Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Simpsons Game on the Nintendo DS delivers a lighthearted sidescrolling action experience with a clever twist: each family member brings a completely different playstyle to the table. From the moment Bart stumbles upon the mysterious game manual, you’re encouraged to switch between Homer’s gooey blob form, Bart’s agile Bartman persona, Lisa’s puzzle-solving Hand of Buddha and Marge’s crowd-control mob tactics. This variety keeps each stage feeling fresh, as you’ll need to master all four characters’ skills to tackle platforming hurdles, combat waves of enemies and uncover hidden collectibles.

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Levels are structured like twelve bite-sized “episodes,” each parodying a slice of popular culture—be it retro arcade classics or blockbuster movie franchises. You might be hopping across lily pads in a Frogger spoof one moment, then blasting invaders in a Space Invaders homage the next. These genre pastiches pay off in creative level layouts that both spoof and celebrate gaming history, giving long-time players a string of winks and nods as they progress.

Touchscreen integration elevates the gameplay further. When controlling Lisa, you’ll literally trace paths and manipulate on-screen objects with the stylus to clear obstacles, solve riddles or reveal secret passages. Exclusive to the DS version, the “Pet Homer” virtual pet minigame also leans heavily on touchscreen interaction—feed Homer oddball treats and watch the hilarious side effects unfold. Add in several local-multiplayer mini-games, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to pop in a second cartridge and challenge friends.

While the basic run-and-gun mechanics are accessible, later stages demand precise timing and clever ability swaps. Boss battles often blend reflex-based dodging with puzzle elements, requiring you to exploit each Simpson’s strength in sequence. Though the difficulty curve remains forgiving for the bulk of the adventure, completionists hunting down every hidden t-shirt or blueprint will find themselves testing the limits of their platforming prowess.

Graphics

Visually, The Simpsons Game on DS does a remarkable job of capturing the look and feel of the TV series. Character sprites are bright, expressive and packed with personality—Homer’s jiggly blob form practically oozes cartoon charm, while Bartman’s cape flutters convincingly as he glides. Backgrounds are richly detailed, often referencing iconic Springfield locales or the specific world being parodied in each episode.

Special effects during transformations and power-up sequences lean on the DS hardware with stylized flashes, thick outline art and occasional screen shake that heighten the sense of arcade action. Cutscenes between episodes are presented in crisp, full-screen stills that retain the traditional animation style of the show, complete with speech balloons for onscreen dialogue when the DS’s limited audio channels take a breather.

Even on the DS’s modest resolution, the game maintains legible environments and clearly defined enemy designs. Secret areas and collectible icons glow just enough to be noticed without feeling like obvious signposts, rewarding careful exploration. The overall presentation strikes a balanced mix of retro homage and modern polish, making each level feel both nostalgic and freshly animated.

Story

True to The Simpsons’ spirit, the narrative here is a self-aware romp that leans into meta humor. Bart’s discovery of the game manual is the catalyst that pulls the entire family into a digital realm, setting up a simple yet effective premise: survive twelve thematic episodes and restore life back to normal. The plot serves primarily as a comedic framework, and it succeeds by allowing the writers to lampoon gaming culture, film tropes and even the game’s own publisher.

Woven throughout are original voice clips from the Springfield clan, delivered by the show’s regular cast. These snippets keep the pace brisk and the jokes flowing, often riffing on in-game events or poking fun at the characters’ own limitations (Homer’s blob form, for instance, is the source of endless laughter). Cutscenes feature animated gags that feel lifted straight from the TV show’s best parody episodes.

Each level’s storyline embraces over-the-top scenarios—from infiltrating alien armadas to surfacing hidden gaming studios—yet always circles back to family dynamics and classic Simpsons sarcasm. Fans will appreciate the density of inside references, while newcomers can still follow the zany situations and enjoy the lighthearted banter.

Overall Experience

The Simpsons Game for DS excels at blending platforming action with a heavy dose of fan service. The variety of playable characters and their unique abilities ensure that no two stages feel exactly alike, while the unlockable collectibles and multiple mini-games extend the replay value beyond a single playthrough. Difficulty remains approachable for younger players but ramps up enough in optional challenges to satisfy completionists.

Audio-visual presentation is top-notch for a handheld title, with faithful character art, crisp animations and spot-on voice work that brings Springfield to life in your pocket. The parodic level design and writing are cleverly executed, balancing tributes to gaming icons with fresh, Simpsons-style jokes that never feel stale. For fans of the series, the sheer density of Easter eggs and show references makes the journey a delightful scavenger hunt.

Whether you’re drawn by the chance to beat up space invaders as Homer or solve stylus-based puzzles as Lisa, The Simpsons Game offers an engaging and varied package. It’s a must-consider for DS owners seeking a humor-driven platform adventure, and a standout title for anyone craving a lighthearted romp through Springfield’s more outrageous scenarios. All in all, it’s a fun, humorous and surprisingly deep handheld experience that honors its cartoon roots while delivering solid portable gameplay.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10