The Simpsons Wrestling

Last updated

The Simpsons Wrestling
The Simpsons Wrestling Coverart.png
Developer(s) Big Ape Productions
Publisher(s) Fox Interactive
Director(s) Dean Sharpe
Producer(s) Dave Wisehart
Programmer(s) Robert Leyland
Tom Schenck
Writer(s) Jamie Angell
Composer(s) Christopher Tyng
Series The Simpsons
Platform(s) PlayStation
Release
  • EU: March 23, 2001
  • NA: April 13, 2001 [1]
Genre(s) Sports
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

The Simpsons Wrestling is a sports video game based on the animated television series The Simpsons for the PlayStation. Developed by Big Ape Productions and published by Fox Interactive through a co-publishing agreement with Electronic Arts in Europe and Activision in North America, the game was first released in Europe in March 2001, followed by North America a month later. It is the only Simpsons video game released for the PlayStation.

Contents

The Simpsons Wrestling features 20 playable characters, voiced by the series' regular voice cast, each of whom executes their own exclusive moves, gestures, and power moves in the wrestling ring. The matches take place in detailed 3D locations in Springfield. A round in the game ends when one wrestler pins their opponent for a three count; two wins constitute a victory. Unlike in traditional wrestling rules, the opponent may be pinned belly-down.

The game was widely panned by critics, and has since been considered by many to be one of the worst video games of all time, though the audio track was praised.

Gameplay

Gameplay of The Simpsons Wrestling. Homer is only three letters away from being able to taunt his opponent, Bart. Thesimpsonswrestlinggameplay.png
Gameplay of The Simpsons Wrestling. Homer is only three letters away from being able to taunt his opponent, Bart.

The Simpsons Wrestling is loosely based on professional wrestling games, but more closely resembles a beat-'em up. The game can be played in two modes: a tournament style single-player game or a grudge match where two players can interact. The matches take place in ten different detailed 3D locations from Springfield, such as the Simpsons' house, the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, the Kwik-E-Mart, and Moe's Tavern. [2] Letters float around in the wrestling ring, and if a wrestler collects enough of them, they can taunt and temporarily become invincible. [3] A round ends when one wrestler pins their opponent for a three count. Two rounds are needed to win a match. [4]

Each time a successful attack is performed on a player, their health meter depletes. Players with low health stay stunned for longer when knocked down. A player can increase their health by picking up food items that randomly appear in the ring. Running and attacks drain stamina. If a player does not have enough stamina to perform a certain move, it becomes unavailable until they recover. Stamina is regained through not pressing the actions buttons or picking up certain items. Attacks which require more stamina are generally more effective. The stun meter only appears when the opponent is knocked down. It depletes gradually, but the stunned player cannot move until the Stun meter is completely drained. A player can reduce the stun meter faster by pressing the action buttons, or by receiving certain attacks. If a player is low on health, the stun meter will normally be higher, making pin attempts harder to resist. Once a player's health is completely depleted, it will only take one hit to stun them. Certain attacks to a stunned opponent will actually reset the stun meter.

During matches, wrestlers have a health meter that drains as they perform special moves, and gradually refills when they are not attacking. Different moves use up different amounts of energy, and certain characters can win any match by repeatedly using a particularly damaging move that does not require much energy. [3] Several different power-ups are also available in the game, including a donut that increases speed, bowling pins that can be used as clubs, and bubble gum that slows players down. [5]

In addition to health items, the letters A, U, N, and T appear randomly in the ring. If either player collects enough to spell the word "TAUNT", they can then perform a taunt. The taunt will completely drain the opponent's stamina, making them unable to attack for a limited time.

Various characters make cameos as background images. Each character executes their own exclusive moves and gestures. [2]

Development

Big Ape Productions developed The Simpsons Wrestling. [5] At the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2000, Fox Interactive announced its plans to produce and publish the game for the PlayStation console. Karly Young, director of Fox Interactive, said that the company had received an "overwhelming" response to their previous Simpsons games, so they wanted to give the fans "another dose of Bart and Homer—this time for PlayStation gamers". [6]

In January 2001, Fox Interactive ceased operating as a standalone publisher to focus more on development, and they would now function as a co-publisher. [7] On March 12, 2001, the company announced that Activision would co-publish and distribute the title in North America, with the publisher citing a "casual gamer interest" for their acquisition. [8] Kathy Vrabeck, executive vice president of Activision, commented that "The Simpsons is a property that enjoys phenomenal success across several entertainment mediums, including interactive entertainment. The acquisition of this game reinforces our strategy of delivering products based on powerful, recognizable brands." [9]

Reception

The Simpsons Wrestling received "generally unfavorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. [10] The reviewers criticized the game for having simplistic, unbalanced gameplay and bad graphics, but praised the game's audio track.

Douglass C. Perry of IGN described the game as one of the "ugliest" games he had ever seen and declared it "the most horrific demolition of a license ever". He thought the graphics were "choppy" looking, and the character outlines looked "broken up". [16] Game Informer's Andrew Reiner criticized the game's design by saying that he did not think it held any wrestling qualities at all, and that the characters looked "awful". He said that instead of "grappling" or performing "devastating slams", you have to "slap your opponent silly" by mashing the buttons redundantly. [4] Michael Lafferty of GameZone, however, called the graphics "quite good, though a little clipped at times by the pace of the combat". [15] Perry also thought there was little wrestling in the game, instead it is "all about smashing buttons and not having any skill whatsoever". [16] Reiner said that the game was a major disappointment and is "one of the worst PS games to date". [4] Scott Steinberg of NextGen called it "A horrific, licensed beat-'em-up[ sic ] that's so terrible it will actually make you grateful most companies opt for kart racers instead." [17] Michael "Major Mike" Weigand said of the game in GamePro 's website-only review, "Simpsons fanatics: Rent this game before you buy. Everyone else will be better served by any other wrestling title available for the PlayStation. Doh, indeed." [20] [lower-alpha 2]

In contrast to the game's negative response, Lafferty said that even though the game does not feature continuous play, "the action flows well once into an event". He praised the game's audio track, and thought it was "fun" because the comedy is straight from the television show, and the characters will "bring a smile to your face". [15] Reiner also commented positively on the soundtrack [4] and that the game may not be the best wrestling game available, "but it delivers what the cover advertises". [15] GameSpot 's Frank Provo said that "wit" and "charm" are the two most redeeming features of The Simpsons Wrestling, and in spite of the game's weak gameplay, it has "plenty of laughs in store" that devoted fans of The Simpsons will enjoy. [3] The BBC 's David Gibbon wrote that the result of the track is one that will not "fail to impress fans". [2]

The game received a "Gold" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), [21] indicating sales of at least 200,000 units in the UK. [22]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ In Electronic Gaming Monthly 's review of the game, one critic gave it 2.5/10, and the rest gave it each a score of 3.5/10.
  2. ↑ GamePro gave the game two 2/5 scores for graphics and control, 3/5 for sound, and 1.5/5 for fun factor.

Related Research Articles

<i>The Simpsons: Road Rage</i> Vehicular combat video game

The Simpsons: Road Rage is a 2001 racing video game based on the animated television series The Simpsons, and is part of a series of games based on the show. It was released for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. A Game Boy Advance version was released in 2003.

<i>Call of Duty: Finest Hour</i> 2004 video game

Call of Duty: Finest Hour is a first-person shooter video game developed by Spark Unlimited and published by Activision for GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. It is the first console installment of Call of Duty.

<i>WWF No Mercy</i> (video game) 2000 professional wrestling video game

WWF No Mercy is a professional wrestling video game released in 2000 by THQ for the Nintendo 64. It is based on the World Wrestling Federation and is named after the company's annual event of the same name. Developed by Asmik Ace Entertainment and AKI Corporation, No Mercy is the last in a series of Nintendo 64 wrestling games from the companies that started with WCW vs. nWo: World Tour.

<i>Driver 2</i> Action video game by Reflections

Driver 2 is a 2000 action driving video game and the second installment of the Driver series. It was developed by Reflections Interactive and published by Infogrames for PlayStation. A port to the Game Boy Advance, titled Driver 2 Advance, was released in 2002, developed by Sennari Interactive and released under Infogrames' Atari range of products.

<i>WWE Day of Reckoning 2</i> 2005 video game

WWE Day of Reckoning 2 is a 2005 professional wrestling video game released for the GameCube by THQ. It is the sequel to WWE Day of Reckoning. The soundtrack features music by industrial metal group A Dark Halo, who performed two songs in the game including its theme song "Burn It All".

<i>WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006</i> 2005 professional wrestling video game

WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 is a professional wrestling video game and developed by Yuke's that was released on the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable by THQ in 2005. It is part of the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw video game series based on the professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and is the successor to the 2004 game of the same name. SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 was also the first game in the series to be released on PlayStation Portable and the last game in the SmackDown!/SmackDown! vs. Raw series that was PlayStation exclusive.

<i>WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It</i> 2001 professional wrestling video game

WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, known in Japan as Exciting Pro Wrestling 3, is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's, and published by THQ for PlayStation 2, and was released in November 2001. It is the third game in the WWF SmackDown! series, based on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) professional wrestling promotion, the sequel to WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role, the first game in the series to be released on the PlayStation 2 console, and the last game in the series to be released under the "WWF" name.

<i>WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role</i> 2000 professional wrestling video game

WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role, known in Japan as Exciting Pro Wrestling 2, is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's released in November 2000 on the PlayStation by THQ. It is the sequel to WWF SmackDown!, and the second game in the SmackDown series, itself based on the World Wrestling Federation professional wrestling promotion.

<i>WWF SmackDown!</i> (video game) 2000 professional wrestling video game

WWF SmackDown!, known in Japan as Exciting Pro Wrestling, is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and released for the PlayStation by THQ. It is based on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and is named after the company's weekly SmackDown! television program. Originally released on 2 March 2000, the game received a direct sequel released several months later, entitled WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role.

<i>Call of Duty 3</i> 2006 game

Call of Duty 3 is a 2006 first-person shooter video game developed by Treyarch and published by Activision. It is the third major installment in the Call of Duty series. It was released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. It was a launch title for the PlayStation 3 and Wii in North America, Europe and Australia. It is also the only major installment to not release on the PC.

<i>Bomberman Tournament</i> 2001 video game


Bomberman Tournament is a game in the Bomberman series for the GBA. The game contains a multiplayer battle mode between linked Game Boy Advances. The player and up to three others can compete in any of the game's eight multiplayer battle arenas, each of which has its own unique gameplay twist.

<i>Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2</i> 2000 video game

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2 is a boxing game for the Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy Advance. It is the sequel to Ready 2 Rumble Boxing.

<i>ECW Hardcore Revolution</i> 2000 video game

ECW Hardcore Revolution is a professional wrestling video game released by Acclaim Entertainment, based on the professional wrestling promotion Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). The game was released for the Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast in 2000. It was the first wrestling game to be based on ECW, as well as the first professional wrestling video game to receive a Mature rating from the ESRB, although the Game Boy Color version was rated Everyone. Acclaim followed this title with the release of a sequel, ECW Anarchy Rulz, in August 2000.

<i>Mat Hoffmans Pro BMX</i> 2001 video game

Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX is a BMX video game endorsed by Mat Hoffman and the first game to be published by Activision under the Activision O2 label. It is similar to the Tony Hawk's series and competed directly with Acclaim Entertainment's Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX. Despite a planned release in fall of 2000, the game was released in 2001 for the PlayStation and Game Boy Color, followed by Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows and Game Boy Advance.

<i>Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue</i> 1999 video game

Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! is a 1999 platform game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Activision and Disney Interactive. Based on Disney/Pixar's 1999 computer animated film Toy Story 2, it was released for the Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Microsoft Windows, and Macintosh in late 1999, while a Dreamcast version followed in 2000. The computer versions were released under the title Disney/Pixar's Action Game, Toy Story 2. A different version, a side-scrolling platform game titled Toy Story 2, was also released for the Game Boy Color in 1999.

<i>Victorious Boxers: Ippos Road to Glory</i> 2000 video game

Victorious Boxers: Ippo's Road to Glory, known as simply Victorious Boxers, is a boxing video game developed by New Corporation for the PlayStation 2 video game console. It is based on the Hajime no Ippo franchise. The game was released in Japan by Entertainment Software Publishing in December 2000 and in North America and Europe by Empire Interactive in 2001.

<i>Fire Pro Wrestling</i> (2001 video game) 2001 video game

Fire Pro Wrestling is a professional wrestling video game in the Fire Pro Wrestling series and was the first Fire Pro game to receive an official English translation and the first to be released on a portable system rather than a console. A direct sequel, Fire Pro Wrestling 2, was released in 2002.

<i>Don King Presents: Prizefighter</i> 2008 video game

Don King Presents: Prizefighter is a boxing video game for the Xbox 360. It was developed by Venom Games, published by 2K and released in June and July 2008. A Wii and Nintendo DS version, called Don King Boxing, was released in 2009. Players will take on the role of a boxer as they participate in fights and build their careers. This includes balancing training commitments, overcoming adversity and finding the right promotion balance. The storyline of the game is told in a sports documentary-style, with the ultimate goal being to win the title belt.

<i>Toy Story Racer</i> 2001 video game

Toy Story Racer is a 2001 kart racing game developed by Traveller's Tales and Tiertex Design Studios and published by Activision. It was based on the Toy Story franchise, primarily the first film. The game was released in March 2001 for the Game Boy Color and PlayStation systems. The PlayStation version received "generally favorable reviews" according to Metacritic. In 2010, the PlayStation version was re-released on the PlayStation Store as a PS one Classic.

<i>FIFA 2001</i> 2000 video game

FIFA 2001 is a football simulation video game and the sequel to FIFA 2000. It was succeeded by FIFA Football 2002. It features Paul Scholes on the UK cover and Ben Olsen on the North American cover. The game's Spanish cover features Gaizka Mendieta on it. It was released on 31 October 2000 for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation, and on 24 November 2000 for PlayStation 2 as a launch title in Europe. The PlayStation 2 version was originally slated for release in the U.S. on 7 November, before it was delayed to 28 November. A Game Boy Color version was planned but cancelled.

References

  1. ↑ "ACTIVISION BRINGS THE FIRST FAMILY OF SPRINGFIELD TO THE MAT IN THE SIMPSONS WRESTLING". Activision . April 13, 2001. Archived from the original on June 18, 2001. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 Gibbon, David (March 23, 2001). "The Simpsons go Wrestling". BBC News . BBC. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Provo, Frank (April 11, 2001). "The Simpsons Wrestling Review". GameSpot . Fandom. Archived from the original on June 5, 2001. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Reiner, Andrew (June 2001). "The Simpsons Wrestling". Game Informer . No. 98. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
  5. 1 2 GameSpot staff (April 13, 2001). "Activision ships The Simpsons Wrestling". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on June 5, 2001. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Let's Get Ready to ... D'Oh!' -- The Simpsons Hit the Mats; Fox Interactive Steps Into the Ring for 'The Simpsons Wrestling' on PlayStation". Business Wire . May 11, 2000. Archived from the original on June 20, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2021– via The Free Dictionary.
  7. ↑ IGN staff (January 12, 2001). "Fox Interactive Simultaneously Shrinks, Expands". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  8. ↑ Satterfield, Shane (March 12, 2001). "Activision to publish The Simpsons Wrestling". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on June 5, 2001. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  9. ↑ IGN staff (March 12, 2001). "Activision Scoops up The Simpsons". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  10. 1 2 "The Simpsons Wrestling". Metacritic . Fandom. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  11. ↑ Barnes, J.C. "The Simpsons Wrestling - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  12. ↑ Dudlak, Jonathan; Sewart, Greg; Kim, Jeanne (June 2001). "The Simpsons Wrestling" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 143. Ziff Davis. p. 104. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  13. ↑ Miller, Sean (May 9, 2001). "[The] Simpsons Wrestling". The Electric Playground . Greedy Productions Ltd. Archived from the original on August 19, 2002. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  14. ↑ Nash, Joe (April 2001). "The Simpsons Wrestling Review". GameRevolution . CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Lafferty, Michael (April 25, 2001). "The Simpsons Wrestling Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  16. 1 2 3 Perry, Douglass C. (April 6, 2001). "[The] Simpsons Wrestling". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  17. 1 2 Steinberg, Scott (July 2001). "The Simpsons Wrestling". NextGen . No. 79. Imagine Media. p. 86. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  18. ↑ Baker, Chris (June 2001). "The Simpsons Wrestling". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine . No. 45. Ziff Davis. p. 100. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  19. ↑ Boyce, Ryan (April 17, 2001). "[The] Simpsons Wrestling". Maxim . MaximNet, Inc. Archived from the original on June 26, 2001. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  20. ↑ Weigand, Michael "Major Mike" (June 7, 2001). "The Simpsons Wrestling Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com". GamePro . IDG. Archived from the original on October 31, 2004. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  21. ↑ "ELSPA Sales Awards: Gold". Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association . Archived from the original on March 19, 2009.
  22. ↑ Caoili, Eric (November 26, 2008). "ELSPA: Wii Fit, Mario Kart Reach Diamond Status In UK". Game Developer . Informa. Archived from the original on September 18, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2024.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.