The Smurfs: Dreams
- November 7, 2024
- Ocellus Studio
The Smurfs — Dreams was a downright magical experience; although I did encounter a few things I wish had been different, they are instantly forgotten thanks to everything I loved about the game.
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"The Smurfs: Dreams" is a 3D platformer game where players go on a dreamlike quest to save the Smurfs from Gargamel's evil curse. Explore the unique and vibrant worlds within the Smurfs' dreams, either solo or in a 2-player experience, and prevent Gargamel's plans from succeeding. Each dream offers exciting challenges and puzzles in a magical and imaginative setting.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Charming visuals and vibrant art style create an enchanting game world that feels alive and engaging.
- Intuitive controls and smooth gameplay mechanics make it accessible for players of all ages, providing a fun experience whether playing solo or in co-op.
- Creative level design with diverse challenges and clever mechanics keeps the gameplay fresh and enjoyable, reminiscent of classic platformers like Super Mario 3D World.
- Some players may find the game too easy, lacking challenge, especially for seasoned platformer fans.
- Repetitive gameplay elements and a lack of thematic depth in some side levels can lead to a feeling of sameness throughout the game.
- The absence of voice-acted cutscenes and limited replayability after completing the game may detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay25 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by smooth controls and engaging mechanics that blend familiar platforming elements with unique smurf-themed twists, offering a delightful sense of discovery through creative level design and clever challenges. While it may not reinvent the 3D platformer genre, it provides a polished experience with intuitive controls that cater to players of all ages. However, some players noted that the gameplay can feel repetitive at times due to similarities across levels.
“The gameplay controls are smooth in both solo and co-op modes, making it fun to play alone or with friends.”
“It’s one of those games where just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’re taken by surprise by a brand new challenge or mechanic.”
“The hidden platforms and secret paths keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, offering a delightful sense of discovery without overwhelming you.”
“Because with some of the mechanics, it feels like they only started to cook.”
“Repetitive gameplay at times, because most levels are very similar to one another.”
“The gameplay bears a striking resemblance to the beloved Super Mario games, particularly Super Mario 3D World.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are widely praised for their vibrant, cutesy art style and stunning visuals, reminiscent of classic platformers like Mario 3D World. Players appreciate the enchanting designs and immersive environments, enhanced by a beautiful soundtrack that complements the overall aesthetic. The combination of excellent graphics and smooth performance contributes to a delightful and engaging gaming experience.
“The stunning graphics and beautiful BGM and SFX enhance the relaxing and immersive experience, inviting you to sit back and enjoy the whimsical dream world.”
“It's a graphically beautiful game and what further helps is its amazing art direction.”
“With its 3D world, cutesy, highly saturated art style, and platform gameplay, it's easy to see inspiration from games like Mario 3D World.”
“Aesthetically, the game is a visual delight that feels like a master painter has applied a final glaze to its painting, giving every scene a distinct, enchanting shine.”
“Charming visuals: vibrant colors and whimsical designs create an enchanting game world that feels alive.”
- music12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its orchestral soundtrack that complements the vibrant visuals and enhances the overall experience. Reviewers note that the catchy and melodic tunes are both soothing and unobtrusive, adapting well to different scenes and situations, which adds to the game's dreamlike quality. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere.
“The soundtrack complements these visuals perfectly, with tunes that are catchy yet unobtrusive.”
“The music even becomes more grandiose to reflect this change–a small touch that I really appreciated.”
“In most games, and movies specifically, music can set the tone of the scene as it adapts to different areas and situations, enhancing the dreamlike quality.”
“The music and gameplay combined are soothing.”
“Little to no music.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The reviews reflect a mixed reception regarding the game's story; while some players find it epic, others criticize the lack of a substantial narrative, likening it to a gameplay experience devoid of depth, similar to "Temple Run." Additionally, there is a sentiment that the game could benefit from more expansive 3D worlds to enhance the storytelling experience.
“They would fit this story so well.”
“Epic story.”
“Like playing Temple Run for the story.”
“This game has no story.”
“It's like playing Temple Run for the story.”
“Nice graphics and new controls, but I miss the big 3D worlds from Mission Vileaf and The Prisoner of the Green Stone.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the variety of stages that encourage repeated play, others feel that once achievements are completed, the incentive to return diminishes significantly. Overall, it offers a balance of replayable content but may not sustain long-term interest for all players.
“Infinitely replayable.”
“Not really replayable after you get the achievements; not unless you want to wait for a year or two and come back to it. At the end of the day, it's a platformer, and you can get your platformer fix elsewhere.”
“Despite its gentle difficulty, the variety and replayability of the stages keep you coming back for more.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game exhibits few glitches, indicating a generally stable experience. However, some players have noted issues specifically occurring during cutscenes, which detracts from the overall stability.
“Few if any glitches... see my cons below on this one.”
“On the subject of glitches... unfortunately, the one area I experienced glitches was during the cutscenes!”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, with users reporting fantastic performance overall.
“Very well optimized.”
“The performance is fantastic!”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game has been criticized as potentially exploitative, with some players perceiving it as a cash grab despite its charming premise centered around cute blue creatures.
“Who would have thought that a game about little blue creatures with an affinity for the word 'cute' could be anything more than a cash grab?”
“The monetization strategy feels exploitative, as it constantly pushes players to spend money to enjoy the game fully.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to progress without shelling out extra cash.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its entertaining cinematics, which effectively deliver comedic moments that enhance the overall experience.
“The funny cinematics had me laughing out loud!”
“The humor in the dialogue is clever and keeps the game entertaining.”
“I love how the game uses absurd situations to create hilarious moments.”
Critic Reviews
The Smurfs Dreams PS5 Review
Gargamel seems to be a mighty sorcerer, though he has a low budget – the patches on his robe are telling. The Smurfs – Dreams also seems to have had a low budget, but the game, in turn, doesn’t need any patches. It’s beautiful and enjoyable – I simply recommend it.
75%The Smurfs: Dreams Review
The Smurfs: Dreams is a functioning platformer, but never quite taps into enough of that magic to bring us an interesting experience to the namesake. They may be pretty, but these lands feel a bit vacant of charm and personality.
60%The Smurfs - Dreams Review
The Smurfs - Dreams does almost everything right when it comes to delivering a solid, enjoyable, and creative platformer. With a wide variety of ideas, some lovely art design, and a gorgeously soothing soundtrack, only its short length and disappointing handheld picture quality prevent it from being considered one of the very best platformers on the Switch. Given its relatively affordable price, it really is worth a look for platforming fans of all ages.
80%
