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The Smurfs: Dreams

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

2024

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

AvailableOct 24, 2024

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

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

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

"The Smurfs: Dreams" charms with its whimsical tale of escaping Gargamel's curse in a dream world, delighting younger audiences with its lightheartedness. Critics appreciate its fit within Smurf lore but note the simplicity and predictability of the story as drawbacks, leaving older players wanting more. Overall, it’s a fun, family-friendly adventure that serves its purpose well, despite lacking depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of "The Smurfs: Dreams" is largely positive, with many critics appreciating its whimsical and fantastical elements. Reviewers like Movies Games and Tech and GAMINGbible highlight the captivating nature of the tale, which revolves around the Smurfs' attempt to escape Gargamel's curse by entering a dream world. This narrative framework is praised for adding depth to the Smurf universe and engaging younger audiences. Critics such as Nintenderos and IGN Adria also note that the story fits well within the established Smurf lore, incorporating magic and clever solutions that resonate with fans. The lightheartedness and charm of the storyline are frequently emphasized, making it suitable for its target demographic. However, several reviewers point out the story's simplicity and lack of depth as significant drawbacks. XboxEra and PlayStation Universe mention that the narrative is straightforward and primarily designed for children, which may not appeal to older audiences seeking a more complex storyline. Critics like Finger Guns and Softpedia echo this sentiment, stating that while the narrative ties the gameplay together, it is not the main highlight of the game. The predictability of the plot, as noted by critics like Vandal and Nintendo Life, suggests that while the story is engaging for younger players, it may not offer enough intrigue for a broader audience. The overall consensus among critics is that "The Smurfs: Dreams" presents a charming yet simplistic narrative that serves its purpose well within the context of a family-friendly game. While the story effectively captures the essence of the Smurf universe and provides an enjoyable experience for children, it lacks the depth and complexity that some players might desire. Critics like Impulsegamer and Tech-Gaming acknowledge the light and vibrant tone of the game, suggesting that it is well-executed for its intended audience, even if it doesn't break new ground in storytelling. Ultimately, the game is positioned as an enjoyable adventure for younger players, with a narrative that is easy to follow but may leave older gamers wanting more.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Smurfs: Dreams impresses with its engaging gameplay, featuring varied mechanics that appeal to both young and older audiences. Critics praise the balanced mix of platforming, puzzles, and exploration, along with tight controls and unique Smurf abilities. However, some highlight issues like overly long levels and frustrating boss battles, leading to a perception of lacking depth compared to classic platformers. Despite these criticisms, the game remains a solid family-friendly platformer, enhanced by its cooperative mode, and is recognized as a commendable addition to the genre, albeit with room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Smurfs: Dreams has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging and varied mechanics that cater to a wide audience. Reviewers like Movies Games and Tech appreciate the balanced gameplay that combines platforming basics, puzzles, and exploration, rewarding players with new costumes and items. Finger Guns and GAMINGbible commend the inventive level designs and the strategic mechanics that encourage exploration, while God is a Geek praises the tight controls and well-hidden collectibles that enhance the platforming experience. The inclusion of unique abilities for each Smurf, as noted by IGN Adria, adds depth to the gameplay, making it appealing for both younger and older players. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the gameplay experience. XboxEra points out that while the game offers a variety of mechanics and level types, the levels can feel overly long and repetitive, detracting from the overall enjoyment. Impulsegamer mentions that while the mechanics are charming, the boss battles can be frustrating and seem out of place in a family-friendly platformer. Additionally, some critics, such as PlayStation Universe and TheSixthAxis, feel that the gameplay, while reminiscent of classic platformers like Super Mario, lacks the depth and variety that would elevate it to the same level of enjoyment. This sentiment is echoed by Vandal, who notes that the game is designed to be accessible, but may not provide enough challenge for more seasoned players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Smurfs: Dreams offers a solid platforming experience that successfully combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and collectible hunting, making it enjoyable for a family audience. While there are some criticisms regarding level length and the depth of gameplay, the game is generally praised for its engaging mechanics and charming design. Critics like Nintenderos highlight the cooperative mode as a fun addition, suggesting that the game is well-suited for both casual and hardcore players. Ultimately, The Smurfs: Dreams stands as a commendable entry in the platforming genre, appealing to a diverse range of players while acknowledging its areas for improvement.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Smurfs: Dreams dazzles with vibrant graphics and imaginative design, winning over critics who praise its charming aesthetic akin to Nintendo and Pixar. Despite minor critiques about some levels feeling generic and jump planning issues due to the isometric perspective, the overall visual experience is deemed a highlight, enhancing gameplay and immersing players in the whimsical Smurfs universe.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Smurfs: Dreams is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and colorful aesthetic. Reviewers like Movies Games and Tech and TheXboxHub highlighted the game's "aesthetically pleasing" environments and "vibrant colors," emphasizing the detailed designs that enhance the overall experience. Finger Guns and GAMINGbible also noted the game's delightful visuals, with comparisons to beloved franchises like Nintendo and Pixar, suggesting that the game captures a joyful and inventive spirit. The level design is frequently described as clever and imaginative, with critics such as PlayStation Universe and Impulsegamer appreciating the thematic elements that create a dreamy ambiance, effectively immersing players in the Smurfs' whimsical world. Despite the strong praise, there are some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design. IGN Adria, for instance, described the graphics as merely "okay" on the Nintendo Switch, suggesting that some levels lack coherence with the Smurfs theme and may feel generic. Additionally, ZTGD pointed out that the isometric perspective occasionally complicates jump planning, which could detract from the visual experience. While most critics acknowledged the impressive visuals, some noted that certain dream levels were weaker than others, as mentioned by Vandal, indicating that while the overall design is commendable, there are inconsistencies in execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Smurfs: Dreams boasts a visually appealing and colorful design that effectively captures the essence of the Smurfs universe. The majority of reviewers, including those from XboxEra and Softpedia, emphasized the game's charming visual style and the successful integration of vibrant colors and imaginative level layouts. While there are minor criticisms regarding specific aspects of the graphics, the general sentiment is that the game's visuals significantly enhance the gameplay experience, making it a standout feature that resonates well with players of all ages.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Smurfs: Dreams boasts a whimsical soundtrack that enhances its dreamy visuals, earning praise from some critics for its orchestral score. However, others criticize it for being generic and lacking iconic Smurfs tunes, with missed opportunities in sound design and occasional audio glitches. The consensus reflects a split: while some enjoy the immersive audio experience, others find it forgettable and lacking thematic depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (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 garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics, particularly regarding the whimsical and immersive qualities of the soundtrack. Critics like Finger Guns and Pure Nintendo praised the orchestral score and majestic soundtrack, respectively, highlighting how these elements enhance the dreamy atmosphere and complement the visuals of the game. TheXboxHub noted that while the audio is limited, it still manages to create an enjoyable experience, with familiar sound clips aiding players in understanding objectives. Additionally, ZTGD pointed out that the music adds to the overall experience of the game, contributing to its charm and whimsy. On the flip side, several reviewers expressed concerns about the sound design and music, noting limitations and missed opportunities. IGN Spain criticized the music for not standing out and failing to incorporate iconic Smurfs tunes, while Vandal remarked on the lack of voice acting and the music's inability to be memorable or impactful. IGN Adria echoed this sentiment by labeling the music as generic and not fitting the Smurfs theme well. TheXboxHub also mentioned occasional audio drops during cutscenes, which, while not significantly detracting from the experience, indicate a lack of polish in the audio presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided sentiment regarding the sound design and music of The Smurfs: Dreams. While many reviewers, such as God is a Geek and Gaming Age, appreciated the dreamy and ethereal qualities of the soundtrack, others like Vandal and IGN Adria pointed out significant shortcomings, particularly in terms of memorability and thematic relevance. This divergence suggests that while the game successfully creates an engaging audio atmosphere for some players, it may fall short for others who were hoping for a more iconic and impactful musical experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Smurfs: Dreams impresses with strong performance across all platforms, earning praise for smooth gameplay at 60 FPS on Xbox Series X and PS5, while Nintendo Switch remains stable despite minor graphics dips. Critics note a few issues like unfair deaths and a bug on PC that can disrupt play, but these don’t overshadow the overall enjoyable experience. It’s a solid choice for both kids and nostalgic adults.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of The Smurfs: Dreams has garnered generally positive feedback across various gaming platforms. Critics playing on Xbox Series X, such as TheXboxHub and XboxEra, praised the game for its near-flawless performance, with XboxEra highlighting a smooth experience running at 60 FPS. ZTGD echoed this sentiment, noting solid performance without major technical issues. Similarly, on the PlayStation 5, critics like GAMINGbible and IGN Spain reported smooth gameplay with no performance issues, while Impulsegamer acknowledged the game's stability despite a low development budget. On Nintendo Switch, IGN Adria mentioned the game's stability and quick respawns, which are particularly favorable for its young audience. PC players also reported a stable experience, with GameGrin and Tech-Gaming commending the game's optimization and local co-op capabilities, even on lower-end systems. However, there are some drawbacks noted by critics across the platforms. On Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub pointed out minor issues like occasional unfair deaths and audio drops, which could detract from the overall experience. On PlayStation 5, while performance was generally praised, IGN Spain mentioned the absence of DualSense features as a minor drawback, which could have enhanced immersion. For Nintendo Switch, although the game is stable, Nintendo Life highlighted a reduction in picture quality when switching to handheld mode, which could affect visual fidelity for some players. On PC, Worth Playing raised concerns about a significant bug that could cause player characters to disappear or lose control, indicating that not all aspects of the experience are polished. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Smurfs: Dreams performs well across all platforms, with minor issues that do not significantly detract from the enjoyment of the game. The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions received strong endorsements for their smooth performance, while the Nintendo Switch version, despite some graphical compromises, remains stable and suitable for its target audience. The PC version is mostly well-received, though the bug reported by Worth Playing suggests that some players may encounter frustrating technical issues. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment is that the game delivers a solid experience, appealing to both its young audience and adult players looking for a nostalgic adventure.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Smurfs: Dreams attracts families with its diverse levels and cooperative play, promoting exploration and replayability. However, its short 5-10 hour gameplay and repetitiveness raise concerns among critics about long-term engagement. While enjoyable for younger audiences, the lack of substantial content may deter players from returning, highlighting the need for more variety in future versions.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Smurfs: Dreams highlight several positive aspects that appeal to players, particularly families and younger audiences. Many critics, such as Finger Guns and Softpedia, emphasize the game's diverse levels and the inclusion of collectibles, which foster exploration and encourage players to revisit stages. The local cooperative mode is frequently mentioned as a significant draw, with critics like Impulsegamer noting that it enhances the game's appeal for family play. Additionally, ZTGD points out that the game's structure, with short levels and a clear menu breakdown, makes it easy for players to return and collect missed items, further enhancing the replay experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value, primarily centered around its short length and potential repetitiveness. Critics like Movies Games and Tech and IGN Spain express concerns that the gameplay, lasting only around 5 to 10 hours, may not provide enough content to justify multiple playthroughs. XboxEra mentions that while there are optional content and collectibles, the game's length and repetitiveness could deter players from returning. Furthermore, Pure Nintendo criticizes the game for being too short, suggesting that the chase for 100% completion may not be enough to warrant the game's price tag, indicating a lack of substantial replay incentives. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Smurfs: Dreams offers some replay value through collectibles and cooperative play, its short runtime and repetitiveness may limit its appeal for extended engagement. Critics like God is a Geek and Vandal note that while the game can be enjoyable, it ultimately falls short of providing enough content for players seeking a deeper experience. The game seems well-suited for younger audiences and families, but many reviewers agree that additional content and variety would be beneficial for future iterations to enhance replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding The Smurfs: Dreams is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay and charming presentation. Reviewers from various platforms, including Movies Games and Tech and Finger Guns, highlight the game's enjoyable mechanics, captivating visuals, and attention to detail, making it a delightful experience for both fans of the franchise and newcomers. TheXboxHub describes it as a "surprisingly accomplished 3D platformer," while God is a Geek goes further to label it as one of the best platformers of the year. Critics also appreciate the game's creativity and smooth performance, with GAMINGbible noting its enjoyable experience and Softpedia emphasizing its appeal to nostalgic fans. Overall, the game is recognized for its solid execution and fun factor, making it a worthy addition to the platformer genre. However, despite the numerous praises, several critics point out notable shortcomings. A common critique is the game's relatively short length, which is mentioned by multiple reviewers, including XboxEra and GAMINGbible. Additionally, some critics feel that the game lacks depth and could have explored the Smurfs franchise more thoroughly, as pointed out by IGN Spain. Others, such as IGN Adria, argue that the game falls short in terms of story and thematic coherence, leading to a mediocre experience. Furthermore, while the game is deemed suitable for younger audiences, some critics like XboxEra suggest that it may not resonate as well with older gamers seeking nostalgia. In summary, the consensus among critics is that The Smurfs: Dreams is a charming and enjoyable platformer that successfully revitalizes the franchise. While it boasts strong gameplay mechanics and appealing visuals, it is somewhat hampered by its short length and lack of depth. Critics like Vandal and PlayStation Universe note its family-friendly nature, making it a good choice for cooperative play. Overall, the game is recommended for fans of the genre and the Smurfs franchise, with many reviewers, such as Tech-Gaming and Worth Playing, affirming its solid gameplay experience despite its limitations.

TL;DR

The Smurfs: Dreams is a charming and visually captivating platformer, praised for its engaging gameplay and nostalgic appeal, making it a hit with fans and newcomers alike. However, it's hampered by a short length and a lack of depth, leaving some critics wanting more in terms of story and thematic coherence. Overall, it's a solid choice for family-friendly fun, but may fall flat for older gamers seeking nostalgia.

MONSTER

Reviews

50 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

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

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

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

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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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Nov 7, 2024

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

Overall, The Smurfs: Dreams is a surprisingly accomplished 3D platformer that revitalizes the Smurfs franchise, offering a fun and visually appealing experience.

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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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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Nov 5, 2024

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

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.

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Nov 14, 2024

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

Overall, Smurfs Dreams is a charming and accessible platformer that may not rival top-tier titles but is enjoyable for both children and adults.

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