In 1989, the first episode of The Simpsons flickered across American television screens. That was a long time ago and today the popular animated series is still running and getting new episodes. One could argue about their quality, but not at this point. The stories of Homer, Bart, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Co. are far from finished, and of course such a popular series has also caught the interest of video game developers.
In fact, in the recent past there have been far fewer video games with the Simpsons than one might think. And yes, not every video game outing has been a success or good quality. However, among all the licensed games there are one or two worthwhile investments for fans. Here are the best Simpsons video games, in no particular order!
The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003 – PC, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox)
Radical Entertainment was last known for the two prototype games, among other things, but in 2003 they also developed an adaptation of the animated series with The Simpsons: Hit & Run. A strong departure from the successful GTA series, here you explore numerous corners of Springfield and uncover an alien conspiracy.
In addition to exploring the world, you often complete races and many missions that lead you through the whole city. Considered by many to be the best video game adaptation of The Simpsons, Hit & Run is definitely worth a look if you enjoy some sort of GTA parody and are also into the yellow family.
Interest? You can watch The Simpsons Hit & Run at Ebay Find.
The Simpsons Arcade (1991 – Arcade, PC, C64, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Another hot contender for the title of best Simpsons video game by many is Konami’s The Simpsons Arcade, which was first released in 1991 as an arcade machine. Ports for C64 and MS-DOS followed later and it was also available digitally on Xbox 360 and PS3, but only until 2021.
In The Simpsons Arcade, up to four players can compete together and fight numerous enemies to rescue the kidnapped Maggie. By the way, the game has little to do with The Simpsons Arcade, which was released by EA for iOS in 2009. Since the original from Konami was only available digitally for PS3 and Xbox 360, it is unfortunately no longer available for these platforms.
The Simpsons Game (2007 – PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PS2, Wii, DS)
In 2007, with the help of Simpsons writers Tim Long and Matt Warburton, EA delivered The Simpsons Game. In the game, the family learns that they must join another Simpsons video game. You can expect a lot of gags and references to pop culture, but also to other games and also to EA itself.
Homer, Margie, Bart, Lisa and Maggie have various superpowers that help them in different situations. Ultimately, it’s about saving their 8-bit counterparts from SimCity creator Will Wright and Simpsons creator Matt Groening. While the camera angle may not always be optimal and it’s not the longest game, it’s still entertaining.
Interest? You can check out The Simpsons Game at Ebay Find.
The Simpsons: Road Rage (2001 – PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, GBA)
The Simpsons: Road Rage is the quasi-predecessor of Hit & Run and was released two years before it. Your goal in the game is to transport passengers to the destination as quickly as possible. It is thus similar to Sega’s Crazy Taxi, which even led to a lawsuit by Sega. However, an agreement was reached before a court hearing took place.
So it may not be the most original game concept, but if you think Crazy Taxi with the Simpsons is entertaining, you should give Road Rage a try. It’s not the star of the Simpsons games, but it can give you a few hours of fun.
Interest? You can get The Simpsons: Road Rage at Ebay Find.
Krusty’s Fun House (1992 – PC, Game Boy, Game Gear, Mega Drive, NES, SNES, Master System)
Where Road Rage drew inspiration from Crazy Taxi, Lemmings inspired Krusty’s Fun House. Although the tables are turned here and you have to kill the characters on the screen instead of saving them.
You play Krusty, with whom you complete different levels, which in turn represent a kind of puzzle. The aim is to eliminate a certain number of rats, using various objects and obstacles to create a path that ideally leads to this. At the same time, you have to defend yourself with thrown cakes against snakes, Martians and other opponents who would otherwise damage you.
Interest? You can visit Krusty’s Fun House Ebay Find.
Bart vs. The Space Mutants (1991 – NES, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, C64, ZX Spectrum, Mega Drive, Game Gear, Master System)
You fight your way through a total of five levels with Bart Simpson in Bart vs. The Space Mutants. He has to thwart the aliens’ plans for world domination, which is not easy. The controls in the game make it a bit tricky at times. But if you have experience with Dark Souls and Co. these days, you probably have the patience to master this game.
In any case, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to platforms. On Amiga and MS-DOS, the game even features a unique animated intro modeled after that of the series. not the best game of all the Simpsons adaptations and a bit challenging at times, but well worth a look.
Interest? You can check out Bart vs. The Space Mutants at Ebay Find.
Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror (2001 – Game Boy Color)
A video game based on the Simpsons’ Halloween episodes? Doesn’t sound wrong and Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror does its job quite sensibly. It’s a platformer and sidescroller where you fight your way through seven levels.
You control the members of the Simpsons family and this game here is sometimes not stingy with its level of difficulty. For the most part, the game offers little variety, but there are a few nods to other video games. Anyone who enjoys the Halloween episodes of The Simpsons can definitely take a look.
Interest? You can watch Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror at Ebay Find.
Bart Simpson’s Escape from Camp Deadly (1991 – Game Boy)
Another Simpsons game starring Bart. You must escape from a summer camp controlled by ruthless wardens. Look familiar? Sounds similar to the Kamp Krusty episode, although the game was released about a year before it aired.
You fight not only the overseers, but also ruffians and individual wild animals. The whole thing will keep you busy for a few hours, it’s not the largest of all Simpsons games. Again, it’s a good game for those who like a challenge since Bart only has three continues to play.
Interest? You can find Bart Simpson’s Escape from Camp Deadly at Ebay Find.
Not the right thing for you? Check out the best family games for Christmas, the best free to play games and the best Lego games!
