Game Reviews

The Simpsons Arcade (iPhone)

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The Simpsons Arcade (iPhone)

Springfield finds itself in trouble yet again, leaving the unlikeliest of families to save the day. The Simpsons, spearheaded by portly patron Homer, take to the streets of downtown Springfield, walkways of Krustyville, and even the hallways of Burns manor to find a donut containing the master plan of a conspiracy to rob the city of its resources.

Homer's love of confections is put to good use in The Simpsons Arcade, even if his lovable family aren't. While there are some chuckle-worthy moments, the inability to play as any of the other family members and lack of replay value leave a hole in the middle of the game.

Attack of The Simpsons

For a quick bite of gameplay it's decent, but there's not much to chew on after you imbibe all six levels. You can only play as Homer, which is disappointing since an option to control Marge, Bart, Maggie, or Lisa could have encouraged replay.

Alternatively, a cooperative multiplayer mode using members of the family might have been nice. Instead, they make appearances as helpful power-ups.

Nab a family member's icon and they scurry out onto the screen. Marge sends Homer into a dizzy, his rotating arms pummelling enemies as you tilt your handset to move him about the stage. Lisa stomps foes in a wide area using her jump rope, whereas Bart climbs atop Homer's head and slings stones at enemies.

These coordinated attacks are fun, but they don't happen as often as you'd like.

Old-fashioned

The majority of your time is spent punching suited bad guys with taps of a virtual arcade cabinet-style red button in the lower-right corner.

Timing presses of this changes Homer's punching combo and even causes him to sit on fallen foes. You can also hit the green button directly above to jump, following up with the red button to belly flop and trip up nearby enemies.

Homer's weak attacks are pepped up with bonus items like baseball bats, hammers, and barrels that can be picked up and used.

These optional items - combined with help from Marge and the kids - save combat from bland punches and butt bounces. Boss battles against series standbys including Kent Brockman, Krusty the Clown, and Chief Wiggum also add some spice.

Kwik-E-Mart Kwality

Mini-games between levels and a funny continue system that has you slapping Homer awake show a real effort to instill variety. The game earns points for authenticity with its nicely drawn graphics, too.

Despite all of what has been done right, it just doesn't gel. The Simpsons Arcade isn't a bad game, yet it isn't all that great either. Catching cameos or beating up a noteworthy character in a boss fight is what ultimately holds your attention.

It's questionable whether the gameplay wouldn't stand up without support from Homer and company. Some levels are entertaining, while others a bore.

Nevertheless, the gameplay is tied to the Simpsons family. While we'd prefer to see more humour and a little more dynamic action for a more general recommendation, it's mindless fun while it lasts.

The Simpsons Arcade (iPhone)

Despite good looks and lots of variety, The Simpsons Arcade isn't as fun or as funny as it aspires to be
Score
Tracy Erickson
Tracy Erickson
Manning our editorial outpost in America, Tracy comes with years of expertise at mashing a keyboard. When he's not out painting the town red, he jets across the home of the brave, covering press events under the Pocket Gamer banner.