A lot of kids and adults can’t get enough of the Smurfs. If that’s you, Ubisoft has a new mobile game debuting today on iOS and Android.
Smurfs Epic Run is sprinting onto the app stores as a 2D platformer game with more than 100 levels and 250 challenges to complete. It’s a big game from Ubisoft, the French video game publisher that normally focuses on triple-A games like Assassin’s Creed.
In the game, you run, jump, glide, rush, and dash through various levels to free captive Smurfs and defeat the minions of the evil sorcerer Gargamel.
Inspired by Peyo (aka Pierre Culliford), the creator of the Smurfs, the game’s storyline has Gargamel casting an evil fog to capture the Smurfs. The player, who can choose to be a favorite Smurf character (Smurfette, Papa Smurf, Handy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, and others), must run away from the fog. The player journeys through lush worlds, gathers powerful magic artifacts, and saves the Smurfs to become the hero of the village. You have to try to set the best score in each level, and you can customize the Smurfs with cute companions, magic, rings, and other artifacts to get bonuses.
Each level is randomly generated to ensure that gamers do not play the same level twice. You can collect Golden Keys every day, complete Papa Smurf’s Daily Missions, and spin the Wheel of Fortune. Those are tricks that entice players to come back regularly. There’s also a weekly tournament.
“We are glad to collaborate once again with Ubisoft on The Smurfs,” said Véronique Culliford, the president of licensing firm IMPS and daughter of Peyo, in a statement. “Working with Ubisoft means a lot when it comes to building a rich and original gaming experience while respecting The Smurfs’ identity. Smurfs Epic Run is probably the most ‘smurfed’ title to date and one of the best visual experiences in a game based on our beloved blue characters. Our art teams have been working closely together to deliver what we hope will delight both Smurfs fans and mobile players alike.”
Smurfs Epic Run is available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.