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The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone is a title aimed at children and adults alike. As such, it has its fingers in many pies. Consequently, this makes for a complicated and drawn-out experience that sadly outstays its welcome on occasion. Yet, if you love all things Smurf and you adored the previous iteration, then you’ll love what’s on offer.
This 3D adventure title was developed by Osome Studio and published by Microids. Moreover, it is colourful, has oodles of platform elements, and loads of challenges to complete. Furthermore, there are loads of fights, an unlikely partnership, and a misunderstood creature. Accordingly, there is plenty going on in the Smurf-filled experience.
The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone tells an unlikely tale.
For as long as I can remember, The Smurfs and Gargamel have been enemies. However, in this latest adventure, they must put their animosity to one side as they work together to save the world. This strange partnership is full of surprises and plenty of crazy creatures.
Handy Smurf cannot stop inventing bigger and better tools. Subsequently, when he discovers a magical stone that’ll improve every creation, he has to get his Smurfs on it. With his SmurfoMix in hand, he sets off to Gargamel’s hovel. Yet, unbeknownst to him, he is about to set off an unlikely set of events. By breaking the green stone, Handy Smurf releases an all-mighty entity known as Stolas. This enormous creature does not wish to be captured again and only the Smurfs can save the day.
Familiar mechanics.
Sadly, The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone offers little originality. Accordingly, the game is laced with familiar mechanics. As such, you are expected to dash past obstacles, leap over chasms, avoid hazards when sliding, and shoot any enemy you find. Alongside this, you must destroy every green crystal you encounter.
To add some depth, the developers have incorporated 4 different types of ammo for the SmurfoMix. There is one that destroys the green crystals, a sticky honey version, a laser rifle, and an orb that repels objects. Each of these bullets is used to kill your opponents and solve minor puzzles. Subsequently, completing each massive realm is easier said than done.
Challenges and upgrades.
The level of depth doesn’t stop there, as each realm has an array of challenges that must be found and completed. These testing endeavours will push you to your limit and must be revisited once the SmurfoMix is at full power.
Upgrading your equipment is essential as the creatures and challenges become tougher. By destroying every green crystal and finding the humming plants, you can unlock new abilities and increase your firepower.
The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone looks Smurfy.
Visually, The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone delivers. Not only does it look Smurfy, but I love its colour palette, interesting stage design, and character models. Alongside this, Gargamel retains his creepy look and Stolas is your textbook cartoon menace. As such, fans of the series will adore what they see.
The audio, on the other hand, doesn’t fare so well. Unfortunately, the repetitive sound bites are obnoxious and annoying. Additionally, as much as I love the “Smurf” language, too much Smurf is a Smurf, Smurf, Smurf, Smurf, if you know what I mean. Effectively, the audio is too repetitive, and this will drive you nuts.
An easy game to master.
Where this excels is the easy-to-master controls. This was a stroke of genius by the developers, as it’ll ensure younger players can progress without too much guidance. Moreover, the excellent UI keeps the screen clear, and this allows you to focus on the mountain of combat encounters.
What frustrated me, however, was that every level outstays its welcome. Accordingly, each area should have been broken down into manageable chunks to prevent tedium from kicking in. Yet, if you can look past this issue, there is plenty of replay value and longevity. Furthermore, completing every challenge will take next-level skills, so best of luck.
The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone plays it safe.
With such a wide audience to appease, I’m not surprised that The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone plays it safe. Unfortunately, though, this approach lacks originality and prevents it from truly excelling. Subsequently, it won’t appeal to everyone and that was a shame. Yet, despite its flaws, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Will the partnership with Gargamel work? Complete each area, befriend Stolas, and save the day.
