Pop bytes

A brief review of game titles that didn't have time to get fully plugged in.

The Simpsons Game (from Electronic Arts for Xbox 360, Rated: Teen, $59.99)

Springfield gets transformed into a massive virtual playground for a single player to explore as he controls members of Matt Groening's legendary animated family in this hilarious third-person adventure.

A story finds Bart in control of a manual that turns his town into a living video game. The action not only mocks the gaming industry and pop culture, but also delivers a Simpsons story funnier than almost any televised episode.

| Cut scenes look spectacular in the high-definition format, but the action is placed in a mixed bag of cel-shaded three-dimensional designs that look more ripped from the comic-book series than from the show.

From the moment the player finds himself in control of Homer during one of his food dreams, in this case stuck in the Land of Chocolate (from the episode "Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk") he will relish the authentic Simpsons experience, down to the occasional appearances of Comic Book Guy, who reminds him every time he performs any video-game-type cliche.

Powers for the characters include Homer's flame-throwing burps; Bart's use of a slingshot and his ability to turn into his comic-book idol, Bartman; and Lisa's use of her saxophone to unleash a wicked hurricane.

The title features a weak split-screen cooperative mode, but the levels of silliness as well as voice-over actors from the show and appearances by nearly every character more than make up for it.

The Simpsons game is a must-have for fans and well worth the "D'oh." OK, that was way too obvious. How about saying the game is more satisfying than a six-pack of Duff Beer and a dozen iced donuts?
— Joseph Szadkowski