The Simpsons Game – 360 – Review

Sure, The
Simpsons is the longest-running TV sitcom ever, becoming a merchandising
powerhouse, producing a successful feature film, and even a few albums and a
dance in the early 90’s (“Do The Bartman” anyone?). The show has even spawned
several video games throughout the years spanning genres from action to
arcade-driving. Still, there doesn’t seem to be any slowing down in the cards
for the franchise, as even now EA is releasing another game featuring the
familiar dysfunctional family.

The Simpsons Game
sounds like a lame tie in just on namesake, since it’s harder to imagine a more
basic name for a Simpsons game than, well, The Simpsons Game. However, the game
presents a living breathing Springfield better than any Simpsons game before it,
allowing you to meet up with characters from the show, both familiar and
esoteric, as well as devoting entire sections to single jokes from the show
(like the Land of Chocolate). Not only that, but the game successfully lampoons
the video game industry itself, with inside jokes meant for gamers, spoofing
Katamari Damacy, Grand Theft Auto, and many cliches associated with gaming on
the whole.

The game begins
with the release of a video game that Bart is seemingly very excited with, Grand
Theft Scratchy. However, the powers that be (namely Marge) tries to get game
banned for minors. The Simpson family then actually discover that they are
inside of a video game themselves, and thus capable of utilizing super abilities
for their personal gains. However, this soon doesn’t matter, as aliens begin to
attack Springfield, and the family becomes responsible for saving the world
themselves.

The script
elements are excellent, with quips and one-liners that could very well be on the
show. The sense of humor has been ported over swimmingly in the game, and the
little touches like video-game cliches (unlocked as you do them), which span
everything from exploding barrels to invisible walls and non-swimming main
characters, are an excellent touch.

However, where
the script and presentation succeeds, the gameplay leaves much to be desired.
While there are some puzzles to test your noggin, the majority of the game falls
into standard platforming territory, requiring you to go through jumping
sections (exacerbated by a lousy camera) and shallow button mashing combat.

Not to say that
playing through the game isn’t very fun at times. You’ll be able to switch
between the different family members, taking two predetermined characters into a
level and having them use their unique super abilities at a given time to
progress. Lisa’s ability is probably the coolest, allowing you to meditate and
grab objects from the environment and reposition levels or knock around foes. A
close second would be Marge’s, which lets you grab a megaphone and incite a mob
into causing havoc.

Graphically, the
game looks great, bringing the series quite well into high-def. The stylized cel-shaded
look is very polished, and the animation looks pretty good. However, the
environment really steals the show. Just about anything you could think to
remember about Springfield is well represented here, with tons of little nuances
that will have fans of the show cracking up left and right.

The sound is
superb, with a great score that sticks with the theme of the show and original
voice work done by the cast of the show, acted with the same enthusiasm as if
they were doing an episode.

The Simpsons Game
is a bit shallow on the gameplay side of things, and even though fans of the
show will love the collectibles and deliberate cliches throughout, the overall
feel will leave players wanting more. However, if you are a hardcore fan of the
show, then this game would make for a fine weekend rental.

Gameplay:
7.0
While
the majority of the gameplay is pretty shallow, depending on repetitive jumping
puzzles and weak combat, the two-character mechanic works well and collecting
the unlockables throughout is very fun and engaging. The camera can be a pain.

Graphics:
8.0

Springfield
is a fully realized city, filled with tons of nuances and details from the TV
show. The character models are sharp and look great in high-def, and the 360
version moves along nicely at a good framerate.

Sound: 9.0
The
score sounds great and the voice acting done by the TV show’s cast is fantastic.

Difficulty:
Medium

Concept:
8.5

Perfectly mirroring the show’s wit and humor, The Simpsons Game really lets you
feel that you’re right in the middle of an episode.

Multiplayer: 6.5

Drop-in drop-out co-op, but no online capabilities.

Overall:
7.3
The
Simpsons Game isn’t going to win any awards for original gameplay, instead
banking on the license and deep elements of the subject matter to carry it
through. However, if you know this going in and are looking for an experience
that is made for fans of the show before fans of deep platforming gameplay, then
The Simpsons Game will make for a great rental.