Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cute cartoon side-scroller, but only for young fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Smurfs 2
What's It About?
Out the same week as the animated film of the same name, THE SMURFS 2 is a family-friendly adventure for multiple consoles. The story tells of the evil wizard Gargamel and his loyal Naughties creatures, who snatch Smurfette from Smurfs Village and imprison her in France. The Smurfs vow to find and rescue Smurfette from Gargamel's clutches and must travel from the Enchanted Forest to the busy streets of New York to the City of Love, Paris. Gamers can play as their favorite Smurf as they run, jump, and fight from the left side of the screen to the right, while overcoming obstacles, facing off against enemies, and picking up berries, coins, and other items.
Is It Any Good?
As a game for young players, yes, Ubisoft's The Smurfs 2 is a charming, colorful, and a simple-to-pick-up game, whether you're playing by yourself or up to four simultaneous players in the drop-in-and-out co-op mode on the same television (or up to five players in the Nintendo Wii U version). Each of the Smurfs has their own unique abilities -- such as Vanity's poses and Papa Smurf's magic potions -- plus there are a half-dozen worlds to explore for a bit of variety.
Movie tie-ins usually aren't very good, but The Smurfs 2 proves licensed games can be done right -- just remember this casual game is for young kids and Smurfs fans alike, and won't likely appeal to anyone else. Note: The console versions of the game are more-or-less the same, but the handheld versions are a different game altogether and are not reviewed here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about marketing. Did you buy this game because you saw the movie? Families can discuss how this game could be considered a marketing ploy as they talk about selling to kids.
What is it about The Smurfs that makes you a fan?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Wii , Nintendo Wii U , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , Social Studies : exploration , global awareness
- Skills : Collaboration : cooperation , teamwork , Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , solving puzzles , Self-Direction : work to achieve goals
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : UbiSoft
- Release date : July 23, 2013
- Genre : Arcade
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals ( Bugs , Wild Animals ) , Friendship
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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