#THE SIMPSONS GAME XBOX 360 REVIEW MANUAL#
#THE SIMPSONS GAME XBOX 360 REVIEW ZIP#

I even did some turn-based RPG work at one point. There are co-op, escort missions, some overhead POV stuff, squad tactics, platforming, puzzles - The Simpsons Game really does have it all. In terms of gameplay, you transition from mission to mission by walking around Springfield in a free-roaming environment, much like Grand Theft Auto. It feels like the designers used the game's 'parody' status as a way to pack in a multitude of various gameplay mechanics and allude to every possible genre, with the exception of RTS and survival horror. She's also the only one who can deploy Maggie into small crawlspaces, where the game brilliantly switches to first-person perspective, with Maggie's pacifier cutely jutting out at the bottom of your field of vision.Īll of these characters and powers factor in during an extremely diverse playing experience. Marge is the strategic squad leader, capable of rallying people together with her megaphone and ordering them to attack or destroy specific targets. A power-up temporarily turns her into Clobber Girl, a fighting machine that can take down enemies with a single blow. It's a big hand in the sky that Lisa can use to move objects around and annihilate enemies, either by flicking them, freezing them or roasting them with lighting. Lisa is mostly the puzzle master, with access to meditation spots which grant her the 'hand of Buddha' power. A special power-up also enables him to become Robo-Bart, complete with a laser blaster that can shoot through glass.

#THE SIMPSONS GAME XBOX 360 REVIEW ZIP#

He's also got his trusty slingshot, a grappling hook (Y), and the ability to zip across wires and climb walls. He can transform into Bartman, using his cape to glide through the air, as well as catch updrafts (all via the right trigger). He's also capable of stunning enemies with powerful burps.īart serves as the multifaceted action hero. He can also fill himself up with helium and float, as well as turn into a gummy blob later in the game. Homer is the powerhouse he can morph into a giant rolling ball, capable of bowling over foes with a speed burst or flattening them with a shockwave-style jump attack. The first few missions of the game are dedicated to unlocking each of the core family members and getting used to their individual superpowers. Bart picks it up and is amazed to find he and his family have access to special moves and powers - naturally, he wants to try them out.

#THE SIMPSONS GAME XBOX 360 REVIEW MANUAL#

In the middle of Bart's walk of shame, a manual for The Simpsons Game drops from the heavens. He leaves with the game, only to get busted by Marge, who quickly confiscates it. The more collectibles you get, the more bonuses you earn, like new costumes.Īfter the dream sequence (where Homer curses reality), we find Bart heading to the game store to purchase Grand Theft Scratchy. Also collectible are 'video game clichés,' which can range from the double jump to the 'obvious weakness.' You discover the clichés through experience so they aren't itemized. The game takes this time to introduce you to its concept of collectible items, which are tailored to specific Simpsons for instance, Homer is the only one who can collect Duff beer bottle caps, while Marge can pick up grocery coupons. Through Homer's battle with his chocolate foes, you learn that the face buttons control basic punch attacks (X), the art of double-jumping (A) and projectile-style attacks (B). This makes Homer a little mad, and he makes it his mission to track down his edible nemesis for a beatdown/snack. A white chocolate one ends up taunting Homer and runs away. We enter a dream sequence where Homer is in a virtual land of chocolate, filled by sarcastic talking chocolate bunnies and culminating with a battle on top of a massive cake. The journey starts with Homer Simpson dozing off in front of the television, his mouth brown from binging on chocolate. Since the story and dialogue are such an enjoyable part of the game to experience firsthand, I'll try not to spoil it here.

In terms of overall plot, The Simpsons Game is essentially a playful jab (actually, it's more like left hook) at the video game industry, flanked by an alien invasion subplot as well as commentary on the meaning of life. You would need a good laugh to be able to put up with some of the technical issues that end up hindering the playing experience. It's the ultimate parody of an industry that is still forging its identity in pop culture.īut through all the laughs, the 'oh wows' and the gags, the game can actually be a chore to play. It is so smart and sharply written that it nearly reaches the point of being socially relevant. It made me laugh out loud, smile until my cheeks hurt and tell others about its gags at the risk of appearing partially insane. Actually, it's one of the funniest games I've played in my history as a gamer.

The simpsons game xbox 360 review