This popular television series has always spoofed other video games in their video game adaptations. So what was the next step for the famous characters of Springfield? A nice collection of popular video games spoofs elevated by tons of new content and a wide variety of game play, plus the two player co-operative play and a wide difficulty level of mayhem keep this high profile title from being anything but boring.
This game has more than 50 new characters plus the core Simpson family. Helium powers, burps, insanity and gummy elements all factors into Homer’s movements and powers. Lisa’s useful Hand of Buddha move and standard saxophone prowess play well here. She even gets to use one of her alter egos - Clobber Girl. Bartman also plays well here (Stretch Dude would’ve been nice too) while Marge’s character power also features Maggie and her powers during a short stint with the Springfield police force.
Players can increase the powers as they progress in each level, plus collect special items (Duff beer bottle caps, try-n-save coupons, etc.) for upgrades along the way. Unlock costumes, clichés and collectibles in each level (most players will need to sweep through at least twice to get all the goodies). Activate special moves by shaking the Wii controls (using both the remote and nunchuck) at different times. Overall, the controls and navigation are pretty easy, but the camera needs improvement. Consequently, this issue makes the puzzles and level progression challenging and irritating at times, especially in the Bartman Begins level.
Game producers have a knack for staging the action in many levels, cleverly done in the museum level, which is more fun to watch so make sure your camera catches the action. Using the trial and error (or cooling off and going back to the level when your frustration level is down) can be disappointing and the camera doesn’t help much. Conquering the level in stages hurts in co-op play because your tag team partner gets swarmed if you don’t make the right moves (just go where they can’t get to you in most situations – e.g. In the Bartman Begins level, get both Bart AND Homer up on the dinosaur).
Luckily, future levels are easier and more fun, so don’t give up just yet. Around the World in 80 Bites takes you to the Duff Brewery while other levels like Lisa the Tree Hugger and Day of the Dolphin have a more theatrical theme. The Mob Rules level and incredibly short Bargain Bin level are particularly memorable. Players must conquer 11 levels before getting to the coveted (in the story and in real life) Grand Theft Scratchy level…well, that has some predictable elements, but really, not what you might expect.
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