The Smurfs (Sega Game Gear review)

Developer: Bit Managers
Publisher: Infogrames
Released: 1995

The Smurfs is a platformer that was also released on the Sega Master System in 1995.

+ Level design never rests on one idea for too long, both in terms of gameplay styles and visual settings.

+ Includes a couple of extra levels compared to the NES version (1994), as well as a replacement first boss.

- However, with only 12 brief stages and three pedestrian boss fights, it won't be long before you see the credits.

- Despite the cutesy exterior, the action is surprisingly tough from the outset and the difficulty curve is almost back-to-front.

- Action is too zoomed-in for the handheld's tiny screen, and often you won't have time to react to an incoming enemy.

- Game engine feels like it's constantly struggling to keep up and the jumping mechanics are overly sensitive.

- The collision detection is wonky and you'll likely lose many lives by falling straight through platform objects.