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Computer Times
Editors' Choice DS Game The Simpsons Game (DS) Reviewed by Angie Kibiloski
I was SO excited when I got this game, which was much anticipated by gamers of all ages, and playing it did not disappoint. The Simpsons have tickled the funny bones of television audiences since 1989. They recently starred in their own feature length film. Now, in The Simpsons Game (Retail $29.99), from EA Games, they bring their special brand of hilarity to the Nintendo DS. Join Bart, Homer, Lisa, and Marge as they realize that they are stuck inside a video game. Help them make their way through video land Springfield, using special powers based on each character's natural talents. Can you navigate the Simpsons through their quest to find the evil genius responsible for trapping them in a video game? Wow, there are so many fun things in this game, that I almost want you to find them all out on your own. It's cool to discover a nifty feature while playing the game. The Simpsons Game, at its heart, is an arcade style adventure of jumping over obstacles, climbing ladders and platforms, collecting items, and fighting bad guys that get in your way. But around that frame work is so much more. You can play by yourself, or you can hook up with another DS user and access the Multi-Player features. One very cool thing is that, as your controls are the keypad and buttons, the action happens on both of the upper and lower screens, lengthening the field of play.
You play as all of the characters during different parts of the game, and as each character, you have a unique set to abilities to aid you in the levels. Some levels have multiple characters, Homer and Bart for instance, that you must switch back and forth between, because some hurdles can only be jumped using one of their special skills. Bart has the ability to turn into Bartman and glide along using his cape. He is also a crack shot with his slingshot. Homer really likes to eat, so stuff his face with treats and he can turn into the Homerball, and roll over his enemies and certain obstacles. He can also float. Lisa is a very spiritual soul, and this allows her to levitate things and herself with her mind, and harness the power of lightening. Marge has the strange talent of inspiring mobs, from her long history of successful nagging.
Throughout the levels, no matter who you are playing as, you will collect items that will be found floating in mid-air (like the traditional coin collection in other games) or will appear when you beat an enemy. The items will vary with the characters. Bart looks for Krusty the Clown coupons, Homer gets Duff's bottle caps, Lisa wants Malibu Stacy coupons, and Marge has Try-N-Save coupons. Collect all of one type of item and get a trophy for your trouble. As well as collectible items, while you play you will discover Video Game Clichés. Each time you perform or find a cliché for the first time, like breakable crates, double jumps, etc, you will be notified and shown your running tally of clichés. Just another way to make The Simpsons Game super cool! In addition to the actual game play screens, you will get to watch cut scene animations at the beginning of the game and after you complete a level. They are the same quality cartoons that you'd see on TV, which is impressive on a small DS screen. The voices are done by the same actors who voice the television show as well. The plot is even written by The Simpsons television writers! Also outside the regular game play is a feature called Pet Homer. This is a little naked Homer sitting on his sofa, that you must feed and entertain to keep happy and healthy…as healthy as Homer ever gets anyway. You can call a friend to come over for a chat, feed him, tickle him, shave him, etc. When you beat certain levels, you will collect more items to use on your Pet Homer. He's cute and fun, and doesn't require that much to be happy.
The Simpsons Game will provide you with hours of hilarious fun with your favorite characters. The varying skills of each family member keeps the game fresh, and the underlying plot moves the levels along nicely. Even if you have lived under a rock for the last 18 years, and have somehow missed the phenomenon of The Simpsons, you will still be entertained with this game. It is cute, fun, easy to learn, and has great graphics. It’s a "must play" game. Also available for PSP, PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360
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