Simpsons Game for PlayStation 2 Reviews by Gamers

Funny references to popular culture work very well in a contained, half-hour environment such as an episode of The Simpsons. And, unfortunately, they are about the only thing that work well in the environment known as The Simpsons Game.

Much has been made of the fact that the writers for the series have given us completely new content, exclusive to the game, and that is all well and good. The story is funny and the references to bad video games which permeate the game are sometimes hilarious. Witness Ralph Wiggum running against a wall ala early Lara Croft. Ha ha ha. The self-effacing jokes would only be funny if the game wasn't so horrible.

Maybe, just maybe, it is my PS2. It's old and has been subjected to abuse, but when a game freezes in the same place three times, I have to think it's not me.

My first major complaint in The Simpsons Game is this: The camera is UNFORGIVABLE! In fact I think it is camera adjustment that is at fault with some of the game freezes. Truth be told, I have had levels go bad at least 6 times, requiring reboot, once so bad the save data on my memory card was corrupted and I had to start again.

It is a simple game that would just love, with all it's snarky humor, to drive all other games into the dirt. And while some targets, like Mortal Kombat, and Madden hit the mark, it's hard to laugh at a game that is so much more inferior than the games it tries to rip. And just imagine the laughs as a new character, famous for his real-world simulation creations, is the enemy in a level which in parody advertises his upcoming game release.

There are far to many references to bad games in a game that is on most levels worse than the ones it tries to make fun of.

I would rather play Medal of Honor, Everquest, San Andreas and God help me Katamari Damaci/Bubble Bobble.

This game is a shame in terms of gameplay. The only thing saving it is the writers, and they are unfortunately about to go on strike. I hope they got a cut.