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Smurf must be the "cutest" of all "cute" games! That little blue chap with the floppy white hat has even managed to overtake Pacman in the C&VG cuteometer ratings!

He first appeared on the Colecovision system - in search of Smurfette imprisoned by the evil Gargamel in a gloomy spider-filled castle. Now Smurf can continue his quest on the Atari VCS thanks to CBS Electronics! The Atari version follows faithfully in the footsteps of the Coleco original. Despite the limitations of Atari VCS graphics, the CBS conversion is remarkably good - particularly when it comes to skyscapes.

The Smurf still walks along a bit like a cross between John Wayne and Charlie Chaplin - which adds to his cuteness!

In case you haven't seen the Coleco version, the object of Smurf is to rescue Smurfette from Gargamel the giant's castle. The Smurf has to trek across rough countryside, jump picket fences, leap over rivers and brave the dangers of Gargamel's dungeons before he can reach the giant's sitting room where Smurfette is imprisoned on a shelf high above a vast table.

The rivers and the final screen are the only features in the Atari version not found in the Coleco game.

If you play on skill level one, the Smurf simply has to hop, skip and jump along to the final screen - avoiding the nasty spider in the dungeon screen - and rescue Smurfette.

If you go up to skill level two, then Gargamel's hawks, snakes and bats will be after you - making the game much more challenging. You have to duck and weave as the assorted nasties come at you!

The final screen is quite difficult. Firstly, you have to beware not to rush into it too quickly. If you do, your Smurf will walk right into a chain and you'll lose a life without even getting a crack at rescuing Smurfette. Unlike the Coleco original where you had to get your Smurf onto the top of a skull and then make a quick hop up to Smurfette, the Atari version adds a few extra hazards. You have to jump onto a chair, then onto the table, then another chair before finally being able to take that final leap onto Smurfette's shelf! All of which takes a bit of practice and good joystick control. If you play on skill level two, the castle bat will be attempting to thwart your rescue bid in this screen too!

The little character will soon win your heart - even though it does take a bit of time to master his leaps, hops and dodges. And CBS have obviously gone to a lot of trouble to ensure the VCS graphics match the Coleco's as closely as possible. Personally I liked this version better than the original - except it's still got that irritating little tune!

If you like cute games then Smurf is the ultimate in cuteness. But will the challenge last if you are a dedicated video player?