The Simpsons Arcade [rating: 3.5/5]

EA Mobile are dominating the App Store enough already but they are not resting on their laurels and this time they have teamed up with the genius that is Matt Groening to bring you a game based on one of the biggest, if not the biggest TV animations of all time, The Simpsons. The Simpsons Arcade is a classic sideway scrolling beat-em up, if you are old enough to remember the game Double Dragon, imagine playing that with Simpsons characters instead of martial arts masters.

The game launches with the familiar sound of the Simpsons theme tune although to be honest it doesn’t sound quite like the TV version. It sets the scene nicely though and from that point on The Simpsons Arcade is 100% authentic Simpsons through and through.

You control Homer on his mission to discover the secrets of a much sought after pink sprinkled doughnut and on those travels you will meet all of the characters and many, many henchmen who are out to prevent you from making your may through the levels.

Controls are are virtual d-pad on the left side of the screen and two action buttons on the right, the classic arcade button bashing setup. The d-pad controls Homer’s movement and is also used to control some of his special attacks while the two action buttons control Homers attacks on his many, many foes. The controls are simple enough and to a certain extent you could get quite a way through the game simply using the random button bashing method, however at certain times taking advantage of his special moves will certainly make things progress much easier and faster.

Power-ups and extra lives are available throughout all of the levels, extra lives can be found be looking out for Homer’s friends standing nonchalantly around the level while power-ups including those supplied by Marge, Lisa and Bart are available in crates scattered around the levels. The family power-ups are particularly powerful and effective but using them at the wrong time can be a waste and means that you won’t be able to use it when you are under attack by multiple enemies all at the same time.

There are 6 sections for you to play though consisting of 25 sub levels. Each of the 6 sections are based in a different Simpsons locations and each is beautifully accurate to the TV show itself as are the characters. While there is sporadic use of the Simpsons voices I don’t think this has been utilized enough and definitely detracts from the game. You can add your own tracks though to listen to while you play though if so desired.

Clearing the levels requires you to defeat an end of level boss whose techniques and attacks are more complex than the enemies that you have previously faced in the level itself, again these are characters taken straight out of the TV show and you’ll need watch and read there routines to be able to defeat them.

The Simpsons Arcade is a fun arcade style beat-em up and while fans of the show will enjoy the game slightly more than others, the game is still a good game in its own right too. As with most beat-em up style games it is a little too easy for its own good at times and can be beaten relatively quickly too and has little re-play value.

Price: $4.99 (iTunes Link)

The Good

• 100% authentic Simpsons
• Crazy mini-games
• Beat-em up fun

The Not So Good

• Not enough real voices
• No way to play mini-games seperately
• A little too easy

Reviewed by: @CraigWillis

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