The Smurfs (1994)

The Smurfs (1994)
Genre(s): 2D platformer Platform(s): NES, SNES, Gameboy, Master System, Mega Drive, Mega CD, Game Gear, Windows Release Date: 1994 (Most versions) 1995 (PC) 2002 (GBA) Developer(s): Bit Managers Publisher(s): Infogrames Country: Europe Predecessor: Tiger Smurfs (1983) Successor: The Smurfs 2: Travel the World

The Smurfs is a 1994 video game developed by Bit Managers and published by Infogrames. The story follows Hefty Smurf rescuing his fellow Smurfs and Smurfette from Gargamel and his Smurf traps. It is based entirely on the original comics created by Peyo, with a few elements borrowed from the 1980s cartoon show. The game was released and ported to different game systems including the Super Nintendo, Mega Drive (Genesis), Mega CD (Sega CD) and Windows.

Why it Rocks

1. Hefty Smurf is the main protagonist of this game, along with Brainy, Greedy and Jokey Smurf.
2. The simple plot of the platformer game: you have to rescue three Smurfs in different locations and Smurfette from the evil wizard, Gargamel.
3. A handful of enemies and platforms fitting for the Smurfs universe, such as birds, spiders, butterflies, diseased Smurfs, "Bzz" flies, etc.
4. Solid controls that are tight and responsive, and are never unresponsive at all, they are also very easy to use and are overall a huge improvement over other Infogrames games.
5. Wonderful 16-bit graphics that stay true to Peyo's original comics, with a variety of colors suitable for a fantasy/adventure game.
6. 15 different locations include the village, the forest, the bridge, the lake, the dam, the swamp and Gargamel's hovel.
7. The music in the SNES version is beautifully orchestrated for its time.
   • The DOS version has an enhancement with the Roland SC-55 soundchip.
   • The Sega CD also has a great soundtrack.
   • The Sega Genesis port, while the soundtrack is downgraded in that port, it is still decent.
8. The game ends with Hefty Smurf being rewarded with a kiss from Smurfette for saving her and the others, which is a good ending, especially in the 16 bits version.
9. The SNES version has a password system, which allows you to skip ahead to your favorite levels.
10. In the password screen of the SNES version, you get to see Harmony, Jokey, Lazy, Greedy and Brainy in a similar manner to the back cover of the original comic books that came in Belgium.
11. A variety of bosses, such as the Three-Headed Plant, The Snake, The Dragon and Gargamel.
12. The game is translated from its original French into optional languages: English, German, Spanish and Italian.
13. .Beautiful fully-animated cutscenes included in the Sega CD version, which resembles the art and animation style heldover from Belvision Studios' 1976 animated film adaptation of The Smurfs and the Magic Flute.
14. Its sequel, The Smurfs 2: Travel the World is a slight improvement over its predecessor.

Bad Qualities

1. The game can be a bit difficult at times. You would often have a hard time avoiding the thorns while in a bubble and the final boss battle where you defeat Gargamel with acorns, including the part where you get chased by Azreal while trying to escape from him.
2. The plot of this game is a bit on the generic side, as it is your basic run-of-the-mill Smurfs platformer.
   • Speaking of the plot, why didn't Gargamel put them in his castle instead of taking Smurfette instead since he hates The Smurfs, even though that wouldn't sit well with players.
3. The music in the Genesis version is a downgrade from the SNES release. Same goes for the NES, Gameboy and Master System, sounding more like chiptunes than orchestral music, although their ost are still great.
4. The graphics in the 8-bit version are subpar compared to the 16-bit version (through it's still look good).
5. Characters such as Clumsy Smurf, Johan and Peewit, The Smurflings, Baby Smurf, Grandpa Smurf, Nanny and Smoogle are nowhere to be seen in this game.
6. With the exception of the Game Boy port, the game was never released to North America (due to the depiction of black Smurfs). Why can't the developers change their skin to purple instead?
7. Some of the ports had problems.
   • The NES version play slower than the Game Boy and other 8 bits version, at such it is slighly less fun to play than the other 8 bits versions, it doesn't help that there's some contents lose from the other 8 bits versions either.
   • The Game Boy Advance port titled Revenge of the Smurfs, while not bad, had poor controls and the gameplay is slower than the console versions, although it is easier.

Trivia

• The game received a sequel, entitled "The Smurfs 2: Travel the World". It was based on elements from the cartoon show's ninth season, except the characters were traveling through different countries rather than traveling through time.

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