The Simpsons Game
Review
Fantastic writing, graphics and sound don't make a game
by Kazigapor
reviewed on PSP
Me Fail Gameplay? That’s Unpossible!
After the spectacular presentation values and great story, it all starts to go down hill. The gameplay varies from character to character. Every member of the Simpsons household has the same two, that’s right TWO combat combos, and each one has their own special abilities. For example, Homer can transform into a giant ball and roll around, and Lisa can call upon “The Hand of Buddha” to do her bidding.
The game manages to pull in some interesting gameplay mechanics from other games, such as Marge’s’ ability to command little minions a la Pikmin, or the previously mentioned “Hand of Buddha” reminiscent of Black and White’s hand of God thing, but it isn’t polished nearly as much as the games they’re taken from. Another problem is the unique abilities found in each character.
I did not enjoy playing as Bart or Marge, because they never got decent abilities. Their abilities just got upgraded, and received nothing new, while Lisa and Homer got brand new abilities, such as Gummy Homer, or Lisa’s lightning shock thing. I found myself playing them more often then not.
The game also comes with split screen co-op. But though it doesn’t take away from the game, it doesn’t add much either. Sure it’s a blast playing through each episode with a friend, but because the game is so character-based, one character will be solving a puzzle, while the other is pummeling wave after wave of bad guys. It got irritating after the 7th time. No online play it added to The Simpsons Game, which is a shame.
The game is on the short side, with each level or “episode” lasting about 10-20 minutes. After completing each episode, there isn’t much reason to go back, unless you love collecting items. It’s sad that this is the only thing the guys at EA could think of to elongate the game.
However, in the rare case that you do enjoy collecting items, then hot damn this is the game for you! There are so many collectables it’s almost sickening.
Maybe Next Time
Despite the fantastic writing, graphics, and sound, The Simpsons Game, manages to flop where it counts: the gameplay. It’s simply too short, un-creative, and lacks any kind of replay value. If you’re a die-hard Simpsons fan, it won’t hurt to cough up the money to buy the game. For everyone else however, and only because of the stellar presentation, the game easily warrants a rent.
6.0
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
