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Deal of the Day: The Simpsons Game for $30
The Simpsons is one of television's best and longest running cartoon comedies. While the show is a true pop culture classic, the videogames on the other hand are not so memorable. While not stunning, most Simpsons games were actually all right ... with the exception of the horrendous Virtual Bart back on the Genesis. The latest in Simpson sims simply titled: The Simpsons Game, is not a bad addition to the lot. For 30 bucks, it's a not a bad deal either. Might be worth picking up.
Family Album: Electronic Arts
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Getting_to_know_the_EA_Empire'; When you go to Electronic Arts' web site for the first time, you are treated to a list of countries where the video game behemoth has presence. To some people, it's a sign of impending world domination -- to us, it's a giant global family. Curious to see what all Electronic Arts has under its umbrella bumbershoot? Check out our handy guide to learn everything about the company. From Madden to macabre, The Sims to The Simpsons, we've got you covered. It's time to get educated. (Also: Check out the Take Two Family Album)
Writer's Guild of America announces nominees for game writing award
The only thing that's consistently more ham-handed and embarrassing than the writing in games is the writing about games. Unlike the latter, however, small glimmers of hope emerge every year with the few games that thought it wise to deliver engaging dialogue and thoughtful plotting. This year alone saw titles like Mass Effect, BioShock and Portal being praised for exceptional writing and the emotional heft it lent to gameplay. Of course, none of those were nominated for the Writer's Guild of America's first ever Video Game Writing Award, but never mind. The winner to grace the stage during the Writer's Guild Awards held in Los Angeles on February 9, 2008, will be chosen from this list of witty nominees: Crash of the Titans -- Written by Christopher Mitchell for Sierra Entertainment Dead Head Fred -- Written by Dave Ellis and Adam Cogan for D3 Publisher The Simpsons Game -- With lead writer Matt Selman, written by Tim Long and Matt Warburton, dialogue by Jeff Poliquin for Electronic Arts The Witcher -- With lead story designer Artur Ganszyniec, dialogue by Sebastian Stepien, additional dialogue by Marcin Blacha and writers Sande Chen and Anne Toole for Atari World in Conflict -- Story design by Christofer Emgard, story consultant Larry Bond and script consultant Ed Zuckerman for Sierra Entertainment. A game's eligibility hinged on being released between Dec. 1, 2006, and Nov. 30, 2007, and credited writers must have been or applied to become members of the WGA's New Media Caucus. Though we're undecided about which game deserves to win, we're certain that highlighting and rewording the good righting in games are vary importent.
WoW Moviewatch: The Simpsons Game, Neverquest trailer
A while back, I found out from Gamebunny that a spoof on the MMO genre is an important part of The Simpsons Game, which just went on sale at the beginning of this month. We featured a Simpsons WoW spoof in a WoW Moviewatch some time ago, and as you can see from this trailer, a lot of the feeling and sound of the game is very reminiscent of WoW. Somehow this sort of making fun feels to me like the very height of praise for WoW and the impact it's had on the market. If the Simpsons make fun of it, it's got to be good.This portion of the game is called "Neverquest," and I would definitely try it out if I could. Has anyone played this? Is it as fun as it seems in this video? Does it actually play at all like WoW plays, or is the similarity only in the look of it? Previously, on WoW Moviewatch...
The Simpsons Game: Glancing a mainstream review
Reading entertainment trade publication Variety's review of The Simpsons Game makes it pretty obvious that as video games evolve, and mainstream publications start doing more reviews, so too do the methods of evaluating them. The Simpson's Game seems to be one of those anomalies we're running into more frequently, where the game may not be all that to typical game review publications (and certainly not worth $60), but still presents an experience worth having (Heavenly Sword says "hello"). The games are neither evolutionary nor revolutionary for the hardcore, and so the reviewers give it a whatever score and move on to the next game they have to rate and berate. Variety got a lot of flak for their Metroid Prime 3 review because it was written from a mainstream perspective. They pointed out to their average mainstream audience that Metroid probably isn't the Wii game for them if they don't know "the rules" of a Metroid game -- just think of trying to teach a non-gamer how to play Metroid compared to Wii Sports. In the case of The Simpsons Game, Variety goes and recommends an average game because they believe the writing could sustain their mainstreamer through the experience. While we frequently put gameplay above story, Variety and more mainstream pubs might see things reversed. It may not be all that simple, but it's plain to see that reviews can be influenced by the audiences they're written for.
Metareview: The Simpsons Game (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PS2)
D'oh! It's like reliving the early '90s all over again with a ho-hum Simpsons console game on the market. At least they got the humor right this time ('cause they had the actual Simpsons' writers). The Simpsons Game released this week and reviews have it hovering in the 70 point range. Many were hoping this game would bring video game fun to The Simpsons like only The Simpsons Arcade Game gave us those many, many years ago. EA could have made buckets of cash just copying Konami's simple formula from over a decade ago and we wonder if the reviews might have been slightly better. Game Informer (73/100): "For all of its self-referential humor and nods to gaming classics (there are brief segments mimicking the likes of Frogger, Space Invaders, and Wolfenstein 3D), the process of actually playing The Simpsons Game is unfortunately average. The chuckles along the way make it worth the trouble for fans, but if you don't know Arman Tamzarian from Disco Stu, most of the game's redeeming elements will fall on deaf, bored ears." Game Daily (70/100): "Obviously, Simpsons nuts will thoroughly enjoy the game, not for its excessive box breaking and switch hitting, but for all of the sweet content and attractive visuals, sans the characters. For $59.99, you basically receive an eight to ten hour interactive bonus episode. At the very least, it makes for a great rental." GameSpot (70/100): "In the end, The Simpsons Game is one of those weird cases where a recommendation of it is based less on its merits as a game and more on its merits as an experience. The things that make this game are its sense of humor, sharp writing, and excellent presentation. The gameplay isn't awful by any means, but it's also completely unmemorable. It's something that's more to be put up with while you appreciate the many other things going on than enjoyed on its own merits. That might not sound like a ringing endorsement, but The Simpsons Game is absolutely worth playing. Games this spot-on in the humor category don't come along too often. Considering what a fantastic job it does spoofing the variety of clichés and crutches our favorite pastime relies upon, that's got to count for something."
Simpsons writers say Rockstar 'spazzed' over GTA spoof
The writers behind The Simpsons Game aren't too impressed with Rockstar's recent apoplexy over the game's "Grand Theft Scratchy" parody level. In an interview with Game Head's Geoff Keighley, Simpsons Executive Producer and Writer Matt Selman said the Grand Theft Auto makers "spazzed out like little babies" over marketing that included a poster for the parody game. Selman told Keighley that it's ridiculous to expect gamers to think an Itchy and Scratchy poster is actually promoting a real Grand Theft Auto game. He also said the concern was particularly ironic coming from Rockstar, a company whose "games are full of satire, lame attempts at parody... basically putting the words sixty-nine in wherever they can find it, that's their idea of a joke." That's known in the comedy business as a roast. While EA's lawyers have been quick to remove any "Grand Theft" references from the game's marketing, Selman hinted that the Grand Theft Scratchy content could make it into the final game unaltered. If that happens, will Rockstar react like the cool rock stars their name implies or will we hear more baby-like spazzing? Here's hoping for the latter ... it makes for a great headline. Check out the interview after the break. [Via GamePolitics]
No more 'Grand Theft Scratchy' in Simpsons Game
It seems that Rockstar was pretty serious about having EA remove references to their IP from The Simpsons Game. 1UP reports that the previously titled "Grand Theft Scratchy" trailer has been replaced with an entirely identical vignette, now titled "Mob Rules." All other content in the trailer remains the same, meaning that either Rockstar only really had a guff with the name, or that EA hasn't heard the last from the Liberty City attorneys.
Today's universe-imploding video: Will Wright in The Simpsons Game
Is it any wonder that Spore keeps getting pushed back further and further when creator Will Wright is doing things like taking his sweet time to make a cameo appearance in The Simpsons Game? Good lord, man. Every waking minute you have should be spent poring over Spore. In fact, now that we think about it, do you really even need to sleep? At this point it is probably assured that Will has rigged up some machine that eliminates his need for sleep cycles altogether. Probably whipped it up during downtime while developing The Sims. Check out Game Head's latest video above, which includes the fabled Will Wright appearance. He's sandwiched between Call of Duty 4 tidbits, but it's a small price to pay for his lines alone. Plus they make his little mustache look evil as well. Now, get back to work.
Simpsons Game parodies those crazy Japanese and their wacky games
Hoping that the Japanese have a better sense of humor than their American counterparts, EA has released a trailer featuring the previously-discussed "Big Super Happy Fun Fun Land" section of The Simpsons Game, which parodies Japanese culture as well as (apparently) Japanese video games. Pardon the parentheticals, but the only game we see spoofed in this trailer is Katamari Damacy. Yes, we see Mr. Sparkle; We see the anime-inspired cutscene; We (unfortunately) hear the high-pitched "engrish"; But where are the games? Are we missing something obvious? Take a look for yourselves after the break, and please enlighten us.
Simpsons, Conan on Xbox Live Monday, Monday, Monday
Monday, Monday, Monday! At home right on your 360, Microsoft dishes out two demos -- a double dose of pain that'll rip out your guts, blow your mind, and leave you burned beyond recognition. The Simpsons Game, fresh off its appearance on the PlayStation Network and getting publishers' panties in a bunch, drops all 442.71 MBs right on your hard drive, with complete disregard to public safety. (Oh, hey, the achievements list still mentions Grand Theft Scratchy?) Then its time to get barbaric with Conan. Rated M for Mature, the ESRB says this game contains "BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, AND NUDITY." You can't take this game home to your mom, because it'd tread all over her face! Demo Monday, Monday, Monday! You'll pay for the whole controller, but you'll only need the edge!
XBLM gets Simpsons and Conan demos
Ah, who doesn't love a good demo? It's not quite like getting a free game, but it's close. Every day we turn on our beloved 360, hoping to see some shiny new demos winking at us coquettishly. Suckers that we are, we download them all, regardless of whether or not we're likely to enjoy the game. Today is extra special though, because not only do we have two new demos on Xbox Live Marketplace, but we have demos for games we've been eager to try. The first is Conan, which gives us license to chop, hack, and bludgeon hapless foes (and who doesn't enjoy that?). The second demo is for The Simpsons Game, which has been looking more appealing all the time. We're hoping that the demo gives us a nice long look at the self-referential humor that has been present in the recent trailers. But hey, whatever happens, they're free, right? Go give 'em a try.
Rockstar, others upset with Simpsons game
It's rare that a good video game parody comes along that isn't featured on YouTube, so you'd think that developers would relish the chance to get mocked by some of the minds behind The Simpsons Game, which includes goofs on popular games like Neverquest and Medal of Homer. Unfortunately, it seems that not everyone is in on the joke. CVG reports that some of the game's content had to be pulled because the companies were unhappy with the way their licenses were being tweaked. The only company called out by name is Rockstar, which reportedly asked during Leipzig that a poster featuring Grand Theft Scratchy be removed. The article does mention that the Harmonix staff got a kick out of posters for Sitar Hero, though why they'd be OK with others making fun of Guitar Hero at this point in their careers is beyond us.
Simpsons, Bladestorm demos come to PSN tomorrow
The Official PlayStation blog has been updated to show tomorrow's updates to the PlayStation Network. We've got an arcade Ski game Go! Sports Ski for $2.99 and tutorial videos for Eye of Judgment and NBA 08. Most exciting, however, are the demos being served: Bladestorm: The Hundred Year War and The Simpsons. Bladestorm is a Koei-developed action title best described as "Kessen in Europe," but The Simpsons is a game we've been dying to play since E3. Tomorrow can't come soon enough. %Gallery-3045% [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Today's hottest MMO trailer: The Simpsons in Neverquest
It looks almost as enjoyable as World of Colbercraft. Almost. The latest trailer for The Simpsons game shows off the Neverquest level, where Homer and Marge take on a strikingly familiar two-headed dragon. The quality of the trailer tells us that, just like how we felt with our hands-on at E3, the developers are really using the license well. Video embedded after the break.
The Simpsons game takes on EverQuest
Not long ago, we posted a video from The Simpsons Game featuring a parody of Medal of Honor. We enjoyed the self-referential humor contained in the trailer, and now a new parody video has hit the web. The latest trailer, entitled "NeverQuest," is a parody of the popular massively multiplayer online RPG, EverQuest. The video features several jabs at fantasy conventions. You'll see hobbits, Homer dressed as Link, Marge as her MMO avatar, and plenty of other characters thrust into the stereotypical space. Our favorite is probably the two-headed Patty and Selma dragon. Scariest. Dragon. Ever. Oh, and listening to Homer goof on Gandalf's famous line -- "You shall not pass!" -- is priceless.While the gameplay looks like it could be somewhat derivative, here's hoping The Simpsons Game turns out to be a rare example of good writing triumphing over gameplay.
New Simpsons parody section includes Mr. Sparkle
EA introduced a new parody section of The Simpsons Game called "Big Super Happy Fun Fun Land," if we're transcribing our notes correctly. In a brief video presented to journalists, the game-and-culture send-up mocked Pokemon, Engrish, and other intersections of East-meets-West. While just a small piece of the game, the inclusion of Mr. Sparkle meant we had to post the otherwise light news. Check out the updated gallery for more images. There's your answer, fish-bulb. %Gallery-3045%
Joystiq hands-on: The Simpsons
We had a chance to play 5 of the 16 levels for Electronic Arts' upcoming title The Simpsons. A lot of work is being put in to keep the game satirical of the video games, and so far they're on the right track. The first level we tried was "Shadow of the Colossal Donut," and unsurprisingly it had us facing off against a giant, robotic beast. (We are disappointed, however, that said beast was not large enough that we climb on top of him like in Shadow of the Colossus.). Each of the characters' special moves are fairly unique and integral to solving the levels. Bart, for a rather lame example, is the only one that can climb ropes, while Marge has a loudspeaker used to attract people for her Pikmin-esque mob. Much like LEGO Star Wars, the game features drop-in / drop-out co-op. Because of the unique abilities of each character, you will have to switch between each to solve puzzles. The town of Springfield acts a central hub where you can access all the levels. %Gallery-3045%
Seen@E3: all in the (animated) family
Lounging outside the Electronic Arts suite at Loews is the beloved animated family the Simpsons, obviously waiting for their appointment to try out The Simpsons game. That's not a remote control in Homer's hand; that's pure bribery. Mmm, come heeere bloggers, I've got caaaandy ...
The Simpsons meet their maker
Warning: this post contains spoilers about EA's The Simpsons Game, specifically about the end of the game. If you're trying to go into this game with no knowledge whatsoever, go ahead and skip this post.But since we don't think there's anyone out there on a Simpsons Game Media Blackout, and since both our sources published this right in the headline, we'll go ahead and reveal the BIG TIME SPOILER: Simpsons creator Matt Groening will be appearing in the game as the final boss."I'm a boss that you have to fight at the end of the game. It was really fun recording a million ways of dying, going 'UGGH, ARGGH, EUURGH!'"Between the preponderance of old and new Simpsons characters, and the video-game-parodying plot, The Simpsons Game actually sounds pretty great![Via GamesIndustry.biz]
