If October was a busy month for AAA titles, November is undoubtedly Microids’ month. The publisher is preparing to release several titles within weeks. These include Tintin and the Pharaoh’s Cigars, Astérix & Obelix: Kick ‘Em All 2, Goldorak, Flashback 2, and finally The Smurfs 2 The Prisoner of the Green Stone. It promises to be a busy period at Rosa Park in the coming days. And the first title to undergo “test review” is The Smurfs 2 The Prisoner of the Green Stone. As a direct sequel to Mission: Impossible, released in 2021, this game aims to build on the confidence established between Microids and OSome Studio, a talented Lyon-based development team that may occasionally require better guidance. Frankly, however, this Smurfs 2 is less inspired than its illustrious predecessor.
Trapped in a Loop
Regarding gameplay, “The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Pearl” incorporates mechanics similar to those found in “Ratchet & Clank.” This includes features such as a primary weapon that allows for changes in projectile types and physical abilities for the Smurfs characters, which include jumping, double-jumping, dashing forward both on the ground and in mid-air, and sidestepping. These elements clearly indicate influences from PlayStation Studios’ game by OSome Studio. Is this problematic? Not necessarily, given that the Lyon-based developers have focused intently on ensuring smooth playability and responsive controls. After all, “The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Pearl” is designed for a family-friendly audience, aligning with Microids’ target demographic of primarily young players before adult gamers. However, this focus might also present challenges in certain aspects of the game, which we will address later…
REPEAT AFTER ME
In November, Microids is set to release a series of titles over just a few weeks. Among these are “Tintin and the Pharaoh’s Cigars,” “Astérix & Obélix: Baffez-les Tous 2,” “Goldorak,” “Flashback 2,” and finally, “The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone.” With this lineup, Rosa Park is expected to be quite busy in the coming days. The first title to undergo a review process is “The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Stone.” As a direct sequel to “Mission Malfeuille,” which was released in 2021, this game seeks to build on the trust and collaboration established between Microids and OSome Studio. However, it appears that this latest installment may lack some of the inspiration found in its predecessor.
Like the first episode, “The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Phosphorus” will allow players to control several different Smurfs, but this time switching between them is not possible as it is determined by the progression of events. Players start with Storm, navigating a forest, then proceed with Beta Smurf through snowy mountains, followed by Lakeside Smurf in a lava-filled world, and finally use Handy Smurf for the final battle. Although having multiple playable characters is noteworthy, there is some question about the purpose of being forced to use them when they are largely indistinguishable except for their special powers. Storm can shoot powerful arrows, Beta Smurf can distract enemies with lure carrots, and Lakeside Smurf can throw bombs. This is the only difference between each character; otherwise, gameplay remains consistent across all characters.
French Variety
If October was a busy month for AAA titles, November is undoubtedly Microids’ month. The publisher is set to release a series of multiple titles within just a few weeks. These include “Tintin and the Pharaoh’s Cigars,” “Astérix & Obélix Stop All the Clocks 2,” “Goldorak,” “Flashback 2,” and finally, “The Smurfs 2: The Prisoner of the Green Pebble.” This lineup is expected to keep fans engaged in the coming days. Leading this release wave is “The Smurfs 2: The Prisoners of the Green Pebble.” As a direct sequel to “Mission Mew-Mew” from 2021, the title seeks to build on the trust that has developed between Microids and OSome Studio, a talented Lyon-based development team. However, this new Smurfs installment appears less inspired than its celebrated predecessor.
