The Simpsons Game – A Licensed Title with Laughs, But Mixed Gameplay

Released in 2007 across multiple platforms, The Simpsons Game brought the beloved animated series into an action-platformer format, letting players control Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa—each with unique powers and playable levels. The game features sharply written cutscenes and full voice acting from the original cast, creating one of the best-executed “Simpsons” game presentations to date. Its humour, self-referential tone and love for the source-material earned it praise. For example, reviewers appreciated how it lampooned the gaming industry itself while staying true to Springfield's world.

What It Does Well

The visuals and audio capture Springfield in a rich way: character voices, jokes, locations and fan-service moments are high-quality.

The writing stands out for a licensed game, with layers of parody and clever references that appeal to fans of the show.

The concept of giving each Simpson family member distinct powers adds variety—Bart gliding, Lisa hacking, Homer smashing, Marge rallying townsfolk.

Where It Falls Short

Gameplay and mechanics are generic: critics pointed out that beyond the strong license trappings, the platforming and combat lacked depth. The camera was frequently cited as problematic and the level design repetitive.

Short length and limited replay value: Many reviewers mentioned that the campaign is brief (around 4–5 hours) and once finished, there's little incentive to return unless you're a completionist.

Mixed critical reception: According to Metacritic, the game holds a score around 71% for the main console versions.

Fan and Community Sentiment

Among fans of The Simpsons, the game enjoys nostalgic affection. Reddit users still cite it with fondness:

“As a Simpsons fan, this is the best Simpsons game that has ever been made.”
Others highlight its flaws but acknowledge the charm:
“I had fun with it … great until your save corrupts halfway through.”

Verdict: Who Should Play It?

If you're a devoted fan of The Simpsons and enjoy light platformers filled with references, The Simpsons Game is a worthwhile pick—especially for what it gets right in tone and presentation. However, if you're evaluating it more on gameplay merits alone, expect a decent but unremarkable experience. The game shines for its fan-service and humour, but falls short of being a deep or enduring action-platformer.