The Simpsons Review

BY Rabie Hassoun | POSTED: 26 December 2007

Take a short stop in Springfield, it's worth it.



The Simpsons games released by EA this month are almost identical on all systems. Regardless of the graphics level, all games have the same concept and story line. But that does not apply for the DS version of the game. Featuring the same story line and cut scenes as its older brothers, the game has its own approach when it comes to the game play. The game plays in a side scrolling view that involves a load of fun and simplicity. While the PSP version suffered from control issues, the DS version has almost none. But does that make it the best out of the rest? Read on.

We all grew up playing those side scrolling 2D platform games. That piece of information alone is going to help gamers drop right into the Simpsons DS game. For most of the game all you will need to do is jump over obstacles to reach a certain item or button. Pretty simple and should be a blast for the little kids. But for older gamers the concept will get old pretty quickly. For the first few levels you would actually be energized looking for the lever or button to pull. But four levels into the game and still doing the same thing don’t exactly sound like a whole lot of entertainment.

The game play in the game is pretty simple. Like I mentioned above the game is 2D and it uses both screens during the game. Both screens will be displaying your playing area, with the top screen obviously being the higher platforms in the game. You will be able to switch between characters in this game too. But unlike other versions of the game, the change will happen in a more organized fashion. You will be able to switch between Bart and Homer at any point for example. But rather the change will occur when you have finished Homers objective. So for example, if you are on a level that needs Homer to press a certain button, after you do it you will automatically switch to Bart. Bart will then do his part before you are back to playing as Homer again and so on.

The game will start inside a Homer dream as an introductory level. This level was an essential in other versions of the game on other systems. Mainly because you needed to get used to a few control schemes before you started the real game. But since the DS version is TOO simple, I don’t think you will need a whole level to get used to the jump and double jump functions your Homer has. From there on you will move through out the game very easily. A map of Springfield displayed is an easy way to find out what is the next or previous level for you to play.

You will get to control the whole Simpsons family during the game and sometime more than one in a single level. Each character comes with its own interesting and fascinating super power for you to use. Bart for example will have his own cape to turn into the “Bartman” and if Homer eats enough he can turn into the “Homerball”. Each characters own powers are very interesting and add a flavor to the game. Just having the whole family in one game I feel is a huge bonus in the first place.

Graphics wise the game is a bundle of colors. The game captures the shows looks in every single level with style. Each level has a lot of appealing details in the back ground with many familiar pictures and objects displayed. While nothing amazing, the graphics still do there job in making you feel as if you are in a Simpsons episode. The cut scenes are not up to bar with the scenes in other versions of the game off course. But that is normal I feel considering the power of the other systems compared to the DS. Still thought the scenes are displayed well and look decent on your DS screen.

What makes this game exciting is the sound effects within every level. Other then the great voice acting job found in the cut scenes between levels the game itself has some funny lines. During the game play the characters you use and play against will stay alive and talking. Most of what they say is funny and original and stays true to the name of the game. One thing I noticed however is that the phrases get repetitive at times. You might end up hearing the same line over and over again within the same minute. Also something important to note out is that most of the game’s audience is going to be kids based on the fact that the Simpsons is a cartoon after all and the nature of the DS system itself. But the game is actually rated 12+ and that’s mainly due to the language used in some of the phrases said by characters in the game.

A fun addition to the DS version of the game is the Pet homer mini game. You will basically have Homer himself on the screen to take care of! You will get objects to use on Homer based on how well you do in the main game itself. You will have a wide range of objects to use, starting from chocolate bars and pizza(for feeding purposes) to shaving cream and a razor (for hygienic purposes). This is not something you will want to buy the game for, but it’s a welcome break from all the colorful 2D platform levels.

Another interesting thing to note about the game is the availability of a multiplayer mode for your pleasure. The multiplayer games can by played with up to 4 players and has quiet a few modes. Bart Match for example will have you playing against other Barts with a slingshot in hand to try and beat your competitors. One more fun mode is the Kapture the Koveted Krusty mode where you will have to keep hold of Krusty for the longest period of time to win the match.

The game is worth buying just for its cute graphics and great sound details. But keep in mind that this is also a solid 2D platform title that’s worth your time. Sadly though, the game wont take more then 4 hours for you to complete. You might add an hour or two if you are willing to collect all the extra items in the game, but overall it’s a very short title.