"The Simpsons Game" is as good as a game based on a TV show gets. It's hilarious and fun. The game is just as good as the TV show because it is just one long game mocking video games and other media such as "Batman", "World of Warcraft", "Metel of Honor", and "Pokemon". It is an original story and very creative. The humor in the game will attract older fans more than kids because the jokes are aimed toward them, but not because of adult themes. The jokes appeal to adults and older teens more because of the references to games that kids may have never played nor would they have interest in playing. Things to look out for: References to alcohol and drug use are very mild and just might go over a kid's head. Violence is very cartoony and funny sometimes (ie: Homer eats living chocolate bunnies, the bunnies let out bloodcurtling screams of confusion and horror). Also, there is one scene where Bart and Lisa are inside a factory that makes video games and there is an extended sequence where they are inside the "blood factory" and everything is covered in blood as well as blood shooting out of pipes like waterfalls. Language is a bit stronger than in the series, but just like a TV show the characters do get bleeped (this happenes 2 times in the game) what is not bleeped are words such as "d*mn", "h*ll", "bi*ch" and in an extended sequence making fun of "Grand Theft Auto" the words "h*" and "pimp" can be heard several times. Product placement is obvious, especially in the ending of the game where Matt Groening places his characters from "Futurama" in the game as well as other consoles such as Playstation, Xbox 360, and the Wii. Product placement also occurs in the fact that entire segments of the game are devoted to mocking other games by placing "The Simpsons" characters in the middle of the game being made fun of. I put Messages Aren't Positive for one reason: Religion is mocked. The entire ending level of the game (lasting a good 40 minutes of gameplay) takes place in Heaven and the game is won by defeating God in a game of "Dance Dance Revolution". It is a funny idea because of its absurdity. I doubt that Matt Groening was intentionally trying to offend, it is just supposed to be an abusurd idea to play against the Lord in "Dance Dance Revolution". The game shows good role models in the fact that the Simpson family works together to save each other and also Marge strives to make the world a better place for her kids in a humorous way. Bottom line: Fun to play, original and hilarious. Ages 12+. 5/5 stars. Enjoy.
The Simpsons Game
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Hilarious game with many inside jokes for fans.
Why We Rated This
for Ages 12–15
The good stuff
-
Educational value:
What to watch out for
-
Violence :
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Simpsons Game
Parents need to know that this game is about as controversial as the television show. It includes Itchy & Scratchy blood and violence (for the uninitiated, that's the show's parody of violent cat-and-mouse cartoons), some minor curse words, a few sexual references, and so on. In other words, if you let your kids watch the show there isn't anything in the game that will raise a red flag.
Read our full review by Marc Saltzman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how The Simpsons animated TV show was considered very offensive back in the early '90s -- Bart's underachieving attitude, Homer's language (which upset his religious neighbor, Ned), and some violence and gore -- but is this as big a deal today? Does the game push the envelope as the show did in its day, or is it now seen as clever, irreverent social satire? Does the game feel like an interactive episode of the show?
You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!
To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in LouisianaI rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- Easy to play
Fantastic Game That Lives Up to the Television Series!!
Lives in KansasI rate this title iffy for age 9 and give itamazing
When I played it with my friend at his house I thoght it might be a little iffy but boy was I wrong. sure there was d**b d****t I didn't get that far but it was halious. The first level you are in Homers dream and it's nothing but sweats and you have to fight evil chocolate bunnies at the end theres a little clip that Homer says not dreaming not dreaming and wakes up and says d****t I was dreaming why can't the world be made of sweats and everything you can eat d**b you reality. I say if you are 9 and up and don't do anything they do your okay.
Lives in MinnesotaI rate this title iffy for age 12 and give itwow
It is a lot of fun to play.They say things like "Oh!D**n my choclate nerves!" "Your son is below average!" "Bart hates you!" . I think it has a reasonable rating of T. E 10+ really isn't a reasonable rating.But the common sense rating 12+ is good.
Lives inI rate this title on for age 10 and give itI laughed
And again another review The Simpson’s game is a really funny game. Violence: No blood but you hit people or with special powers. If you hit someone twice in Springfield they run away screaming if you hit them constantly they fall down on the ground (10 secs and they get back up). Language: C**p, Damn, hell, ass light casual swearing bi**h is said although one level Grand Theft Scratchy Marge say’s it a lot but it is talking about DOGS. Drugs Social behaviour and Sex: A bit of smoking and drinking. Nothing that bad. A bit of sex references but no nakedness. Message: Nothing much just save Springfield.
Lives in PennsylvaniaI rate this title iffy for age 2 and give itTo those who say NO
To all of you out there who say this is a bad game, with profanity, just don't buy it. Some parents really don't care and they watch the show. The kids probably already know what the stuff means if they didn't tell their parents anyway.


Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.





