Peazjelly
Super Smurf
Member # 3101
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posted 03-18-2025 10:18 PM
The Smurfs 2 - Playthrough
The Smurfs 2
Also Called : The Smurfs Travel the World
Also Called : Smurfs II
Published by: Infogrames
Developed by: Virtual Studio
ESRB Rating : Everyone
Release Date: 1996
Nintendo Game Boy
Sega Game Gear
Sega Master System
Sega Mega Drive
Super Nintendo
The Smurfs Travel the World
Overview
The Smurfs 2 plunges Smurf and Smurfette into an exciting, globe-trotting adventure! One fateful night, curiosity leads them to Papa Smurf's lab, where they investigate a powerful magic crystal with the ability to teleport Smurfs across the world. The crystal shatters, scattering Smurf and Smurfette, along with its fragments, to the far corners of the earth. Their mission: to recover all the scattered shards and safely return to Smurf Village. The game's narrative shares loose ties with the final season of the 1981 "Smurfs" cartoon.
Gameplay
The Smurfs Travel the World is a 2D side-scrolling platformer focused on exploration. Players choose to control Smurf or Smurfette, embarking on a quest to gather crystal shards scattered throughout each level (10 per level on the Super Nintendo and Sega Mega Drive, 21 in other versions). As they journey, the Smurfs can walk, run, jump, and use a short kick or jump to defeat enemies. Combat is minimal, offering no points for defeating foes, and many enemies can simply be avoided. Falls are harmless, but contact with enemies depletes one of four health hearts. Losing all hearts results in the loss of a life. Game over means starting from the beginning – unless you have a password. Ropes and vines assist in navigating the levels, while hidden keys (three per world) unlock bonus stages that provide extra lives or health.
Levels
The game spans six continents:
- North Pole - Snowy, icy terrain with penguins and seals.
- Africa - Untamed jungle with wasps, monkeys and wild natives with spears.
- Asia - Eastern-themed with Chinese kites, pagodas and dragons.
- North America - Battle fierce Indians, bows & arrows and deadly mineshafts.
- South America - Tropical with piranhas and dense foliage.
- Australia - Outback with crocodiles, kangaroos and arid land.
Power-Ups- Hearts - Restore one health point (out of four).
- Smurf Heads - Grant an extra life.
- Keys - One per level; three unlock a bonus stage.
- Clock - Gives extra time in a bonus stage.
- Potions - red = shrink, blue = normal size.
Bonus Stages
In the bonus levels, collected items are converted into hearts (health points), and collecting enough can earn the player an extra life.
Differences Between Smurfs 2 Versions
The Smurfs Travel the World essentially exists in two distinct forms: an 8-bit version and a 16-bit version. The 8-bit iterations feature noticeably lower resolution graphics and sound compared to their 16-bit counterparts. Notably, the Game Boy's 8-bit version presents the game entirely in black and white.
Super Nintendo (SNES) and Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) Versions:
In these 16-bit versions, the objective is to collect 10 crystal shards per stage. Each world encompasses multiple stages, and the crystals are scattered throughout each. With six continents to explore (North Pole, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia), each featuring three stages, players are tasked with collecting 10 crystals per stage across a total of 18 stages.
While time travel isn't directly stated in the 16-bit iterations of The Smurfs Travel the World, the inclusion of a Cowboys and Indians-themed North America level hints at this concept, subtly suggesting a journey through different historical periods.
Environmental responsibility is a recurring theme in the 16-bit versions during bonus stages. Smurf and Smurfette collect discarded items like rotten apples, fishbones, and cans. However, the primary focus of the game remains on gathering crystal shards and returning home.
Game Boy, Sega Master System, and Sega Game Gear Versions:
In the handheld and 8-bit versions (Game Boy, Master System, and Game Gear), the goal shifts slightly. Players must collect a total of 21 crystal shards per continent to fully reassemble the Magic Crystal and progress to the next area. Each continent consists of three levels, and the 21 shards are distributed throughout those levels (not necessarily evenly per level).
Time travel is explicitly mentioned in the 8-bit versions, further connecting The Smurfs Travel the World to the final season of the 1981 Smurfs cartoon, which featured time crystals.
The environmental subplot plays a more prominent role in the 8-bit versions. The game introduction specifically highlights the world's suffering from pollution. Alongside collecting crystal shards, players frequently gather pollution-themed items – such as discarded apple cores – across each level. Despite this emphasis on pollution, there's no narrative resolution (e.g., the pollution isn't tied to the crystal-breaking incident), and the Smurfs offer no in-game commentary on the issue.
Lost in Translation
The game's French developers have quirky English translations at some points. The Italian flag in the language selection screen has the colors as red, white and green not the correct green, white and red.
Collector's Item
The Master System version of the game, as the last game ever released for the platform, is a true collectors item.
Summary
Overall, The Smurfs Travel the World offers a charming and engaging platforming experience, particularly for younger players or fans of the Smurfs franchise. Its focus on exploration, colorful visuals, and simple, accessible gameplay make it a delightful and worthwhile adventure. The game provides a surprising amount of replayability, ensuring a smurfy good time for those willing to embark on this global quest.
See The Smurfs 2 gallery section for SNES, Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Gear and Master System.
Play The Smurfs Travel the World online - click here.
 Smurf Video Games Guide
The Smurfs Video Games List
 Play a Smurf Game Now!
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__It's PeazJelly Time
Posts: 439 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
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