Game: The Simpsons Game
Genre: Platformer
Systems: XBox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, PSP, DS

Generally speaking, when properties that originate as movies, TV shows or comic books get translated into video game form, we end up getting mediocre games that lack any shred of originality or inspiration in gameplay.  Since the Simpsons have been all three of these, you might expect “The Simpsons Game” to be a middling platformer without much innovation or challenge.  And you’d be right.  But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good game experience.

The Simpsons Game puts you in the four-toed shoes of four members of America’s favorite animated dysfunctional family.  You’ll start the game as Homer and Bart, but will eventually be able to use Lisa and Marge as well.  Each family member features their own unique abilities that will help you progress through the game.  Homer can incapacitate enemies by burping or turn into a giant ball of fat that roll over or through obstacles, Bart uses his slingshot, grappling hook and gliding cape, Marge can use Maggie as a sort of scout and rally non-player characters to her cause, and Lisa can manipulate her environment using the “Hand of Buddha”.  The special abilities of each character are fun to use, but are really only useful in certain areas, as the levels are fairly linear and very much geared to specific characters.  Each character has their own type of collectible item to discover (Homer collects Duff bottle caps, Marge gathers coupons, etc.) which helps to pad out the length on an otherwise short campaign.

The Comic Book Guy rewards you for finding game cliches

From a gameplay standpoint, The Simpsons Game isn’t exactly breaking any new ground.   There’s a lot of double jumping from platform to platform, rudimentary puzzle solving and simplified combat.  There’s only one standard attack button, but simple combos can be performed by using the X and Y buttons in the right order.  Many of the game’s levels feature extensive jumping puzzles, which would be fine if the camera wasn’t such a nightmare.  You will constantly find yourself fighting with the camera as it gets stuck behind walls, suddenly shifts 180 degrees and generally makes every effort to screw you over.  It is a serious problem with the game, and one that seemingly could have been avoided with the use of wall transparency.  There are also some wonky controls, especially Bart’s wall climbing ability, which, when combined with the aforementioned camera issues can lead to some seriously frustrating sections of the game.

You’ll like the game, but you’ll hate the camera

Visually, The Simpsons Game is damn near perfect.  Not to say that the graphics are technically impressive, but this is Springfield we’re talking about and the cel-shaded characters and environments perfectly capture the look of the animated series.  The attention to detail in the many game settings is a high point for the game, as just about every building, street and environment is jam packed with sight gags and intricacies sure to please fans of the show.  The vast amount of “easter eggs” and sight gags can be something of a chore to uncover because of how slowly characters move, but fans of the Simpsons mythos will find themselves checking every nook and cranny of Springfield for funny details.  The diverse levels you’ll play through are bright and colorful, though occasionally a bit confusing as to where you’re supposed to go next.  This is as much an issue with the camera as it is a problem with level design, and isn’t bad enough to ruin your enjoyment of the game.

It really looks like you’re playing an episode of the game

The real reason that this game is worth playing is that it’s downright hilarious.  The six-hour experience is much funnier than most Simpsons episodes from the last years.  Scripted and voice-acted by long-time veterans of the show, the story is about the titular family’s adventure through the many clichés of video gaming.  Yes, the characters are fully aware that they are in a video game, which leads to a series of very funny spoofs and riffs on the conventions of gaming through the years.  Levels names like “Medal of Homer”, “Neverquest” and “Grand Theft Scratchy” should give you an idea how this plays out over the course of the game.  In addition to the many video game send-ups, there’s tons of Simpsons-related funny as well.  You’ll find yourself standing still with each character just to see their different idle animations and talking to the many residents of Springfield to hear each of their multiple lines of funny dialogue.  I really can’t stress enough how well the Simpsons license is used in this game.  It’s just plain funny.

“I went to Hollywood Upstairs Medical College!”  Classic.

The Simpsons Game is a playable but flawed creation, but the excellent script, voice acting and general “Springfieldiness” of the game makes for a great experience that every Simpsons fan should play through at least once.  For non-Simpsons fans, there’s not a whole lot here to warrant a purchase, but a rental might convince you to give the show a chance.  If it doesn’t, maybe you’re dead inside, because this is one of the funniest games in years.