Developed by EA Redwood Shores
Published by EA Games
Released for Xbox 360 (10/2007)
Also on PS2/PS3/DS/Wii/PSP (11/2007)
The Simpsons franchise definitely has a checkered past when it comes to video games based on it. Other than the arcade hit from the early '90's, most of the games are regarded as mediocre or worse. I'm coming into this game as somebody who has always enjoyed the television series (earlier seasons at least) and would definitely love to play another good Simpsons title but I came into this one with low expectations, seeing as licensed properties tend to be quick cash-grabs with minimal effort put into them. I was initially very impressed at the quality of the cut-scenes, they look exactly like an episode of the show. As a matter of fact, there were several instances during these I almost forgot I was playing the game! The in-game characters look pretty rough in contrast to the superb cut-scenes, but I'm willing to cut the game a little slack due to it's old age and early release in the life-cycle of the console. I will give the developers credit for including the show's humor in the game and there were several moments throughout the Simpsons Game were quite funny.
The game-play in theory is acceptable, consisting of mostly platforming and single-button combat with some light puzzles thrown in here and there. The platforming isn't too bad and your characters have a double-jump that's easy to use. The single-button combat almost reminds me of the Simpsons arcade from the 90's with it's simplicity, but the hit detection and fighting is nowhere near as enjoyable. The puzzle segments will usually require one of the characters specific powers, sometimes requiring the use of both characters. I forgot to mention, you'll always have two characters, and if you don't have a second player then the computer will control whoever you're not using. This didn't cause too many issues for me, though the computer is rather worthless when it comes to defending themselves and will often die when left unattended if enemies are nearby. The problem with the game lies predominately with the camera controls. You will have to fight the erratic camera every step of the way, as it likes to swing about and give you terrible angles making the platforming segments a complete chore at times. The camera will go nuts if it hits a solid object and will give you problems just trying to get an angle to see what you're doing. The fact that the game made it to store shelves in this state and was never patched post-release goes to show how much EA's quality control dropped the ball on this game.
In between levels, you have an open-world Springfield that you can explore, with bus signs serving as a way to fast travel or change characters. This part of the game serves little purpose other than to pad the game out with collectibles since once you've completed the stages, you must use the main menu to go back and play them. Speaking of collectibles, there are 75 for all four characters scattered about Springfield. Whatever fun-factor the game had pretty much died completely after I beat the game and started scouring for collectibles. The camera-control issues will test every last nerve you have as you attempt to get some of the trickier collectibles.
In an effort to further pad out the Simpsons Game, the developers have included a par time to beat for each of the sixteen levels plus an additional time attack challenge for each level, in which you'll have to clear the various challenges within a given time limit. The events tend to be either item collecting or defeating a certain number of enemies. Some of these challenges are pretty decent and do an alright job of giving you some additional bang for your buck. However asking the player to beat a par time for each and every level has no place in a game of this nature, where most of the scenarios require use of both characters and speed is never really stressed throughout the game with the exception of maybe one or two timed segments. Just a completely unnecessary addition to and only the most dedicated gamers will persevere and earn that 50 gamerscore achievement for beating the times on all levels.
What could have been an above-average licensed game is brought down by one of the worst cameras I've experienced on the Xbox 360 game library. It's a shame, because there were many times throughout my time playing this game I enjoyed myself and the cutscenes are great, but the camera will prove too cumbersome for most gamers to stick it out til the end. The game has some very clever level ideas and the Simpsons humor made its transition into the game flawlessly, so fans of the show will still find something to like here. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the camera!
Final Verdict: Due to the abysmal camera, I find it hard to recommend the Simpsons Game to anybody except the die-hard fans of the show. The cut-scenes are a joy to watch, I just wish the gameplay was as good!
Purchase Links:
Search the Simpsons Game - eBay
Related Links:
The Simpsons Game - GameFAQs
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