The Smurfs

Year 1997, Infogrames releases a game about the Smurfs. I expected the worst possible licensed garbage — and got something surprisingly tolerable, which shocked me more than any boss ever could.

The Smurfs is a 2D platformer set in the world of the little blue dwarfs from the Belgian comic by Peyo. The goal is simple, as it should be for games aimed at younger audiences: run through levels, avoid obstacles and enemies, reach the finish. No deeper plot, no existential questions. The Smurfs are in trouble, you help them out. Done.

Gameplay relies on a classic formula — you jump over obstacles, wait for moving enemies, find the right timing. Nothing that reinvents the wheel. Controls are straightforward, levels are reasonably long, and difficulty doesn't cross the line where the game stops being fun for a younger player. Older players might not get their teeth chattering with excitement, but honestly — it runs smoothly. The graphics are nicely done for its time, pastel colors suit the source material, and the environments are readable. And that musical theme. It sticks to you like tar and leaves about three days later.

What has the game kept from back then? A pleasant, unambitious calm. The Smurfs never pretended to be anything more than a solid children's platformer with a license. In 1997, that was a rare case of honesty on the market — other licenses from that era promised the moon and gave you cardboard. Here you know exactly what you're buying, and the game delivers. It aged peacefully: mechanics are stripped down to the bone but functional, graphics are dated but not crumbly.

Today it appeals to two groups. First are people who played it as kids and want to refresh their memory — that playthrough lasts half an hour and leaves a pleasant, mildly nostalgic feeling. The second group is parents looking for something to keep their child entertained at the computer without worry. On oldgame.cz you can run it in your browser, no installation, no hassle. Quarter of an hour from first click to title screen — that's exactly the kind of commitment you'll take on even on a Wednesday evening.