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.
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.
Reviews
- Charming visuals and vibrant graphics create an enchanting game world that feels alive and immersive.
- Creative level design with diverse challenges keeps gameplay fresh and engaging, reminiscent of classic platformers like Super Mario 3D World.
- Smooth controls and enjoyable mechanics make the game accessible for players of all ages, providing a fun experience in both solo and co-op modes.
- Some levels, particularly the mini dream levels, lack the same level of detail and creativity as the main stages, leading to a feeling of repetition.
- The game may be too easy for seasoned platformer fans, lacking significant challenge and replayability after completing it.
- Certain cutscenes experience glitches, detracting from the overall immersive experience, and some iconic Smurf characters are notably absent.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by smooth controls and engaging mechanics that keep players entertained in both solo and co-op modes. With a blend of familiar platforming elements and unique challenges, the game offers a delightful sense of discovery through creative level design and clever tools. While some levels may feel repetitive, the overall experience is enhanced by responsive gameplay and a charming aesthetic that appeals to players of all ages.
“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.”
- 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 dreamlike quality of the gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere.
“It splices 3D world's vibrant graphics and fixed-camera level design with galaxy's space theme and orchestral soundtrack to give you the best of both worlds.”
“The soundtrack complements these visuals perfectly, with tunes that are catchy yet unobtrusive.”
“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.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and charming art style, creating an enchanting and immersive experience. Players appreciate the seamless integration of beautiful backgrounds, whimsical designs, and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall aesthetic. The game's graphical quality is described as a visual delight, with a polished look that runs smoothly without any lag.
“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.”
“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.”
“Cute, charming art style.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The reviews reflect a mixed perception of the game's story, with some users finding it non-existent or minimal, likening it to games focused solely on gameplay, while others praise it as an epic narrative that enhances the overall 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.”
- 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 strategy of the game has been criticized as potentially exploitative, with some players perceiving it as a cash grab despite its charming premise.
“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 that progress is heavily gated behind paywalls, making it nearly impossible to advance without spending real money.”
- 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%