Difference in Opinion

The Simpsons have seen their share of games in the past, some trying to capture the whole story, and others taking from a page of the Crazy Taxi handbook. Honestly, the most recent next-gen game is not at all like the rest. Sure it captures the city and the feel, but it does an amazing job of taking a look at videogames in general ala Simpsons parodies, while capturing the feel of the Simpsons world.

The Simpsons Game provides the best in-the-story feel of the TV series yet. The world around you all has black outlines like the animated show. If that isn’t enough there are countless cut-scenes where there is actual animation that was done that looks just like the show. At first glace, this is accomplishment enough that the game has gotten that close to capturing the story, but there are so many other features. There is a broad range of things you can do with each character, from turning into Bartman to recruiting an impressionable mob with Marge’s megaphone.

The game pokes fun at itself many times and makes references to “The Simpsons Game” and older titles for classic game consoles. Throughout the story, Bart is looking through the game manual of the game and finding out what powers they have and can do. It feels almost like Hiro looking through the 9th Wonders comic on the Heroes show and finding out more about himself. By far the best and most comedic part of the game is how much is makes fun of other games. There are posters everywhere depicting all sorts of titles like Grand Theft Scratchy and Sitar Hero. At one point in the game you actually go to a land where they recycle old games to make the new ones. It is a giant factory run by EA (yes, they make fun of their own publisher), powered by enslaved Marios and Sonics, and protected by Madden quarterbacks and fighters that resemble Ryu from Street Fighter.

The game is very fun and enjoyable, especially if you are a fan of the television show. Everyone is sure to get quite a few laughs from the videogame parodies they have, some of which you play through, like Medal of Homer (above). I highly recommend picking this game up if you call yourself a Simpsons fan (who doesn’t now-a-days?).

Final Score
Gameplay: 9 out of 10
Graphics: 7 out of 10