"HaHaHey Kids!"

This game, released way back in 1993 by Virgin Interactive, is based on the funny clown from the popular animated TV series, ''The Simpsons''.

I know, it's old, but I love nothing more than breathing a bit of life back into an old classic game! Released on all 16 and 8 bit consoles such as Super Nintendo and the Master System, it received high ratings in most computer magazines at the time, an it was quite highly thought of.

GAMEPLAY
Krusty's house has been infested with rats, and its up to you, as Krusty, to guide these rats into a rat squisher.

The rats all walk in the same direction, until they reach a wall that is higher than they can climb. if they do come up to an higher wall then they will simply turn around and walk the other way. If they reach an object that is smaller than them they will just climb over it.

So when you first start the game you find all the rats walking off in the same direction, you can also see a small blue box that you can pick up. Then there is a step behind the box. Maybe we should try putting that box in front of the tall wall making a set of rat steps! this leads them straight into the rat squisher, helpfully manned by Bart Simpson! Much too simple. The first few levels will be like this, it's kind off like a tutorial section to the game, but don't fret, the puzzles do get harder after a while.

As you get onto further levels, you will notice that it does increase in difficulty a fair bit, instead of one block you might have to search for a few more and build a complete set of stairs for the rats. There are many other things to do as well.

In each level there are a few simple enemies that you may want to get rid of, this is where you get to use the cream cakes that are scattered around the levels. There are other weapons to collect, such as bouncy balls. But these do not have much use as enemies, and are few and far between.

The main feel of the game is of a children's version of lemmings with platform elements thrown in, its fairly nice and there isn't any real violence, except for the squishing of the rats, of course!

CONTROLS
One of my few gripes about this game is the silly idea of using the down button to pick up and drop items, as this can be quite annoying at times if your finger slips. Other than that, however, the controls are excellent. They are very simple, you control Krusty using the directional buttons, and you can throw pies at your enemies using one button. You can jump using the other button. Easy the way it should be!

GRAPHICS
The main sprite is a nicely drawn version of Krusty, he is colored correctly and looks about the same as the cartoon version.

The backgrounds, while not very impressive, are colored very nicely in pastel shades and they do keep you interested.

But here comes my second problem animation! Almost non-existent! When you are walking around, all that moves on Krusty are his arms and feet. They could have at least made his head move a bit or something. The enemies and rats are also poorly animated each with only a few small moves. While this doesn't spoil the game, as it is only cosmetic, it does make you wonder whether this game was rushed into release.

OVERALL
This is a nice, fun family puzzle game, it will appeal to younger gamers because of its colorful graphics and fun platforming content. Adult gamers may also enjoy this game, even though it is best to know that it does start of way to easy! It may be fairly hard to find, but if you can manage to find it, go for it.

Final Score: 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/20/03