The Simpson Arcade Hits the App Store

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Early Simpsons from The Tracy Ullman Show ca. 1987

It was not too long ago that you could not get away from the Simpsons. I bet Matt Groening woke up most mornings pinching himself, wondering how his little cartoon from the Tracey Ullman Show in 1987 had turned into an overarching franchise. Much to the delight of kids, and to the chagrin of parents, Bart and Homer and their crazy defiant behaviour went far beyond a cult following and became mainstream. All manner of ventures followed, topped off by a theme park ride. But just like the feeling you get when the ride is over, the Simpsons seem to have run their course. Electronic Arts releasing a Simpsons game on the iPhone now feels a bit like looking into an empty donut box. Fans of the Simpsons have waited (too) long for this game.

As games go, this can be fun for fans and those few unitiated souls. While you can only play as Homer that does not seem to limit the possibilities for hijinks to ensue. He is on a quest to chase down a mysterious doughnut which also happens to be host to a USB flash drive that holds some kind of secret information that nearly the entire population of Springfield seems to be in on. Using an on-screen joystick and two buttons Homer can perform a variety of simple moves and combos on the seemingly never-ending supply of henchmen that are dead-set on keeping you away from the doughnut in question. There are 20 or more levels and mini games. All your favourites from the show make an appearance at some time or another.

The downside of this game is apparent right from the start in the App store. 4.99 for a game is pretty steep, especially for a franchise so far past its pinnacle. Some other complaints include its inablity to save except at the end of a level, as well as the nauseating midi music which really detracts from the gameplay. Fortunately the music can be turned off, but for that kind of money you really expect a total package.

Rabid Simpsons fans will love this, however they are few and far between these days. For the rest of us it is just another last ditch attempt to squeeze money out of a dying empire.

The Simpsons Arcade (iTunes Link) is now available in the App Store for $4.99