Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cute Smurfs movie tie-in suffers from clumsy controls.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Smurfs Dance Party
What's It About?
THE SMURFS DANCE PARTY includes a story mode which takes players through a brief, truncated version of the Smurfs movie. In this story, the Smurfs find themselves in a weird new place called New York City and manage to find shelter in the home (or as the Smurfs call it, the "mushroom") of a friendly human couple. The Smurfs then search for a way back to their village while unknowingly coming face-to-face with obstacles set by their life-long nemesis Gargamel. Even though the story is presented in full, it is hardly fleshed out and takes a back seat to the actual gameplay and dancing modes.
Is It Any Good?
Players should not head into The Smurfs Dance Party expecting a sophisticated dance simulation game. But even with those low expectations, they will likely become frustrated with the seemingly random and disorganized scoring system in the game. Following the dance moves exactly as the Smurfs perform them on screen can result in few or no points, while shaking the controller randomly sometimes provide players with a perfect score.
This is not a recommended title for dance game connoisseurs. However, those who want a simple, casual game related to the movie may enjoy what it has to offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of video games in an active lifestyle. How do dancing video games compare to other forms of exercise? Do you feel like you are exercising when playing games that involve strenuous movement?
Families can also discuss some of the game's positive themes. How do you cope with being in new and strange places? Do you prefer working together with others, or by yourself?
Families can also discuss the role of villains in games. How does Gargamel justify his anger toward the Smurfs?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo Wii
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : UbiSoft
- Release date : July 19, 2011
- Genre : Exergaming
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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