Video Game Classics: The Simpsons Arcade Game

Video Game Classics: The Simpsons Arcade Game

Some games will live forever as Classics. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be taking a look at 1991’s wacky beat ‘em up “The Simpsons Arcade Game.”

Based on the popular cartoon series of the same name, this action-packed romp was adapted by Konami at the height of the show’s popularity, and became an instant arcade favorite upon release.

Looping the show’s opening and character bios, the adventure opened with Waylon Smithers making his getaway after robbing the Springfield Jewelers.

Immediately bumping into Homer Simpson, the giant diamond is thrown into Maggie’s mouth, replacing her pacifier. As a result, Smithers decides to grab Maggie and make a run for it.

Playing as the Simpsons family, you and other players must work together to fight past hundreds of goons in order to recover the family’s youngest member.

Unlike many other beat ‘em ups, each character in the Simpsons Arcade game has their own unique personality and weapons. For example, while Homer is able to punch and kick, Marge furiously swings her vacuum cleaner, Bart uses his skateboard, and Lisa wields her jump rope like a whip.

Interestingly, the game also encourages gamers to team-up to create special team attacks, which vary depending on which characters are involved in the maneuver.

Venturing through the game’s many stages, players make their way through many bizarre and iconic settings. These include downtown Springfield, Krustyland, The Discount Cemetery, Moe’s Tavern, Springfield Butte, Dreamland and the Channel 6 studios, all to make it to the Nuclear Power Plant. Once there, players will have to face Smithers and his boss, Mr. Burns.

Like the other stage bosses, their speed and strength increases until they are defeated. And in addition to these many levels and battles, there are two bonus stages. These include balloon inflating and slapping yourself awake after falling from a waterfall (End of Forest Level).

Sporting bright colorful graphics and the voice talent behind the show, The Simpsons includes many hysterical moments, and references to its source material. And it does this, all while building on the game engine of Konami’s other classic quarter-munching multiplayer experience, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade Game.

As one of our all-time arcade favorites, we’re still waiting for the day that it gets re-released to the home consoles, allowing a new generation of Simpson’s fans to enjoy them at their zaniest.