The Simpsons Game
Score: 90% ESRB: Teen Publisher: EA Games Developer: EA Redwood Shores Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Platformer (3D)
Graphics & Sound: The Simpsons Game is what Simpsons fans have been waiting for, if nothing else, then in the graphics department. Not only do the in-game characters and locations look superb, but cut scenes are newly drawn animations from the series' animators. Actually, the look of the cut scenes feels more like the style used in "The Simpsons Movie," which is slightly different than what is normally seen in the TV series itself. There is one more aspect that is worth mentioning here. While the main cut scenes are dead on and the in-game graphics look good, the in-game stuff only really looks good while playing. During levels, if the show doesn't go to a fully animated film, it will do the standard in-game script, and when you get up close and personal to these models, they seem a little off, almost as if all the outlines aren't quite there. Much like the graphics - sound is dead on. Voices are done by the same actors and actresses from the show and everything from the theme to the show's background music is very fitting in this game.
Gameplay: The presentation of The Simpsons Game isn't the only thing that makes this game something fans have been waiting for. The story itself is not only filled with tons of show references and shows practically every person who lives in Springfield, but the gameplay itself isn't all that bad, especially for platformer fans who have played enough other games to enjoy the references. The Simpsons Game doesn't start off all that different from most games of this type, a tutorial level. Where the game's story takes a twist is when Bart stumbles upon the manual for The Simpsons Game and realizes everything he knows is a videogame, so naturally he starts to use his videogame based powers for good ... well good for Bart. Soon all of the Simpsons members have powers and they will need it because Kang and Kodos have decided to try and invade the Earth... again. The five characters soon realize their new powers won't be good enough, so they look for a way to get some upgrades. While searching for Professor Frink, Bart and Lisa stumble into the Game Engine. Here you see games being pumped out one after another as you pass by machines like the Sequel Engine and an entire room devoted to Marketing (shudder). You will end up in The Game Engine a couple of times. The first time will end in a battle against a Donkey Kong knock off, and it's always a fun experience. It's great the number of times this game not only makes fun of videogames in general (especially in the Game Engine where fake Marios and goofy looking Sonics help to run the system), but EA specifically. There are posters for EA's Bite Night (featuring Mike Tyson on the cover) and Maddening Football (years '95 to '08, I believe), and at one point, an unnamed EA executive sits with Mayor Quimby in a hot tub as a kickback is exchanged. Probably one of the more inside jokes, at least something only long-time gamers will get, is a point when you use Lisa's Hand of Buddha powers (more on that later) to place a square, circle and triangle on the ground and Marge makes a comment about looking like a logo... great stuff. So, the characters all find out they live in a videogame, and at one point, they encounter a previous Simpsons game and have to save it from a rampaging Will Wright. In the end, they go searching for their creator, Matt Groening. Each character's power has a somewhat distinctive game style, while the levels themselves are all the same style; each character's power resembles something from a standard genre. Bart turns into Bartman for a very platformer feel, while Marge can control mobs giving the game an RTS-esque style and Lisa, with her previously mentioned Hand of Buddha powers, takes to the sky in a god-game style so she can manipulate most items in an area. The only thing that doesn't quite fit this analogy is Homer's ball form - the only thing I can figure is that this is made to emulate Marble Madness style gameplay.
Difficulty: The Simpsons Game doesn't really get harder as you progress. What you see at the beginning is pretty constant all the way through as far as difficulty is concerned. Granted some levels require a bit better platforming skills (like the times you are in the Game Engine), but besides a few new mechanics thrown in every now and then and slightly longer levels as you progress, if you can get to the point of the game where Bart discovers their powers, then you will be able to finish the story. Of course, like many games, if you want to beat it 100%, things are going to be a bit harder because you will have to collect all of the items for each of the characters in all the levels, as well as the hub world of Springfield.
Game Mechanics: The Simpsons Game's controls are easy to pick up and the only difference you will find between each of the characters is how to use their special abilities. For instance, Bart can use his grappling hook with the (Y) button and fire his slingshot with the (B) and if he is in Bartman mode, he can glide on gusts of air by holding down the (RT). Meanwhile, while homer is in the Homer Ball form, tapping (X) will cause him to zoom forward and if he is in the air when you hit (X), he will pound the ground. If Homer's not in ball form, pressing (B) unleashes a burp that he uses as a weapon. Marge will use her megaphone in the same manner as Homer's burp unless she is in mob-control mode where you point at people and tap (B) to make them join your mob. If you want to sick members of your group onto an item or people, you hold down the Right Trigger before tapping the (B) button once for each person you want to attack the item. If you approach an area for Maggie, tapping (Y) releases the baby and the game takes on a first-person view where you can shoot out your pacifier to activate switches. Lisa's controls differ when she is in Hand of Buddha mode. Here, you pick up items by hovering over them and holding down the (RT). When you let go, they fall down and, provided you have them in the correct spot, snap into place. Once you unlock her flicking power, you can strike enemies by tapping (X). When it comes down to it, The Simpsons Game is really all about fanfare. Between the graphics and the very Simpsons-like kooky story, this was for the people who already follow the show. Will the game be fun for people who can't tell Ralph from Martin? Sure, but probably nowhere near as fun.
-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer
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