Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Simpsons offers a classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up experience that will immediately feel familiar to fans of arcade action titles. Players can choose from Homer, Marge, Bart, or Lisa, each boasting distinct attacks and playstyles. Homer relies on powerful punches and kicks, Marge swings her trusty vacuum cleaner, Bart grinds on his skateboard, and Lisa lashes foes with her jump rope. This variety encourages multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate each character’s strengths and weaknesses.

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As you make your way through eight diverse stages—ranging from Downtown Springfield to the eerie Discount Cemetery and even a whimsical Dreamland—you’ll encounter a steady parade of Mr. Burns’s henchmen. Standard grunts can be dispatched with simple combos, but the game keeps you on your toes by littering the levels with throwable objects like hammers, bowling balls, and other Springfield-themed hazards. Mastering the timing for picking up and tossing these items is essential for maintaining crowd control and conserving your health.

Between stages, tension breaks briefly with two competitive mini-games: one challenges you to inflate a balloon faster than your friends, while the other tests your reflexes as you race to wake a sleeping Simpson. These quick diversions add a fun layer of variety, breaking up the relentless beat-’em-up action and giving your family (or CPU) a chance to catch up. Cooperative play is a highlight, but even solo players will appreciate the pacing shifts and character-specific challenges.

Graphics

True to its source material, The Simpsons captures the look and feel of the long-running TV show with vibrant, cartoon-inspired pixel art. Character sprites are immediately recognizable, featuring exaggerated expressions and faithful color palettes. Backgrounds showcase iconic Springfield locations in charming detail—Krustyland’s carnival midways sport gaudy hues, while the grim Discount Cemetery emanates an appropriately spooky atmosphere.

Animation remains fluid throughout, with each character’s attack sequence feeling weighty and impactful. Boss encounters are especially impressive: the hot air balloon Krusty boss drifts lazily overhead, while the hulking wrestling professor stomps around with thunderous steps. Even minor touchpoints, like Maggie clutching the stolen diamond, are rendered with a playful attention to detail that delights fans of the show.

While the game’s visual presentation aligns with 16-bit era hardware limitations, clever use of parallax scrolling and layered backgrounds gives the levels a surprising sense of depth. Environmental effects—such as gusts in Dreamland or flickering neon lights downtown—enhance immersion without overwhelming the core gameplay. Overall, the graphics strike an excellent balance between nostalgia and clarity.

Story

The narrative kicks off with Waylon Smithers filching a precious diamond for Mr. Burns, only to crash into Homer Simpson and lose the gem when Maggie intercepts it midair. This seemingly innocuous accident spirals into a full-blown rescue mission as Smithers absconds with the infant in tow. The premise is simple yet compelling: the Simpson family must brave a gauntlet of Burns’s loyal henchmen to save their daughter and reclaim the diamond.

Each level serves as a chapter in this madcap caper, taking players through familiar Springfield hotspots that tie directly into the rescue plot. Whether you’re battling bouncers at Moe’s Tavern or leaping across the treacherous Springfield Gorge, the stakes feel consistently high as you inch closer to Maggie. Boss fights punctuate the story beats, with increasingly outlandish adversaries—everything from a drunken patron to a karate sensei in kabuki makeup—standing between you and the finale.

The climax brings you face-to-face with Smithers and a mechanized Mr. Burns, delivering a satisfying closure to the jewel-heist motif. While the story is straightforward, its strength lies in weaving beloved characters and settings into every encounter. Fans of the series will appreciate the humor and in-jokes scattered throughout the dialogue and level design.

Overall Experience

The Simpsons is a standout example of licensed tie-in games done right. Its tight combat mechanics, varied character abilities, and cleverly designed levels offer hours of enjoyment for both casual players and die-hard fans. Cooperative play elevates the fun, allowing up to four friends (or CPU partners) to brawl through Springfield side by side and coordinate attacks on swarms of henchmen.

Despite its arcade roots, the game strikes a thoughtful balance between challenge and accessibility. Health pickups and temporary weapon caches are generously placed, but boss fights demand pattern recognition and strategic use of each character’s unique skills. Replay value is bolstered by hidden pathways, unlockable secrets, and the desire to experience every playable Simpson’s moveset.

Overall, The Simpsons delivers a delightful, nostalgia-packed beat-’em-up adventure that remains engaging from start to finish. It honors the source material with faithful visuals and humor, while offering solid gameplay that stands on its own merits. For anyone seeking a fun, family-friendly brawler set in the world of America’s Favorite Family, this title is an easy recommendation.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10