The Simpsons Game

"A decent Simpsons game? HOLY CRAP!!!"

You know it and I know it: Simpsons video games suck. Sure, Hit and Run was quite fun, but that doesn't excuse stinkers like The Simpsons Wrestling or Simpsons Skateboarding. Why do they suck? Well, for one, they are mostly cheap rip offs of various other (and better) games. But here's the biggest shocker: the new Simpsons game is quite fun. In fact, it is a parody of the game industry. This is very appropriate considering the other games. Is it perfect? No, but it won't make you want to kill puppies.

Graphics: 7
This is cel-shading at it's finest. Despite being 3D, the whole game could be mistaken for a new episode of the historical show. All of the characters look like their 2D counterparts and the environments are lifted straight out of the show. Environments can seem bland sometimes though and the frame rate dips when the action gets too intense. Also, the movement of your enemies is very stiff and the hit detection severely lacks. Though those can be a distraction, the overall game is quite eye catching and colorful.

Sound: 10
One of the best aspects of the game, the sound rules. In fact, all of the voice actors from the show have showed up for this game. The voice acting is hilarious and spot on. Every character seems to always have something funny to say. Music is also very good with music from the television series. It will keep you humming for weeks. Other effects are very well done too. Explosions and your different attacks will rock your surround sound speakers. Also, one liners don't repeat that often. This is a real plus because in previous games, one liners got old quickly. The sound is the reason why this game is funny.

Controls: 6
The controls are very solid and easy to learn. However, there are some missteps in the solid button layout though. The main problem is the responsiveness of the controls. There will be moments where you will try to make a easy, simple jump but, because of the unresponsiveness, your character won't do crap and fall to his doom. Same goes for the combat. You do get used to it, but it shouldn't have been a problem in the first place.

Game play: 6
This game is one long parody of the game industry. Each level is a different spoof. They range from parodies of Medal of Honor to Grand Theft Auto. Having a different setting in every level certainly adds to the variety of the game. To bad the main game isn't as fresh. It is average in all aspects of platforming games. There's jumping, collecting, and fighting. It's so basic that you may be bored until you get to later points in the game. What saves the game though from its basic structure, is that it knows it is average.Constantly throughout the game, the game will make fun of itself such as finding different cliches. These range from not being able to swim to invisible barriers. It is quite funny and original but still can't mask the average feel of the game.

But is it fun? The answer is yes. Each character can change his or her form. Examples are Bart changing into the Bart Man or Homer changing into a giant ball. It helps keep the game fun and varied. Each level gives you two of the characters to go through the level with. This adds some unique puzzles for you to solve. Another cool aspect is the cut scenes before each level. They are traditionally animated in 2D and are absolutely hilarious! They are worth going through the game alone. The parodies are very cool to. From Marge protesting a violent video game (it's called Grand Theft Scratchy) to the Dance Dance Revolution show down with none other then god himself. And who can forget Matt Groening's evil cameo where he summons Bender and Zoidberg (Futurama reference) to kill you? There is never a part of the game where there is no humor.

Despite the whole "average" feel of the game, it is still simple and humorous fun if you don't care about originality game play wise. The humor is the game's main focus, but there is a decent game hidden under all those spoofs. Just not a great one.

Replay: 8
Various hidden goodies and cool achievements are available to hunt down. Simpson fans will go nuts collecting all the secrets in the game. For the rest of you though, there isn't much besides the crappy co-op game. But who doesn't want to see the hilarious secrets this game holds?

Buy or Rent: Somewhere in between
If you can find this game for 30 bucks or less, go for it. There is enough here to keep you busy for awhile. If you are a Simpsons fan, buy no matter what the cost. You will go brain dead with all the extra Simpsons material. It's a good game with an awesome sense of humor.

Overall score: 7.4/10 (rounded to 7)

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/03/08

Game Release: The Simpsons Game (US, 10/30/07)