The Simpsons Wrestling

The Simpsons Wrestling brings many of the characters from the popular television show to "life" as they battle it out in the ring. I must make two things clear before I begin this review. The first is that I requested this title; I've been watching the Simpsons (on and off) since they were mere commercial "stars" for Butterfinger chocolate bars. Though I never let my children watch the show, I have many times been reduced to tears by their wit and was curious about what a game with one of America's favorite cartoon families would be like. The second point I'd like to make is that I consider wrestling one of the major destructive influences on our society with regards to intellectual and social growth. The fact that people let, even encourage, their children to emulate the "athletes" in this "sport" frightens and saddens me. Those two things said, I'm off the soapbox and back to business.

Players first must choose their character. Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart, Apu (the convenience store guy), Krusty, Willy (the Irish groundskeeper), and Barney (the drunk from the bar Homer frequents) make up the "all-star" cast of potential warriors. Each "athlete" has his or her own talents and secret weapons. (What they do to each other is dependent upon which of the buttons you press.) Homer kicks, chokes, and (for some unknown reason) stops to eat doughnuts or something similar. Marge "thwaps" people with her huge hair do and "sics" Maggie on her opponent. Lisa kicks, bites, and (again, strangely) plays the saxophone. Bart slaps, kicks, and rides his skateboard. Apu sometimes retaliates by throwing "icees." Krusty has his huge trademark "clown mallet" with which to pound his opponents. Willy, by far the best (or worst, depending on your opinion of cartoon violence) armed of the bunch, beats his opponents with a rake, does something with hedge clippers, and sets some bear traps (I think.) Barney beats his opponents with his beer mug.

Now, if you're thinking this sounds violent, it is. If you're also thinking it sounds hilarious, it IS. I was, quite frankly, ashamed of myself. I was laughing until I cried because of the noises the weapons made, and the way Homer often "squealed like a girl." Players get to "power up" by earning letters to spell "taunt." They are then invulnerable for a short period after they insult their opponent. It is typical, albeit mischievously uncensored, Simpsons fun.

There are different ways to play the game. Players can compete against the computer or a real opponent. There are different circuits a player can compete in (New Challenger, Defender, and Champion.) The number of rounds is decided upon by the players in the "VS match" (two player mode.) The volume of the music, special effect noises, and the players' voices are adjustable. There is also a practice feature that allows you to "test" a character before deciding to commit to using him or her in "battle." If you have DUALSHOCK controllers, you can feel the vibrations during the match. The graphics are recognizable, but not comparable to the show's.

This title is good (but not "clean") fun. If you have a sick sense of humour (or perhaps you're just a smidge twisted) and enjoy the Simpsons, you'll like this title. I would suggest renting it first, locking the kids out of the room, and going at it to see if you have "what it takes." 'o) It's definitely, definitely NOT for kids under 13.