Nintendo Switch Review Code Provided by Microids
Microids and IMPS have released their adorable new 3D platformer game, The Smurfs: Mission Vileaf. This game is aimed at a younger audience and brings an incredibly fun and cute experience to all members of your household, regardless of age. It’s a straightforward story and gameplay that will keep you entertained for hours, single-player as well as co-op!
Story
The story boasts a Smurfy adventure of a lifetime, as you seek to save your forest from an evil toxic force. The wizard Gargamel is the mastermind behind a destructive Vileaf plant that’s consuming and ruining your home. His plant spreads Vieltrap seeds which ensnare innocent Smurfs who are lured by its nefarious power. Papa Smurf leads the efforts to restore balance to the surrounding forest and asks his fellow blue friends to seek out an antidote for the fast-spreading plant.
Gameplay
During this game, you can expect to play Smurfette, Chef Smurf, Hefty Smurf, and Brainy Smurf, as you explore the various Smurf worlds and search for hidden treasures. One of the key aspects of this game is how you choose to use your Smurfizer tool. It’s made of wood, metal, a shoulder strap, and a pollen pump, and it’s your greatest asset!
You will work through challenges as you adventure along, using your Smurfizer tool to get the job done. This powerful tool not only empowers you to heal the forest, but also is used to jump, glide, dive, and vacuum things! Its power and potential will further unlock as you progress through the story. The game will evolve and get progressively more difficult as it incorporates new skills and abilities, as well as various enemies.
What It Could Have Done Better
I was disappointed to see the Switch version running noticeably worse than anticipated. The gameplay trailer looked better than the final product on the Nintendo Switch, which I honestly wasn’t expecting. I realize the Nintendo handheld isn’t known for being a powerful gaming machine, but it was a little underwhelming to see how it all shook out in the end. I hope the developers spend some time optimizing the game and later provide a patch that helps improve overall gameplay and visual fidelity.
Verdict
The Smurfs: Mission Vileaf delivers on its promise to be a family-friendly adventure game, full of fun and exploration. If you have the option to purchase this game on another platform, I’d recommend avoiding the Switch version. The only benefit to the handheld edition is the option to take it on the go with you.
Aside from that, this game is a blast and worth adding to any young gamer’s Christmas list. It may be a little more simplistic than hardcore platformer players would want, but that’s just a matter of personal preference. I see this as a mostly decent game my kids and I can enjoy together over the holiday season.
The Smurfs: Mission Vileaf is now available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
