A popular arcade classic from 1991 makes a surprise appearance on Xbox LIVE Arcade this week. The Simpsons Arcade Game is a multiplayer brawler featuring the first family of Springfield on a quest to rescue Maggie from the diabolical duo of Smithers and Mr. Burns.
This isn't some hi-def reboot or upgrade or anything like that -- much like last year's X-MEN on Arcade, Konami has released The Simpsons in all its original glory. It's a co-op side-scrolling beat-em-up much like the '89 arcade hit TMNT, as you fight your way through the streets of Springfield and battle giant bosses.
Each Simpson has different abilities, and you can even team up for special attacks. Homer's a brawler, with punches and kicks, while Marge wields a vacuum cleaner as a weapon. Bart has his skateboard and Lisa uses her jump rope to attack. You can also grab items like hammers and use them as projectiles, and pick up food to replenish your life bar.
Oh, so they have Internet
on computers now!
--Homer Simpson
The stages are iconic Springfield locations like the nuclear power plant and Krustyland (be sure to check out The Simpsons arcade game in Moe's Tavern). There are insider jokes and gags throughout the game that fans of the series will instantly recognize, and it also features the actual voice actors from the TV show.
The Xbox LIVE Arcade version includes several new modes, such as a one-life survival challenge or unlimited continues. Play through the game to unlock the rare Japanese arcade version, which features a different scoring system and some new items (such as a nuclear bomb). There are also some original promo items to unlock, such as art and music from the original arcade release.
The game is best when playing with friends, and The Simpsons features four-player multiplayer both locally and over Xbox LIVE. You can even join a buddy's game in progress. The Simpsons Arcade Game is an authentic throwback to the heyday of co-op arcade gaming, and now you can grab it from Marketplace for just a roll of quarters (800 Microsoft Points).
Download The Simpsons Arcade Game