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The Simpsons hit the local theater in a triumphant fashion.  EA has been adamant that in celebration of their Hollywood debut, fans would finally see a game worthy of America’s favorite televised family. Shockingly, they’ve proved true to their word—mostly. Although Simpsons Hit n’ Run was fun, almost every other game bearing the license (short of the four-player coin-op classic) has been all shades of bad. The Simpsons Game, on the other hand, is surprisingly good.

Virtual Family Values

The set up of the Simpsons Game is simple. When Bart and Homer find the instruction manual for their own video game, they discover that they have video game powers. Homer can inflate into a huge ball, Bart turns into Bartman, Lisa can stun people with her sax and move large objects in a crane-like mini-game, and Marge can rally people to her cause. All of these abilities are put to good use through the course of the various gaming episodes, though the actual gameplay is pretty much garden variety 3D platformer stuff.

There’s one major caveat when it comes to be able to really enjoy the Simpsons Game—you have to be a fan of the show. The strength of this game is not really in the actual gameplay, but in the spot-on rendition of the spirit, look, and most importantly humor and writing of the show. In truth, the actual gameplay would be run of the mill if you didn’t know these characters.

It’s Got Character

This is definitely a character-driven affair. EA has managed to hit the nail directly on the head when it came to capturing not just the Simpsons family, but the town of Springfield at large. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the town and run into its many denizens, all of whom have off the wall comments. Of course, the game uses these characters during specific character missions as well. By the time the main plot of an alien invasion gets underway, you’ll have had gleeful encounters with most of the major and even the obscure cast members.

The presentation of the game matches the show nearly perfectly. The graphics are colorful, sharp, and impressive. The animation is excellent, and on the Xbox 360 at least, the frame-rates are rock solid too. The voice actors of the show are here en masse, the soundtrack gleefully familiar, and the array of sound effects and ambient noises make you feel like a part of Springfield.

If there’s a particular flaw in the focus on character, it’s that you can’t interact with the side characters enough. It would have been even better if you could meaningfully converse or otherwise use the bizarre cast of the show somehow. Only Marge makes use of the wandering community, by bull horning them into an angry mob.

Run, Jump, Punch… Repeat

Beyond the characterizations and wonderfully ironic humor of the game which makes the game feel like an interactive episode of the TV show. The gameplay itself sticks pretty close to formula. There’s plenty of familiar 3D run and jump platformer action, with various mini-games thrown in for good measure. It’s all fun, with plenty of cartoonish violence and crazy level locations that suit the show, yet little of the actual level design and gameplay is exceptionally memorable or innovative.

A huge problem with the game that hurts the playability is the terrible camera. You’ll need to adjust the view manually far too much, which can be murder during tight jumps. Other than the lack of innovation and camera issues, the rest of the game is definitely entertaining. You’ll unlock video gaming clichés throughout, which is an inspired achievement.  The game, also, makes fun of almost everything and everyone in the industry—including EA executives and a certain tired, yet yearly football franchise.

Though there is no online multiplayer, which is regrettable, two players can join up in the main game at any time via split-screen support. Since many of the puzzles require teamwork, having another human in the place of the AI is always a plus. The AI player is decent, but you’ll have to switch between characters frequently to succeed.

The Fan Show

How much the Simpsons Game entertains you is dependent on how much you love the show. If you’re just a casual viewer or not a fan at all, then there’s nothing in the game to warrant your cash. On the other hand, if you are a Simpsons devotee, then the pitch-perfect humor, writing, and look of this game will more than make it worth putting up with the standard gameplay mechanics.

Review by: Jason D'Aprile
Video Produced by: Albert Iskander