Another Smurfin’ adventure
Sometimes a game comes along that is just kind of there. The Smurfs: Mission Vileaf is certainly one of those games. Developed by OSome Studios, the same team behind the Asterix and Obelix games, this action platformer ticks off all the boxes of a licensed game while not doing a whole lot to stand out aside from the license. This doesn’t make it a bad game, quite the contrary in fact. It just means that what you see is what you get. Considering the game is aimed at kids it was interesting when I showed it to my son, who had no idea who the Smurfs were. So the real question is this truly a kids game, or one looking to lure in parents my age to introduce their kids to these loveable characters?
The plot of the game is reminiscent of an episode of the show. Gargamel has poisoned the forest with the evil plant known as the Vileaf. This slowly infects the Smurfs home and it is up to them to clear it up and save the forest. Throughout the game players will assume the role of various Smurfs as they strap on the Smurfizer and spray Papa Smurf’s antidote on the infected areas.
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch
MSRP: $39.99
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
The core game play in Vileaf is broken down into several parts. There is the spraying of the antidote to clear the Vileaf. Then we have platforming sections as well as some minor combat and rescuing of other Smurfs. It is all fairly simple and straightforward. The spraying reminds me of Luigi’s Mansion where I was wandering around with a backpack and hose switching brown grass to green. It is soothing for sure.
The platform sections are decent. Mixing in traditional jumping puzzles alongside some unique mechanics involving the Smurfizer. Nothing in this game is overly challenging, but the combat can definitely be frustrating at times with the types of enemies the game tosses at players. Some require being sprayed with the Smurfizer while others require either being jumped on or dashed at. When the game starts mixing them up, the limited controls can make these encounters tricky to navigate. There is a co-op mode, likely designed for parents to play with their kids, that alleviates some of the frustration. On a whole though the game is pretty relaxing and rarely ever punishes the players.
The world of the Smurfs is broken down into five areas which will be revisited with various characters over the course of the game. This is a decent looking game with lush forest biomes that match the look and feel of the show. I was disappointed that the game is locked into 30fps, even on the new consoles. That is likely more about me getting more accustomed to every game running at a higher frame rate, but I adjusted to it after about 30 minutes of play. Outside of that the game looks good and the colors really make up for the lack of everything else.
Like I mentioned at the top this is a game that just feels like it exists. I was drawn in thanks to my connection to the Smurfs from my childhood. Playing with my son he enjoyed the game, but had little interest in learning about the characters. It feels like the game is more built to tug at nostalgia instead of bringing in new interest. Even so the core game is enjoyable enough to recommend for parents looking to play games with their kids. It is easy enough to play while also not being too simplified for the sake of being a ‘kids’ game. Definitely worth checking out for parents and kids alike.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
