The Simpsons: Bart's Nightmare

"Certainly Not a Nightmare but Could Have Been a Better Dream."

Bart's Nightmare is a game which is a spin-off of the still popular show ''The Simpsons''. While this isn't a bad game, it isn't great either. It fits right into the middle. To be honest, The Simpsons is one of my favorite shows that is on the air right now. I give Bart's Nightmare some credit, but I really wouldn't recommend it unless you are a big fan of the show. Read on to see why this game is decent, but could have provided more.

Graphics:10/10

Very nicely done in this department. It looks a lot like the show did in it's very early years. While this game was made a long time ago, this is very good graphics and deserves strong recognition. Some examples is that this game includes many of your favorite Simpsons chacters. Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie, and even Itchy and Scratchy make appearances in this game. I was ecstatic to see my favorite characters wondering throughout this game. Any Simpson fans will think the same.

Sound:6/10

There is no Simpsons tunes. I would have liked this game much more if they at least added the main title song to the game. Most of the music is good though, and I have no complaints. I just would have preferred since it is made off the show, they should include some music from it. There is around 6 different chapters you can choose from, and each chapter has music that really sets the tone. From the Bartman, to the Itchy and Scratchy chapter, you get good music. Like I said before, the only thing that brings this down is no music from the show. I'd also like to add that Bart says a few things here and there. Make sure to look out for them.

Gameplay:9/10

The gameplay is extremely creative and I liked the idea. Bart falls asleep and has a dream about his homework being sucked out his window. You run around the streets of Springfield looking for the homework. On the streets you will see many obstacles such as the head of Jebidiah Springfield, Principal Skinner who will try and dress you into a suit, and even Lisa's saxophone. One thing I don't like about some if it is that those heads will come in about groups of 20. That gets annoying when you are trying to walk around. They don't stop coming. Your main goal is to look for your homework. When you find them you will have a choice between a colored door. You will get to play a chapter with which one you pick. My personal favorite is Bartzilla. For example in this one you get to blow up buildings with a giant, green Bart and climb up a building scaring civilians. Ever Marge and Homer are the bosses in this level. This game did a great job capturing characters from the show and putting them in awkward roles. Other chapters include Bartman, Itchy and Scratchy, and Indiana Bart. Some have more levels inside if you go back after completion. I loved the way this game included all of these different story-lines. If you get hit a lot in the real world you start to wake up. If you wake up, all of the chapters you completed will get you into the overall determination of your grade. If you get a C or higher, Bart will be a happy guy. I have gotten as high as a B, so see if you can do better. Very solid gameplay and this is defiantly the best part of the game.

Story:8/10

Bart is actually going to do homework! Can you believe it? Well during his progress through it, he falls asleep entering a dream world. His homework gets sucked through a window and he must find it or he will fail. Each page of his homework involves a certain chapter he must pass. The more chapters you complete, the better Bart's grade will be. Pretty interesting story, and I think it works.

Challenge:9/10

This takes away from part of the game. I think it's more frustrating than challenging. I can beat most every chapter except the Indian Bart one which has you throwing your control against the wall. In the dream state on the streets of Springfield, there is so many enemies at some points it's not even fair. Getting an A seems impossible to me. If you can achieve an A than you are a great player.

Replay:9/10

I kept coming back for more in this game. Honestly, none of the chapters get too old. They are all tons of fun but could have been a little bit easier to make this game one you could play daily. I came back to the game everyday trying to achieve that A. I never got it but I tried! You will keep coming back to this game just for that purpose; to get the A.

Buy/Rent:Rent

This game is defiantly worth a rental price. You will play it a lot until it's time to go back to the store. I would say if you are a die-hard Simpsons fan than you could buy this game, and enjoy everything it has to offer. But I strongly believe that even if you are not a Simpsons fan, or even heard of the show, you will find this game pretty fun, for awhile at least.

Overall:7/10

The challenge of this game really brings the score down. It's really almost too hard for me. If I could have an easier time with it, this defiantly could have been a 8 or a 9 easily. It's unique gameplay, and it's abundance of Simpsons characters make this game one you have to at least give it a try. You might like it, you might not. There is no way this game could be classified as a Nightmare in my opinion, but try it out and see for yourself.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/04/02, Updated 08/04/02