The Simpsons Game

aka: Die Simpsons: Das Spiel, I Simpson: Il Videogioco, Les Simpson: Le Jeu, Los Simpson: El Videojuego, The Simpsons: Videopeli
Moby ID: 31062
PlayStation 2 Specs
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Description official descriptions

Bart Simpson goes to a video game store and buys a new ultra-violent Grand Theft Scratchy game, which is promptly confiscated by his mother Marge. Suddenly, a video game manual lands right in front of him. Miraculously, after having read the manual, the members of the Simpsons family discover that each of them possesses a unique superpower. Toying with these, however, attracts the attention of the aliens Kang and Kodos, who decide to invade the Earth. Now the unlikely superheroes must not only protect the town of Springfield from an alien assault, but also find the true reason behind their newly acquired powers, and perhaps their very existence.

The Simpsons Game is a 3D action game with platforming and light puzzle-solving elements, based on the long-running cartoon. The game is divided into sixteen episodes, each containing cutscenes reminiscent of the original Simpsons TV series. Every episode is set in a different environment; some of the scenarios are based in Springfield, while others take the player into meta-virtual worlds. Some of the episodes parody a popular game or genre, having names like Medal of Homer or Neverquest. Each stage features two members of the Simpson clan working together to achieve the goal. Players must switch back and forth using each family members' unique powers to complete the level. Most of the game's versions allow two-player cooperative play.

The four controllable characters have their own unique abilities, which are used for combat, puzzle-solving, or exploration-related purposes. Homer can expand into a rolling blob or inflate himself with helium and float for a while; later, he learns a few other transformation abilities. Bart can become Bartman, using a grappling hook to access certain areas, as well as move upwards in air streams with his cape. Lisa's main ability is called "Hand of Buddha", which is used mainly for moving around large objects; she can also play her saxophone to stun or confuse enemies. Finally, Marge can gather people with her megaphone and control their actions, as well as send the little Maggie into crawlspaces only she can access. Some of these abilities have limited uses and must be either recharged or replenished with special items, while others are available only at specific trigger points.

The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions also contain free-roaming gameplay - exclusively in those versions player characters can leave the Simpsons' house between missions and freely wander through virtual Springfield. Familiar landmarks (such as Moe's Tavern, etc.) are present and can be explored as well. These locations may contain additional dialogue and events. It is possible to use the bus to travel quickly to various destinations.

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Credits (PlayStation 2 version)

738 People (687 developers, 51 thanks) · View all

The Simpsonsâ„¢ Game
  • © 2007 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
  • Twentieth Century Fox; Fox; The Simpsons; The Simpsons characters; associated logos and wordmarks are trademarks of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and its related entities.
Starring
Also Starring
Additional Cast
Head Writer
Written by
Additional Dialogue
The Simpsons Executive Producer
[ full credits ]

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 71% (based on 79 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.4 out of 5 (based on 75 ratings with 4 reviews)

For die-hard and casual fans alike, it’s a fun play

The Good
I’ve watched The Simpsons for the majority of my life. They’re my second family that have been there through thick and thin, from childhood to adulthood, and I wanted this game to be an extension of that. Thankfully for my sanity, it sort of is. This title is, without a doubt, the most faithful interpretation of the show I’ve found. It’s rich with self-referential humor and parody, and the jokes are very reminiscent of quality Simpsons’ episodes from the sixth-tenth seasons.

Comic Book Guy presents us with, ranging from Double Jumps to Green Warp Pipes, back around again to Wooden Crates and Pressure Pads. There are also countless funny references to other popular culture mediums throughout the game. There are quotes from Batman, appearances by Hilary Clinton and Will Wright (of Sim City and The Sims fame), and even a parody or two of contemporary video games like ‘Metal Gear Soiled 4.’

The Simpsons Game doesn’t just present you with funny dialogue and jokes, it comes across with gorgeous cell-shading visuals and flawless animations. The graphics are strong throughout the game, but falter at the in-game cinematics. These scenes look a bit more like my drawings of Homer from when I was seven, as opposed to following the same visual style as the rest of the game. The cutscenes, however, are just as visually pleasing as you’d want them to be.

Though there are some visual flaws, the soundtrack and voice track to the game are the crowning achievement. The music feels ripped directly from season six and fits perfectly into each level, or ‘episode.’ The cast does a tremendous job voicing the characters and the one-liners and jokes almost all land well. Without a question, the sound is the shining star of this game.

The Bad
What’s that? The Internet told you that the gameplay, controls, and camera work are shoddy? Fine, some of that is true. Holding out hope that the demo was not going to detail the poor camera angles, I was let down. The camera gets lost several times in each level and while in the Simpsons’ house, might as well be buried in Snowball II’s litter box. This could have been executed much better. Controlling the characters is easy enough, with no glaring flaws. Overall gameplay is pretty standard for this platform. It’s reasonably fun, but easily becomes a bit boring.

The Bottom Line
Presentation: Ranging from funny to hilarious, at times, the game plays out like a marathon of pretty good episodes. The script is well-written and stays true to the tone of the show. Cameos and parodies make a strong showing around the slightly-longer-than-comfortable load times.

Gameplay: If you’re looking for a short, six-to-eight hour, fun (but not exciting) game without much replay value, this is it.

Graphics/Sound: Even considering the few visual flaws regarding in-game cinematics and camera work, the sound is a strong enough reason to play through the title. The graphics are, for the most part, true to the television show and are pulled off well with the cell shading. And did I mention the soundtrack?

Value Factor: I have Simpsons’ plush dolls, chess sets, blankets, toys, coffee mugs, and every other useless piece of memorabilia you can imagine. Keep that in mind when I say this: this game is not a must own, it’s a rental.

Bottom Line: For die-hard and casual fans alike, it’s a fun play. Go out to your nearest gaming store and rent it for a decent weekend game. But overall, I was disappointed, and that hurts.

Xbox 360 · by Brandon Tabbert (17) · 2008

Best...Simpsons Game...EVER!

The Good
What's not to like?! Simpsons games these days have gone up from the trash pile in terms of graphics, sound, and overall gameplay. This game is a culmination of that comeback. I've never seen a game this colorful in my entire life! Cel-shaded graphics keep the Simpsons tradition.

But of course, it isn't just about graphics. Gameplay is, as always, the main topic. And boy, did it pass with flying colors! I keep replaying half the stages over and over again, because they're long, there's so much to do, and the challenge is fair. Each character has something fun about them. Homer can turn into a giant ball, Bart(man) can glide and use a grappling hook, Marge can rally people to do anything she says, and Lisa has the hand of Buddha.

Oh, and voice clips. Ever since consoles had the ability to deliver digitized sound, you'd know the Simpsons would have a game with some funny dialogue. And it did so quite nicely. Move over Conker, this is the funniest game ever made!

The Bad
Well, I could barely hear the music, because there's so much going on. Even if nothing's happening, you can barely hear it, so it's hard to tell if it sucks or it's awesome.

Oh, and the Futurama cameo. I really didn't want to bring back that fateful memory of the day I popped in a DVD of Into the Wild Green Yonder, watched 5 minutes, and then took it out and smashed it BECAUSE IT SUCKS!

Other than that, this game is FREAKING AWESOME!!!

The Bottom Line
I'm not trying to suck up to Matt Groening here, I LOVE THIS GAME!!! When I bought it, I thought it would suck, but no! If you want to buy a Simpsons game because of the game itself, not because it has the words "The Simpsons" slapped on it, then get this game!

PlayStation 3 · by Miles "Tails" Prower (97) · 2010

Mixed

The Good
The gameplay is truely feels like a real Simpsons game that people been waiting for. The cutscenes are just plain funny but not as funny as The Simpsons today. You can explore The house which I always wanted. The graphics in the Wii version aren't that bad. But the other the versions have them better. The only thing I can love is the Wii moments.

The Bad
There can be some drawbacks to this game. The camera system doesn't function and that makes me not clearly trying to jump across. The controls have some issues. You have to keep shaking the Wiimote over and over. The levels can take a long time. You need to solve puzzles that can a bit confusing. The game is just too short. Only 16 levels and the story isn't that exciting.

The Bottom Line
However, I can only say this game worth renting on any system that's good for about 2 weeks. If your a hardcore Simpsons fan, I say go buy it. I can't highly recommend it.

Wii · by Mario Duenaz (19) · 2009

[ View all 4 player reviews ]

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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Ace of Sevens.

Additional contributors: Jeanne, formercontrib, Wizo, Picard, bobthewookiee, Starbuck the Third, Hipolito Pichardo.

Game added November 12, 2007. Last modified March 27, 2024.