I originally heard of the The Simpsons Game through Mitu’s entry on the subject and, being the fan that I am, immediately stuck the Nintendo DS version on pre-order via GAME. I was actually surprised at my own level of anticipation, as the previous entries in the market featuring the lovable family that I’ve played (The Simpsons Road Rage and The Simpsons: Hit & Run) were pretty crap.
Anyway, it arrived yesterday and I tried it straight away. The 2D side-scrolling game features scenes of witty dialogue from the actual Simpsons actors (no crappy voice-overs, hoorah) and an amusing take on various handhald pet games: Pet Homer. Feed him up, tickle his belly or feet and give him the shock of his life when he starts to have a heart-attack. No kidding — and without training to administer medical treatment either.
The levels themselves start off pretty easy and get tougher, as one would expect, mastering the controls being one of the hardest parts. The graphics are colourful, playful and look like they’re straight out of an episode of one of the cartoons. I’m 39% through and have already bumped into some of my favourite characters, including Professor Frink and Comic Book Guy.
The game is based firmly in Springfield, seeing familiar buildings and locations show up as part of the action. It’s full of tongue-in-cheeky humour and passing references to classic games such as Frogger, and an entire level (episode) dedicated to ridding the children of a Grand Theft Auto clone — aimed at those who tried to get the last one banned, me thinks.
Overall, the game hasn’t left me disappointed so far and if I manage to complete it I will probably invest in the 3D version for the Wii.