Gameplay in The Simpsons Game is a mix of platforming, brawling, and light puzzle-solving. You’ll guide two characters through each
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stage and have them work cohesively to reach the end of the level. Certain areas of every stage remain locked until a character fulfills a specific requirement, and this is where each character’s special ability comes into play. Bart can turn into Bartman and glide over gaps, use his slingshot, and reach great heights by using a grappling hook. Homer can turn into a ball and destroy obstacles or use his heavy weight to stomp down on switches. Lisa can use her Hand of Buddha ability to move objects telekinetically. Lastly, Marge can use her mob ability to enlist the aid of nearby civilians. These are just a few of the many abilities each member of the Simpsons family possesses, and they will all be put to extensive use in order to progress through the levels.
What makes The Simpsons Game so much fun is its level design. Despite the game not being overly difficult in any area, there is a lot to do, and stages are long-lasting and really keep you busy throughout their entirety. The platforming in the game is well thought out, and the fact that two characters must work together to get through the stages adds an extra layer to the gameplay.
Aside from the main objectives, each level is full of collectible items exclusive to each character. These collectible objects add a bit of replayability, and you’ll find yourself hunting them down and seeing your collection of extras grow. There are also a number of video game clichés to fulfill in the game. These achievement-like situations range from falling into a chasm and dying to running into an enemy spawning device, and they obviously poke fun at the video game industry and all its quirks.
