The Simpsons Game

The bar for games based on the Simpsons is pretty low, so it might not be a huge deal to state that this is the best Simpsons game ever. While there are some major problems with controls and a very finicky camera, the Simpsons game is a lot of fun.

A lot of the Simpson's Game is recycled plots and inside jokes from previous episodes, but the action is heightened and intense as a giant statue turned-to-life from a Tree-house of Horror episodes rampages Springfield while a horde of mini-Krusties attack you from all sides. I think people with even a cursory understanding of the cartoon will get a kick out of these sequences, while show veterans have plenty of Easter eggs and side jokes to keep them entertained.

Family Ties

Each member of Simpsons has their own special moves unique to their individual personalities: Marge uses a megaphone to take control of Springfield citizens and Homer belches flumes of toxic gas. However, the controls feature an annoying learning curve and are awkward and unresponsive. Many of the missions have only one way path to completion and I found myself having to constantly retry moves that should have otherwise been very simple. The camera angels can sometimes work against you too, so it's important to be aware of your surrounding at all times or find yourself hurtling down a fiery pit.

Each level pairs two Simpsons together and you can switch back and forth between them, though transitions can be sloppy. Luckily characters automatically regain health and resurrect so long as the other character is still alive.

Graphics are definitely a highlight. You often get the sense that you've entered Springfield and are actually controlling the actual cartoon. A lot of the environment is interactive, and aside from the messy controls, it can be a lot of fun moving through the city in between missions. This also gives you a chance to interact with everyone from Bumble Bee Man, Reverend Lovejoy and just about any other character you can think of. In fact, comments from characters like Kent Brockman and Prof. Frink had me laughing so hard I had to pause the game.

People looking for a few laughs and a good time will probably like this game a lot. As a fan of the show, it was nice to see the Simpsons finally land a good game, but purist gamers will be annoyed with the controls and therefore consider this one a renter. But despite all of the control issues, for my money, this is one of the most fun games I've played in a while.

PROS: Plenty of fun and humor, looks amazing, lots of characters from the show.
CONS: Terrible controls, annoying camera.

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