The Smurf Game (1981) Board Game

The Smurf Game, released in 1981, is a board game based on the popular Belgian comic franchise created by Peyo. It is designed for children aged 6 and above and can be played by 2-4 players. The game is published by Milton Bradley and features characters and themes from the Smurfs comic book series.

Game Components of The Smurf Game

3D gameboard with terrain pieces

Food basket discs (apples, acorns, grapes, strawberries)

Player pawns

Die

Two dials (wheels) on the game board

Cardboard components, including the gameboard and 3D elements.

How To Setup The Smurf Game

To set up the game, insert the terrain pieces into the corresponding spaces on the game board. Sort the food basket discs by type and place them next to the corresponding sections on the gameboard. Players choose a color and place their pawn on the home space. Turn the two dials so one small hole is on both sides of the section where you turn the wheels. The player who rolls the highest number on the die starts the game, which proceeds clockwise.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Children’s roll and move game

Mechanics: Rolling a die to move, strategic decision-making on collecting extra food baskets

Objective: Be the first player to collect at least one basket of each type of food (apples, acorns, grapes, strawberries) and return to the home space.

Player Experience

The Smurf Game is a straightforward, family-friendly game with minimal strategy. Players roll a die to move their Smurf around the board, aiming to collect different food baskets. The game introduces some strategy through the option to collect a second copy of any food basket, providing protection against losing items. The two wheels on the game board can be rotated to hinder opponents by making a cat appear, forcing them to lose a food basket.

Pros

Theme and Artwork: The game effectively utilizes the Smurf theme, with well-done artwork and a 3D gameboard that adds to the theme.

Simple to Learn: Easy gameplay makes it accessible for young children.

Some Strategy: The option to collect extra food baskets and the use of the wheels introduce a bit of strategic thinking.

Cons

Generic Components: The game components are made of cardboard and are not particularly special.

Limited Originality: The game follows a typical roll and move format with little innovation.

Quality Issues: The 3D elements can be fragile and prone to loss over time.

Personal Thoughts on The Smurf Game

The Smurf Game is ideal for fans of the Smurfs series and young children looking for a simple, fun board game experience. While it may not offer a lot of depth or originality, it captures the essence of the Smurfs and provides a light-hearted gaming experience. For collectors of vintage board games or Smurfs merchandise, this game could also be a nostalgic and appealing addition. However, for those seeking more complex or strategic gameplay, this might not be the best choice.

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