|
|
|
|
 
|
|
Previous Page
Best viewed in 1280x1024 with Internet Explorer 6.x
|
'Springfield has never been so close'
 Developer: EA
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Category: : Action/Adventure
Multiplayer: Xbox Live
Official Site
Platform: X-Box 360
Might look like: /
Date posted: 5 February 2008
Written By: Jurgen
We also test other games on
"PlayDevil.com Game Machine"
After the movie comes the game
A few months ago, all Simpsons fans were delighted when the long-awaited 'movie' about their favourite 19-seasons TV serie finally was aired in the theathres. While not seeing the movie here, I heard that it was just average and didn't offer anything new.
While the folks from Springfield already made their debut in the videogame industry with titles like "Road Rage" and "Hit & Run", it was "The Simpsons: The Arcade game" that captured the exact look and feel from the television show.
Now with the movie, publisher 'Electronic Arts' thought it was the right time to develop another "Simpsons" game, based entirely on the movie, with the help of the original writers and voice cast. Lets hope that this game feels like 'progress' in the world of "The Simpsons".
Save Springfield !
"The Simpsons: The Game" is a third person action adventure platform game where every family member need to help to save Springfield from evil. The story is 100% written by the original writers and features over 100 characters from the original show, along with 50+ new characters that were inspired for the game.
While the game is based on 4 distinct acts which are divided into 16 episodes it will take you about 6 a 8 hours to complete. This is without getting the collectibles and video game cliches (more on that later in the review).
Every episode can be replayed and each unlocks a 'Time Challenge'.
Every character has their own special abilities that need to be used to destroy enemies and advance through the level. These abilities grow and change as you progress through the story. For example, Bart has a catapult at his disposal and he can turn into 'Bartman', which allows him to climb certain walls (reach higher levels and treasures) and use his cape to glide to surfaces which would be otherwise impossible to reach.
Homer can turn into a enormous ball that gives him a charge attack. When eating so-called 'gummies', he can burp on enemies which destroys them.
The smallest Simpson, Maggie will mostly be used to get through tight gaps and vents. Most puzzles only require one character to be active.
All of the playable characters have two different attacks. A standard and a more powerfull attack which can only be executed when your power meter is full. Getting your power meter full is pretty easy since when destroying objects, defeating enemies, etc the meter goes up again.
Power-ups are also scattered throughout the levels which will give your character(s) special moves. Find them as soon as possible.
  
A few levels will let you use both players (co-op) to advance, leaving one person standing idle.
All the other characters such as Marge, Lisa also have different abilities which you can use to advance.
There are a lot of different mechanics in the game and all of them become useful at some point. Unfortunately you are not given an option of choice for the two starting characters of each level so it's pretty linear. Still, once playing the game, you never feel that there's a lack of freedom.
One of the highlights of the game is that each level is based on established videogames or film titles. Levels such as "Enter The Cheatrix", "The Day Springfield stood still" or even "Grand Theft Scratchy" are hilarius.
Even when Bart starts to parachute in the beginning of level "Medal of Homer" is a nice touch to the existing game, 'Medal of Honor: Airborne'.
Like said earlier, the game includes a "co-op" multiplayer mode. This mode can be played in single or multi mode but itS basically excellent in multi mode where the second player can really help solving puzzles and advance together in the level.
In single mode, you'll to wait for your partner (game controlled) while he/she performs specific tasks to progress. Thankfully, you can switch between the two characters, making it easier for you to progress faster in the level.
Humour, humour ... and humour !
This Simpsons game has to be the funniest game released in a long time. Subtle references to classic episodes, parodies of the video game industry, pop culture and even current events, the game will make you laughing out loud like never before. At times it can be quite hilarious ! Video game cliches can be unlocked too which sometimes are very funny.
Besides the enormous amount of humour in the game, there are also unique collectibles to be found for each member of the Simpsons family. Collecting these will lead to trophies that increases your family's powers.
  
Camera view ... eat my shorts !
While "The Simpsons The Game" is beautifully presented and executed with a visually flair, it does have a few flaws too.
The camera for example can be sometimes frustrating. Basically, it can "eat my shorts". While it can be manually adjusted there are some points where you cannot move it at all. This can be very annoying. It also gets stuck from time to time, blocking your view.
The controls are good but there are times that even some seemingly simple jumps can be hard, simply because you need to press the right button too fast.
Of course these problems don't occur all the time and mostly the game just plays fine.
Graphics and Sound
The visuals in this Simpson game are not what you would expect from a game on a next- (or is that current already) gen game.
Instead of presenting the game in full 3D, the developer was able to recreate 3D in innovative 2D technology. The entire Simpsons world is in 3D while all the characters are in plain 2D. This gives the game a very different but beautiful look. It definitely makes the game look like an episode of the show.
The graphics in "The Simpsons" are making a big part of an overall great experience and it's definitely the most visually authentic Simpsons game to date.
As for the sound, you'll be pleased to know that all of the familiar voices from the original show appear in the game ! Yes, exactly, all your favourite voices are here and they are constantly chattering throughout each level.
The several one-liners (all awesome !) do repeat from time to time but not as much as you'd expect. Several specific phrases will only be heard once since there a ton of different situations.
If you're a Simpson fan, you'll laugh out loud with all this excellent voice-work. Music and sound effects are kept to the minimum which is a bit of a disappointment but thanks to the awesome voice-work it's easily forgotten.
Conclusion
"The Simpsons: The Game" is probably the best Simpson game to date. It offers great gameplay with stunning 2D into 3D visuals and excellent voice-work.
While the lenght of the game isn't that long (can be completed in about 6 hours), the 16 Time Challenges do offer some more replay value.
It's a joy to control any of the Simpsons, combined with their one-liners this latest Simpson game is a must-have for every Simpson fan ! And if you're not a fan, you definitely have to give it a try.
-Jurgen
Ratings
Manual:
81 % |
Graphics:
90% |
Music & Sfx:
88% |
GamePlay:
86% |
|
This game scores
 
on our 5-point Rating System
Up
Previous Page
If you want to review your favorite game, or if you work with a computer game company and want your products reviewed, mail info@playdevil.com.
All contributions are welcome.
Join Video Game Network Exchange
Any problems and/or suggestions are always appreciated on
webmaster@playdevil.com
Nothing of this entire Site, animation & logo's included, may be reproduced, stored, saved, transmitted, in any form or means, electronic, written or otherwise without the prior permission of PlayDevil.
Other Logos & Names are Copyrighted Material of its respectful owners.
All Rights Reserved.
PlayDevil Productions © 199/8-199/9-200/0-200/1-200/2-200/3-200/4-200/5-200/6-200/7-200/8
"rip your own stuff"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
