews

45 reviews found

GameGrin

Oct 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A magical experience with charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and a forgiving difficulty curve. Highly recommended for those seeking a fun platforming adventure.

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Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Oct 25, 2024

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A surprisingly fantastic platformer with great attention to detail and love for the IP, highly recommended for platformer fans and general video game enthusiasts.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2024

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The Smurfs: Dreams is a surprisingly sensational 3D platformer, exceeding expectations and being one of the best platformers of the year.

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Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Oct 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An enjoyable and magical experience, particularly suited for fans of the Smurfs or those looking for a cooperative and family-friendly title. While not groundbreaking, it delivers a well-executed and pleasant gaming experience.

Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

Oct 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Smurfs: Dreams is a great addition to the franchise, offering enjoyable gameplay, captivating story, pleasing visuals, and good audio. Despite the short replay value, it is recommended for fans of the franchise.

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GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer praises the game for its creativity, smooth performance, and enjoyable experience, with the only downside being its relatively short length.

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Oct 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Smurfs - Dreams is a surprisingly well-made platformer with solid gameplay, creative design, and a soothing soundtrack, marred only by its short length and handheld mode picture quality.

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Tech-Gaming

Nov 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Smurfs - Dreams delivers a solid gameplay experience with engaging platforming, creative level design, and technical stability, making it a recommended choice for fans of the franchise.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Nov 5, 2024

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The reviewer highly recommends the game for fans of the platformer genre, praising its execution and fun factor despite its relatively short length and occasional difficulty spikes.

Vandal

PlayStation 5

Oct 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for being charming, fun, and suitable for family enjoyment. It is considered the best game featuring the Smurfs license, despite not reaching the level of other platforming games released in the same period.