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Smurf Forum » Smurf Rescue - The First Smurf Video Game
Author Topic: Smurf Rescue - The First Smurf Video Game
TheGamePeddler
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Icon 7 posted 04-11-2001 05:24 AM            Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
Papa Smurf,

I saw your post on colecovision.com and looked at your site. Very thorough. I'm not sure if you're aware of these, but you left a couple of games out. Smurf Rescue was also produced for Atari 2600(and I think Intellivision, but I'm not sure). There is also a rather rare french label variation of the ColecoVision game called Schtroumpfs.

TheGamePeddler

From: Deep within Gargamel's Lair
Papa Smurf
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Icon 10 posted 04-11-2001 05:43 AM      Profile for Papa Smurf   Author's Homepage  Papa Smurf's Figurine Checklist  Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
TheGamePeddler,

In Canada, Coleco cartridges were released with an extra label in French that consumers could affix themselves. These labels are required because of strict language / censorship laws.

In most cases these labels were printed in black and white only... but I think the very first run of French stickers was in color.

European Coleco carts say "CBS ColecoVision" and the US/Canada carts don't have "CBS" on the label.

Was the label you saw for the French game from France (or elsewhere in Europe) for the CBS ColecoVision? Or was it the Canadian one?

Thank-you for your comments. [Smile]

ColecoVision Schtroumpf Au Chateau de Gargamel - Color Label
ColecoVision Schtroumpf Au Chateau de Gargamel - Color Label

Posts: 1503 | From: Smurfingland | Registered: Jul 1999
Advertising Smurf
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Posts: | From: Smurf Village | Registered: Apr 2006
TheGamePeddler
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Icon 1 posted 04-11-2001 10:55 AM            Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
I would mention them just for the fact that the cartridges are different shapes/colors, and the games are graphically different from the ColecoVision version.

As far as I understand, this is not a Canadian french label, but rather a full color european cart. I'm not positive if it is a CBS cart, but I would assume so if it were produced in europe. I've seen several pictures of them, as well as auctions for them on eBay, and now I wish I'd payed more attention.


From: Deep within Gargamel's Lair
Papa Smurf
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Icon 14 posted 02-14-2010 11:12 AM      Profile for Papa Smurf   Author's Homepage  Papa Smurf's Figurine Checklist  Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
Coleco Smurf Rescue for Atari, Intellivision and ColecoVision TV Advertisement:


Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle TV Commercial



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Watch all of The Smurfs Commercials!


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It's EASY to share photos, videos & more at BlueBuddies - here's how to do it!

Posts: 1503 | From: Smurfingland | Registered: Jul 1999
Papa Smurf
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Icon 10 posted 05-14-2001 06:02 AM      Profile for Papa Smurf   Author's Homepage  Papa Smurf's Figurine Checklist  Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
Cheats for Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle for Colecovision

Here are some hints and tips for Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle:

Lost Dress:

Leave the room at the last screen with Smurfette and the skull. Smufette will drop her dress.

Easy Points:

Choose game 4 at the game difficulty screen. Repeatedly move back and forth between screens one and two to accumulate over 900,000 points after one minute.

Easier Screens:

If a difficult screen appears, return to the previous screen and re-enter. Repeat if necessary until an easier screen appears.


Posts: 1503 | From: Smurfingland | Registered: Jul 1999
Peazjelly
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Icon 1 posted 05-11-2023 02:37 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
Smurf Rescue game trivia

Retrovideogamer in the UK did an interview with Paul Jaquays / Jennell Jaquays, Director of Game Design at Coleco. Jaquays talked about making Smurf Rescue for the Colecovision.

Smurf Rescue, to this day, remains one of those games for the ColecoVision that brings back great memories of the system. Was the idea for the game entirely original by your team or was Peyo involved in the development of the game concept?

"It was an original game concept. I don't remember the details of how we designed it. At the time, I wasn't aware that we were apparently creating a new genre in the form of a side-scrolling character game. Peyo's only real involvement in the game was to tell us all the things that we could NOT do with their characters. A couple years later, the Burroughs estate would do the same thing for Tarzan. Peyo DID complain about the blue color we chose for the Smurf's skin. It wasn't the right smurfy color of blue. We had to explain that we only had sixteen colors that we could use, which included only two shades of blue (not counting cyan) and we chose the closest."


ColecoVision Experience did an interview with Jaquays for their Summer 2022 issue:

What was it like working with licensed intellectual properties? Any issues with Peyo?

"Working with IP licensors was often difficult and unsatisfying… at least for the licensor. With Peyo, we had to explain to them that the Colecovision could not exactly duplicate the exact Pantone blue color they demanded we use for the Smurf's skin tone. They had a choice of two blues. Which did they like better?"

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__It's PeazJelly Time

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Vic George The ND Guy
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Icon 1 posted 05-20-2023 05:03 AM      Profile for Vic George The ND Guy   Author's Homepage   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
Pragmatic adaptation. Sometimes you got to adapt to what works within a given medium. Same thing with video games.

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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"

Posts: 4089 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
Peazjelly
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Icon 1 posted 05-31-2024 02:59 PM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
Coleco ADAM Super Game Pack - Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle
Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Advertising Flyer


Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle

Published by: Coleco
Age Rating  : Everyone
Target Date : 1983
Status      : Unreleased


Platform: Coleco ADAM

Super Smurf Rescue for the Coleco ADAM

Few Coleco titles remain shrouded in as much mystery and intrigue as "Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle," an unreleased 'Super Game Pack' for the Coleco ADAM that promised an enhanced version of the popular Smurf Rescue game. What does it look like? What does it play like? Is it real? It's a question people have been asking for decades...

A Glimpse into the Unreleased Game

Coleco made reference books for their promotional flyers. The 1983 Coleco book contains flyers for ADAM Super Game Packs. Evidence of this lost title primarily comes from a one page advertising flyer found within Coleco promotional materials, pictured above.

The flyer page reads as follows:
  • Extra Screens...
  • Enhanced Graphics...
  • Greater Challenge...
  • MORE EXCITEMENT!
MORE EXCITING SMURF ACTION!

An even more dazzling edition of the popular ColecoVision cartridge! The more colorful enhanced graphics bring the fantastic world of the SMURFS even closer! Your SMURF sets out for GARGAMEL's foreboding castle on an even trickier rescue mission. On this Super Game Pack, SMURF must contend with steeper jumps, more dangerous obstacles...even a mountain to climb! He'll still be pursued by birds, bats and spiders; but now even more nasty critters are on his trail, too. It's more fun than ever.

*Actual game screen may show variation from illustration above.

SMURF, SMURFETTE and GARGAMEL are trademarks of PEYO. ©1983. Licensed by Wallace Berrie and Co., Van Nuys, CA. ©1983 COLECO INDUSTRIES, INC., AMSTERDAM, NEW YORK 12010.

Printed in USA.

#2627

The Mountain Level: A Rumor of Public Demonstration?

While the game never reached store shelves, some claim that "Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle" was demonstrated publicly at least once. Details are scarce, but these accounts often mention a specific level featuring Smurf atop a snow-covered mountain, a feature highlighted in the flyer.

Michael William Brown writes about an earlier iteration of Coleco Super Games in the June 1983 issue of "Electronic Fun: Computers and Games":

"...the Super Games are stored on mini-cassettes (which are about the length and width of a business card) called Super Game Wafers ... the module has a magnetic micro-tape drive mechanism behind a slot in the front left panel. Inside the wafers is approximately 50 feet of specially formulated magnetic tape about an eighth of an inch wide."

Brown states that he played Super Games for 8 hours over two days. Load times for the games is estimated at ~10 seconds. He played Super Donkey Kong, Super Donkey Kong Jr. and Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle. Brown states that the Super Games have better colors and additional levels in all three games he played. He also notes that Super Games have the ability to enter initials for a high score which is permanently stored to tape.

Why Was It Canceled?

The exact reasons behind the game's cancellation remain unclear. When it became known that the Coleco ADAM would be discontinued, Super Game Pack versions of games continued to be released. Why was Super Donkey Kong Junior and Super Zaxxon released and not Super Smurf Rescue? Is it because those titles were released to manufacturing just before the demise of the ADAM? Or is it because Super Smurf Rescue was never actually finished?

Conclusion

"Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle" remains a tantalizing "what if" in the history of the Coleco ADAM. The advertising flyer provides a glimpse into a more expansive and challenging Smurf adventure that, sadly, never materialized for the masses. The legend of the mountain level and the rumored public demonstration add to the game's mystique, leaving us to wonder what could have been.

Technical Notes: What is a Super Game Pack?

Coleco ADAM Super Game packs are special enhanced versions of games with better graphics and sound than standard ColecoVision fare. They have more levels and allow saving of high-scores. Although also available on floppy disk, they are primarily stored on special digital cassette tapes called Digital Data Packs (DDP). Digital Data Packs are similar to 1980s audio tapes, but encased in a Lexan™ cassette shell instead of regular plastic. Each DDP can store up to 256Kbytes.

See the Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle gallery section - and read about an earlier version of the game - here.

Flyer courtesy of else.

 - Smurf Video Games Guide

 - The Smurfs Video Games List

 - Play a Smurf Game Now!

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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
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Icon 1 posted 06-02-2024 07:09 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
Here are some Coleco ADAM Super Game Smurf Rescue screengrabs or mock-ups.

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Super Smurf Rescue - Smurf in Flower Field

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Super Smurf Rescue - Gargamel's Castle Ghost

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Super Smurf Rescue - Different Mushroom House

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Super Smurf Rescue - Follow the Smurf Path

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Super Smurf Rescue - Smurf Climbs Snow Covered Mountain

Courtesy of polyex and Supergun.

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Super Smurf Rescue - 1984 Coleco Press Kit


Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Super Game

A dazzling new edition of the popular ColecoVision cartridge! More colorful graphics that bring the fantastic world of SMURFS even closer! Your SMURF sets out for GARGAMEL's foreboding castle on an even trickier rescue mission. On this SUPER GAME PACK, SMURF must contend with steeper jumps, and more dangerous obstacles. He'll still be pursued by birds, bats and spiders; but now even more nasty critters are on his trail, including GARGAMEL'S cat, AZRAEL. It's more challenging and more fun than ever, for kids of all ages!

SMURF, GARGAMEL, and AZRAEL are trademarks of Peyo.
© 1983 Licensed by Wallace Berrie and Co., Van Nuys, CA.
#2627 Digital Data Pack
#9641 5 1⁄4" Disk

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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Gameplay


Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle

Also Called : Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle
Published by: Coleco
Age Rating  : Everyone
Release Date: 1982


Platform: ColecoVision

Smurf Rescue for the ColecoVision: The First Smurf Video Game

In 1982, Coleco made history by releasing the very first Smurf video game ever made. This milestone coincided with the launch of the ColecoVision, their influential arcade-quality console that went on to sell over two million units in just two years.

Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle was incredibly popular and became one of the standout games for the ColecoVision. Equally significant is that fact that Coleco set a precedent for licensing character-based games. At a time when the gaming industry was still finding its footing, Smurf Rescue capitalizes on the surging popularity of the hit animated Smurfs TV series, bridging the gap between traditional media and the emerging video game market. While we take for granted the endless licensing of every popular media franchise into every medium today, Coleco started the whole thing back in 1982.

Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle was a massive hit for Coleco. But the influence of Smurf Rescue extends beyond sales - it inspired every subsequent Smurf-themed game across over thirty platforms. Coleco proved that well-executed adaptations of popular franchises can thrive in the gaming industry, a trend that continues to this day.

The Smurfs Step into the Digital World

Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle is a 2D platformer from 1982 developed for the ColecoVision and Atari 2600. The premise of the game is straightforward: Gargamel, the evil wizard and perennial Smurf hater, has kidnapped Smurfette and imprisoned her in his castle. Players take control of Smurf, who navigates a series of side-scrolling screens to reach her. Along the way, he must jump over obstacles like fences, rivers, and stalagmites, while dodging hazards such as birds, bats, and spiders. The idea works beautifully - traversing the countryside to save Smurfette is a perfect game for kids who want to step into the shoes of their favorite blue buddies.

Gameplay: A Leap Through the Smurf Forest

Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle is a quintessential early platformer, predating the genre-defining Super Mario Bros.. The game unfolds across multiple environments—starting in the Smurf village, moving through a forest, into a cave, and finally arriving at Gargamel's castle. Each screen presents a new challenge, requiring precise timing to leap over obstacles or land on ledges. Smurf's movement is controlled via a joystick, with options to run, duck, and jump (including a double-jump mechanic for higher obstacles). Interestingly, players never use the joystick's fire buttons.

An energy bar at the top of the screen adds a layer of urgency, slowly depleting as the Smurf progresses. Completing a section before the energy runs out earns bonus points based on remaining stamina, while failure results in the loss of a life. With five Smurfs (lives) per game, players have a fair shot at reaching Smurfette, though higher difficulty levels ramp up the challenge by introducing faster-moving enemies like crows and spiders.

The ColecoVision version, in particular, stands out for its vibrant graphics and catchy soundtrack. Boasting arcade-quality visuals that outshone the Atari 2600's more rudimentary display, it features detailed sprites and colorful backgrounds that bring the Smurf world to life. The music includes renditions of Joseph Brackett Jr.'s 1848 Shaker song "Simple Gifts" (made popular in Aaron Copland's ballet "Appalachian Spring") as well as Beethoven's "Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral)", an unexpected but lovely touch for a children's game. The Atari 2600 version also includes the Smurfs theme by Hoyt Curtin from the 1981 animated Smurf series.

A Tale of Two Consoles

While the ColecoVision version is often praised for its superior presentation, the Atari 2600 port held its own as a more accessible option for the millions of households that owned Atari's iconic console. The gameplay remains largely the same, though the graphics and sound were scaled back to fit the 2600's hardware limitations. Despite these compromises, both versions captured the essence of the Smurfs' world and offers a fun, if repetitive, experience.

For the ColecoVision, the game came out in the summer of 1982, coinciding with the console's debut on July 28, 1982. "Smurf Rescue" was one of the first four launch titles. Catalog #2443.

For the Atari 2600, the release also falls in 1982, although it trailed the ColecoVision version. Coleco pushed to get it out before the Christmas season '82.

For the Intellivision, although announced, the game was never officially released. An excellent unofficial port was made in 2014.

Developer Accounts
  • Game Credits: The Atari 2600 version is credited to programmer Henry Will IV. The developer of the Atari version is credited to James Wickstead Design Associates.

  • Design Simplicity: The game's design was straightforward—guide a Smurf through side-scrolling obstacles to save Smurfette. Still, the Atari 2600 version had to strip down the ColecoVision's fancier graphics, leading to a blockier Smurf and simpler backgrounds.

  • Hardware Challenges: The Atari 2600 port faced the console's notorious limitations—4K of ROM space and no frame buffer meant every pixel and sound had to be carefully managed. The ColecoVision allows for smoother animations and richer colors, which is why it's often seen as the "definitive" version.
Production Anecdotes
  • Initials Easter Egg: The ColecoVision version has a quirky Easter egg—sometimes, initials pop up between screens. As the Smurf moves from one screen to the next (e.g., from the forest to the mountain), some players report seeing faint, fleeting characters—possibly "J.M." or "P.S."—which could be linked to the game's programmer, James Wickstead, or another member of the development team at Coleco.

  • Points Easter Egg: You can rack up massive points moving between forest sections. By repeatedly moving back and forth between two adjacent forest screens—crossing the boundary and immediately returning—points can accumulate rapidly. Skilled players can rack up massive scores, sometimes exceeding 10,000 points. This trick is a ColecoVision-specific quirk.

  • Smurfette Glitch: In the ColecoVision version, there's a glitch where Smurfette's dress can partially disappear (pixels turning black) if you enter and then exit the final screen. Look closely as you leave, Smurfette's dress appears to disappear. It also disappears if you line up your Smurf in a particular crouch position next to Smurfette.

  • Floating Dress: After entering and then exiting the final screen, wait around - Smurfette's dress will eventually float around the screen.

  • Intellivision That Never Was: Coleco planned an Intellivision port (catalog #2485), but it got scrapped. This hints at production pressures; Coleco was stretching thin across multiple platforms, and not everything made it to shelves.
Read more about Smurfette's glitchy dress here.

The Unreleased Super Game: Super Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle

While Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle marked the Smurfs' most notable foray into gaming during Coleco's heyday, an ambitious follow-up titled Super Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle was planned but never released. Intended for the Coleco ADAM, Super Smurf was expanded on the original with enhanced graphics, new levels, and more.

Unfortunately, the project was never released, leaving Super Smurf as a tantalizing "what could have been" in gaming history. Some claim they've seen it - that it's real and exists. For collectors and fans, it remains a holy grail, with discussions on the Smurf BBS forums keeping its legend alive.

Reception and Legacy

At the time of its release, Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle was well-received for its faithful adaptation of the Smurf universe and its approachable gameplay. The ColecoVision's graphical prowess earned it accolades as an "interactive cartoon". For kids in 1982, the chance to control a Smurf and thwart Gargamel was a thrilling novelty.

Its historical significance is undeniable—it's one of the earliest examples of a narrative-driven platform game, bridging the gap between single-screen arcade titles and the sprawling adventures that would define the genre. Most importantly, Smurf Rescue for the ColecoVision was not only the very first Smurf video game ever made, it was the first of the licensed character console games we've all been enjoying ever since.

Historical tibits: ColecoVision, Atari and Intellivison

The popular consoles of the early 1980s are the Atari 2600, the Mattel Intellivison and the ColecoVision. The ColecoVision is different from the other two consoles of the era - it uses the same or similar hardware as the original arcade machines. The ColecoVision was literally a generation ahead of the Intellivision and especially the Atari 2600, which was ancient in comparison. In terms of technology, nothing even came close to a ColecoVision, and no later console relative to its' competitors has been in such a unique situation again.

Mistaken Identity

Belokapi was a French media company and licensor of Peyo products. Although some have claimed that Belokapi programmed or developed Smurf Rescue, this is not the case. Belokapi was simply a regional licensor for the CBS ColecoVision version of Schtroumpf Au Château de Gargamel.

See the Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Atari 2600 and ColecoVision gallery sections.

 - Smurf Video Games Guide

 - The Smurfs Video Games List

 - Play a Smurf Game Now!

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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
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Icon 1 posted 03-29-2025 05:18 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
ColecoVision Screenshots
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Mushroom House
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Deadly Fences
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Grass Mounds
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - The Cave
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Approaching Gargamel's Castle
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Getting Nearer...
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Outside of Gargamel's Castle
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Jumping over Spiders

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Spiders inside Gargamel's Castle

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Skull Obstacle
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Jumping over the Skull
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Rescuing Smurfette


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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
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Smurf Rescue in Gargaeml's Castle Instruction Manaul
Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Instruction Manual


Guide No. 78089A

CARTRIDGE INSTRUCTIONS

For one or two players. Select from four skill levels. Features TV's delightful Smurfs™ in an adventurous rescue game.

Game Description
GAME DESCRIPTION

In Coleco’s SMURF™ RESCUE IN GARGAMEL'S™ CASTLE, treacherous Gargamel™ has captured Smurfette™ and has trapped her in his lab. To free her, nimble-footed Smurf™ must run, jump and duck his way through dangerous woods, fields and cavern. Dodge the spooky hawks, bats and spiders sent by Gargamel™. Can you rescue Smurfette™ and save the day?


Getting Ready to Play
GETTING READY TO PLAY
  • Make sure the COLECOVISION™ console is connected to TV. Make sure power supply is plugged into console. Then plug power supply into a 110/120 volt AC outlet.

  • TV should be on and tuned to same channel as the Channel Select switch on the console.

  • To play one-player SMURF™ RESCUE IN GARGAMEL’S™ CASTLE, use the controller in Port 1 (the rear jack). To play the two-player game, use both controllers.

  • ALWAYS MAKE SURE COLECOVISION™ UNIT IS OFF BEFORE INSERTING OR REMOVING A CARTRIDGE. Turn Off/On switch to On after cartridge is inserted.

Using Your Controllers
USING YOUR CONTROLLERS

NOTE: For a one-player game, use the controller in Port 1. For a two-player game. Player 1 uses the controller plugged into Port 1. Player 2 uses the controller plugged Into Port 2.

Using the Keypad Buttons and Control Stick tor SMURF™ RESCUE IN GARGAMELS™ CASTLE
  1. Keypad: Keypad Buttons 1-8 allow you to select a Game Option before beginning to play. Pressing * after a game allows you to replay the same Game Option, pressing # after a game allows you to return to the Game Option screen.

  2. Control Slick: Use the Control Stick to make Smurf™ run. duck and jump.

    Running:

    Push the Control Slick left or right to move Smurf™ in that direction.

    Ducking:

    Push the Control Stick down to make Smurf™ duck.

    Jumping:

    Push the Control Slick up when Smurf™ stands still to make him jump in place. Push it up again IMMEDIATELY after jumping to make Smurf™ take a large jump forward. If you wait just a little bit longer, he makes a small jump forward. If he jumps while running, he makes a small jump — but don't wait too long, or he will jump in place!

  3. NOTE: The Side Buttons are not used for COLECO'S SMURF™ RESCUE IN GARGAMELS™ CASTLE.

    HERE’S HOW TO PLAY

    NOTE: If you are playing a two-player game, players take turns Player 1 begins, and each turn lasts until the player's next Smurf™ falls.

    The choice is yours.

    Press the Reset Button. The title screen will appear on your TV. Wait for the Game Option screen to appear. It contains a list of game play options, numbered 1-8. Select one by pressing the corresponding number button on either controller keypad.

    Game Options 1 and 5 are easy versions, especially designed for beginners and very young children There are no attacking creatures and you don't have to worry about keeping Smurf's™ energy level up. When you get better, try one of the harder games (Game Options 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 or 8).

    SMURFETTE™ HAS BEEN CAPTURED!!!

    After you select a Game Option. Smurf™ appears. Smurette™ has been captured and is trapped in Gargamel's™ castle. To save her, off you go to Gargamel's™ castle, far. faraway to the right.

    Move Smurf™ through fields, woods and cavern to get to the spooky castle.


    Smurf at Home
    SMURF™ AT HOME

    Hawks, spiders and bats!

    Scary hawks, spiders and bats, trained by evil Gargamel™, try to stop Smurf” from getting to Smurfetle'". When these creatures appear. Smurf™ must duck, jump or run away to avoid them.

    The ups and downs of the journey.

    Smurf's™ nimble feet must take him past all sorts of dangers, such as fences, bluffs, mounds, spiky grasses and sharp stalagmites (in the cavern). Learn to take just the right size jumps (big or small) to make it past all of them.

    While Smurf™ is traveling toward the castle, you get points when tie jumps over any obstacle. But make sure you reach the landing positions. If you fall short, you do not get any points.

    If Smurf™ is running back toward the house, you get no points for the jumps, and you get no points until you reach new territory.

    Remember, it Smurf™ falls down after jumping or is knocked down by an attacking creature, he is eliminated. Then, another Smurf™ must try to rescue Smurfette™.


    In the Fields: Danger Everywhere!
    IN THE FIELDS: DANGER EVERYWHERE!

    Keep Smurf’s™ energy up!

    Watch the Energy Level Indicator on your screen. It shows you that Smurf™ sometimes gets tired and discouraged as he travels. But whenever Smurf™ enters a new kind of countryside (field, woods or cavern) or when he enters the castle, he starts feeling better and his energy level goes right back up to the top!

    Keep in mind that Smurf's™ energy comes back up only when he comes to NEW land, not when he travels over the same old ground again. And the faster he moves toward the castle and Smurfette™, the better he feels and the more Energy Bonus points YOU get! If Smurf™ runs out of energy, he gets too tired and falls.

    Smurfing™ Smurfette™ free!

    Finally, Smurf™ reaches Gargamel’s™ castle. But what an awful place it is! Spiders lurk in the gloom, then leap out at Smurf™. Can you help Smurf™ save Smurfette™ from this creepy castle? Try to jump up and set her free!


    Inside Gargamel's Castle
    Inside Gargamel's™ Castle

    Game End and Starting Again

    The game ends when all your Smurfs™ have fallen. At that time, the screen displays your final score.

    To replay the same Game Option that you have been playing, press *. Or you can go back to the Game Option screen by pressing #.

    NOTE: The Reset Button on the console "clears" the computer. It can be used to start a new game and can also be used in the event of game malfunction.


    SCORING

    Smurf™ ActionPoints Scored
    Jumping fences (woods)200
    Jumping mounds, bluffs and spiky grasses (fields)200-300
    Jumping stalagmites (cavern)200-300
    Jumping onto the skull (castle)300
    Rescuing Smurfette™10,000

    Each time Smurf™ leaves a new section of countryside, you score Energy Bonus points. The faster Smurf™ finishes the section of countryside, the more points you get!

    You get five Smurfs™ per game.

    THE FUN OF DISCOVERY

    This instruction booklet will provide the basic information you need to get started playing SMURF™ RESCUE IN GARGAMEL'S™ CASTLE, but it is only the beginning! You’ll find that this cartridge is full of special features to make SMURF™ RESCUE IN GARGAMEL'S™ CASTLE exciting every time you play. Experiment with different techniques — and enjoy the game.

    90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY

    Coleco warrants to the original consumer purchaser in the United States of any video game cartridge it manufactures, that the cartridge will be free of defects in material or workmanship for 90 days from the date of purchase under normal in-house use.

    If your cartridge falls to operate properly DURING THE FIRST 90 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, return it postage prepaid and insured, with your name, address, proof of the date of purchase and a brief description of the problem, to the Factory Service Station as listed. If your cartridge is found to be factory defective during the first 90 days, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you. If the cartridge is found to have been consumer damaged or abused it therefore will not be covered by the warranty, then you will be advised in advance of repair costs.

    Coleco's sole and exclusive liability for defects in material and workmanship shall be limited to repair or replacement at its authorized Coleco Service Station, and Coleco shall in no event be liable for incidental, consequential contingent or any other damages, (some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you). This warranty does not obligate Coleco to bear the cost of transportation charges in connection with the repair or replacement of defective parts.

    This warranty is invalid if the damage or defect is caused by accident, act of God, consumer abuse, unauthorized alteration or repair, vandalism or misuse.

    This warranty is made in lieu of any other express warranty. and except for the foregoing warranty which is exclusive. there is no other express warranty being made.

    This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

    Please read the Owner's Manual carefully before using the product. If a malfunction occurs, please refer to the trouble-shooting checklist in the Owner's Manual for your video system. If you cannot correct the malfunction after consulting the trouble-shooting checklist, please call the Factory Service Station listed in your video system manual.

    CARTRIDGE SERVICE POLICY

    If your cartridge requires service after expiration of the 90 day Limited Warranty period, Coleco will service the cartridge and put it in working condition or replace it with a reconditioned unit (at our option), on receipt of your cartridge, postage prepaid and insured, with your check in the amount of S10.00 payable to Coleco Industries. Inc.

    For service information regarding your Coleco cartridge call 1-800-842-1225. This service station is in operation from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday thru Friday.

    Coleco's service obligation does not apply to defects arising from abuse, misuse or alteration of the cartridge. If the cartridge is found to have been consumer damaged or abused it therefore will not be covered by the warranty, then you will be advised in advance of repair costs.

    Please allow 4-6 weeks for repair and return.

    All returns must be directed to:

    Coleco Industries, Inc.
    Consumer Electronics Department P.O. Box 47
    Amsterdam, New York 12010
    Attention: Consumer Quality Manager


    Smurf™, Smurfette™ and Gargamel™ are the trademarks of Peyo, © 1982.
    Licensed by Wallace Berrie & Co., Van Nuys, CA.

    Package, Program and Audiovisual © 1982 Coleco Industries, Inc.
    Amsterdam, New York 12010

    Coleco


    Printed In U.S.A.

    --------------------
    __It's PeazJelly Time

    Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
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Icon 1 posted 03-29-2025 05:24 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply

Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Atari 2600


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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
Member # 3101

Member Rated:
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Icon 1 posted 03-29-2025 05:25 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Atari 2600 - Mushroom House

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Atari 2600 - Fence

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Atari 2600 - River and Snake

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Atari 2600 - Grass Mounds and Hawk

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Atari 2600 - Spider

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Atari 2600 - Gargamel's Castle

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Atari 2600 - Smurfette is Rescued


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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
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Icon 1 posted 03-29-2025 05:26 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply

Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Intellivison [2014]


Coleco announced a version of Smurf Rescue for the Intellivision in 1982 but it was never released. This unlicensed port was made in 2014.

Officially unreleased (but fully completed) Smurf Rescue game by Childhood Buddy.

Eventually turned into Sydney Hunter And The Shrines Of Peril by CollectorVision. Click the link to read more about this canceled Smurf project and how it evolved into something new.

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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
Member # 3101

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Icon 1 posted 03-29-2025 06:40 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply

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Smurf Rescue Intellivision - Mushroom House

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Smurf Rescue Intellivision - Fence

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Smurf Rescue Intellivision - Blades of Grass

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Smurf Rescue Intellivision - Spooky Cave

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Smurf Rescue Intellivision - Near Gargamel's Castle

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Smurf Rescue Intellivision - Spiders!

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Smurf Rescue Intellivision - Jump the Skull


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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
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Icon 1 posted 03-30-2025 02:48 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle for Intellivision - "Coming Soon"

Announced in a 1982 TV commercial, Smurf Rescue for Intellivision finally made it into existence in 2014 as a homebrew game. It took 32 years!

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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
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Icon 1 posted 03-30-2025 06:12 AM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply

Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle - Smurfs Movie 2025

A version of Smurf Rescue made it into the 2025 Smurfs movie trailer.

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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
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Smurf Rescue - Prototype / Test Version

An alternate version of Smurf Rescue for the ColecoVision discovered by plgDavid in Quebec City, QC.


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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Prototype - Screen Comparisons

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Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle Prototype - Harder Difficulty




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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Peazjelly
Super Smurf
Member # 3101

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Icon 1 posted 04-14-2025 04:33 PM      Profile for Peazjelly   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
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Smurf Rescue in the 1984 Coleco Press Kit


Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle

The true-blue Smurf attempts to rescue Smurfette from the dank depths of Gargamel's castle. Walk him along the countryside, through stalagmite-ridden caves and other treacherous terrain on his way. Help him avoid low-flying birds and nasty insects - jump him over scary obstacles to save Smurfette. It's not as easy as it looks. Good luck!

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__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300

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Icon 1 posted 04-15-2025 12:01 PM      Profile for Vic George The ND Guy   Author's Homepage   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote  Post A Reply
The INTV version looks like a low-res edition of the ColecoVision version.

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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"

Posts: 4089 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
Peazjelly
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Smurf Rescue Cheats

Using a ColecoVision emulator, change data at the following addresses to affect Lives and/or Energy:

Smurf Rescue in Gargamel's Castle

Address 00A2h - Extra lives  - Maximum FFh = 255
Address 0167h - Energy       - Maximum FFh = 255


Trivia: If you have a Coleco Roller Controller, try wiggling it around while playing Smurf Rescue and you can move above and under the play area. None of the enemies can kill you!

--------------------
__It's PeazJelly Time

Posts: 434 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 2010
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