Of all the games we owned for the Amiga, Bart VS. The Space Mutants, based upon the run-away hit television show 'The Simpsons', remains the game that sticks out most prominently in my mind and was one of my favorites when I was much younger.
You take the role of Bart Simpson, also known as that generation's Dennis the Menace. The humble town of Springfield has been overcome by Martian invaders, who have used mind-controlling insects to play the towns people like puppets.
Of all the games we owned for the Amiga, Bart VS. The Space Mutants, based upon the run-away hit television show 'The Simpsons', remains the game that sticks out most prominently in my mind and was one of my favorites when I was much younger.
You take the role of Bart Simpson, also known as that generation's Dennis the Menace. The humble town of Springfield has been overcome by Martian invaders, who have used mind-controlling insects to play the towns people like puppets. Only Bart retains his mind. It is up to you to help Bart to rescue his family from the mutants and restore the town to normal.
The game takes place over five decent-sized levels (including the Mall, Krusty Land and the Nuclear
Power Plant), all of which, with exception of number five, contain a family member who urgently needs help! If you are able to spell out their name by collecting the corresponding letters throughout the level, the member will appear in the boss fight to aid you. In addition, Bart must collect the themed items in each level, be it hats, balloons or plutonium rods, to make the boss appear. Overall, the levels are bright, colorful and varied. Disappointingly however, in most levels you will see a lot of recurring backdrops.
The very first level, set in the streets of Springfield, is perhaps the best level. The inventiveness of the gameplay in this section has to be lauded. Apart from seeing memorable sights from the show, Bart has some enjoyable mini-tasks to complete. For example, Bart will have to raise funds in order to purchase items such as fireworks, spray paint cans and cherry bombs from stores, which he can use inventively on a lot of scenery to reveal the end-of-level boss. He will have to outrace one of the school bullies on his skate board in one section, while avoiding obstacles. You are even able to call Moe's Tavern and listen to some funny prank-calls (not TOO rude now! This is a family-friendly game!) In the rest of the levels, although fun (especially Krusty Land), there is a significant decrease in the level of interactivity and exploration seen in the first level.
On the other hand, on reflexion, this game is harder to recommend because of its very difficult and unforgiving gameplay. The game is a platformer at heart so you will have to make Bart jump to and from many precarious ledges. However, Bart's moves are quite imprecise and it is rather difficult to gauge how far he will jump, making this aspect of the game very difficult. What's more, he can only take two direct hits from an enemy before losing a life. It is particularly aggravating since Bart has a limited number of lives. Be prepared to hear the annoying "Eat my shorts" often.
Fans will no doubt enjoy the numerous TV-show references and seeing their favorite characters. Others may pan it as it is a frustrating game. I think it definitely has its moments and remains a colorful and fun tribute to the popular TV series. Enjoy!
6 out of 10
