The summer holidays are here and for thousand of parents across the country comes the challenge of how to keep the kids happy and entertained. Luckily, the cinema is full of blockbuster films for all the family to enjoy and this year sees the sequel to 2011 hit, The Smurfs.
The Smurfs 2 is in cinemas across the country now. To go along with the movie, Ubisoft have released, The Smurfs 2 video game on Nintendo 3DS, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game is a simple platform game using a side on perspective with 3D enviroments. Players start by selecting a Smurg they want use. Each one has different abilities, Papa Smurf can throw potions, Clumsy can attack by falling over and Vanity Smurf can make enemies fall in love with him with his poses. Once selected, players are taking to Smurf village, which acts as the hub for all the levels.
Starting off in the Enchanted Forest, the story is told with original drawn story panels using the Smurf cartoon style that parents will recognise from their childhood. Plot wise its all very straight forward. Smurfette has been kidnapped by Gargamel and the Naughties, just as the Smurfs were getting ready for her Birthday party. Its down to Papa, Clumsy, Vanity and others to free Smurfette from Gargamel's clutches. This journey will see the Smurfs travel far and wide from their own forest to New York and Paris.
In total there are six worlds to complete with each world broken down into six levels, five platform levels and a boss level. The platform levels consist of collecting "Smurfberries", which allow you to take damage (similar to Sonic collecting rings) and freeing the animal friends from Gargamel's spell. This is done by jumping on them in time honoured platform style. The animal leaves behind a potion which you can collect, collect enough of these and you activate True Blue mode and Berries become double value. Also, hidden across the levels are Smurf coins for you to collect. Collect five coins and you unlock a Smurf, which you view back at the village hub. So after the main game is finished there is reason to go back and play again.
The gameplay is very reminiscent of old Nineties platform games, which is no surprise seeing as developer WayForward are also behind the upcoming HD remaster of the NES classic, Ducktales. The platform levels offers slow steady action that is suitable for kids of all ages. The later levels become more difficult, but the steady learning curve means that kids should be ready for the challenge when they get to the final levels.
Smurfs 2 is a great game to let your kids loose on over the summer holidays. It is fun, has plenty of re-playability and you can also play with up to three other friends co-operatively. The game is a great companion to the movie and will keep your own Little Gamers occupied for a good few days.
Verdict:
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