Underrated PS5 Local Co-Op Game is a Surprise Hidden Gem

Posted by By our-little-miss-is-home January 4, 2025 3 Views 6 Min Read
Underrated PS5 Local Co-Op Game is a Surprise Hidden Gem

Summary

  • The Smurfs: Dreams is an underrated PS5 local co-op game inspired by Super Mario, offering a fun 2-player adventure.
  • The game features engaging platforming and avoids some pitfalls that other local co-op games suffer.
  • Smurfs: Dreams is also available on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox consoles.

2024’s The Smurfs: Dreams is a surprisingly solid local co-op game that PlayStation 5 owners looking for a fresh co-op game to play should definitely check out. The PlayStation 5 is home to all kinds of fantastic local co-op gaming experiences, ranging from newer games to older titles playable on the new hardware thanks to its backward compatibility with the PS4. Those with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription can also play a selection of PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP games, some of which also offer local co-op support.

The rise of online gaming has seen local multiplayer and co-op fall to the wayside somewhat, but there are still plenty of high-quality new local co-op games released on the latest consoles. There have been some great local co-op PS5 games released over the years, but one from 2024 has flown under the radar somewhat.

best local co-op games ps plus

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2024’s The Smurfs: Dreams is an underrated local co-op game that hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. I imagine that the game being a licensed product, and one based on The Smurfs at that, has led to many people dismissing it, but those that give it a chance will find one of the better co-op games of 2024. The Smurfs: Dreams offers 2-player local co-op throughout the entire adventure, and the game itself is a lot better than many would expect.

The Smurfs: Dreams is A Lot of Fun in Local Co-Op

The Smurfs: Dreams wears its inspirations on its sleeve. It takes cues from games like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 3D World, replicating that style of 3D platforming but with a Smurfs twist. While the levels are all fairly straight-forward platforming affairs where players jump on enemies, clear platforming obstacles, and find collectibles, things are kept fresh through the regular introduction of new gadgets and gimmicks.

As far as local co-op platformers go, The Smurfs: Dreams is actually one of the better ones on the market. It avoids a lot of the pitfalls that similar games suffer by not being overly strict with the camera in a way that screws over the second player, and it generally goes out of its way to make sure Player 1 isn’t getting preferential treatment. This is reflected in nice touches like the costume system, with The Smurfs: Dreams remembering the second player’s skin choice instead of forcing them to re-select every time. The only misstep is that The Smurfs: Dreams doesn’t let the second player unlock achievements or trophies, but otherwise it’s definitely one of the smoother local co-op platformers I’ve played.

The game looks nice, plays great, and is a ton of fun in local co-op. And it’s available on more platforms than just the PS5. Those interested in the game should note that The Smurfs: Dreams is also available on PS4, Xbox consoles, Switch, and PC, making it easily accessible to local co-op gamers regardless of their platform of choice.

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