Machine Guides

Game History

The Simpsons arcade machine, developed and published by Konami, was released in North America on March 4, 1991, and in Japan on August 4, 1991. It was the first video game based on The Simpsons franchise to be released in North America. The game began development in February 1990 and underwent location testing in Chicago in December 1990.

Konami built upon their success with the 4-player Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game, applying similar mechanics to The Simpsons beat 'em up. The game allows up to four players to control members of the Simpson family as they fight enemies to rescue Maggie, who has a diamond that Mr. Burns and Smithers stole. The game features the voice actors from the television series, including Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith.

The Simpsons was a commercial success, with thousands of arcade cabinets ordered upon its debut at the American Coin Machine Exposition in March 1991. It won a Platinum award from the American Amusement Machine Association for sales achievement in 1991, making it one of the top three best-selling arcade video game machines of that year.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of The Simpsons arcade game is to rescue Maggie, who has been kidnapped by Mr. Burns and Smithers after they stole a diamond from a jewelry store. You must guide your chosen Simpson family member through various locations in Springfield, defeating enemies and overcoming obstacles to reach the final confrontation with Mr. Burns. The game is designed for up to four players to play simultaneously, working together to save Maggie.

Controls

• Joystick: Use the joystick to move your character in eight directions (up, down, left, right, and diagonals)
• Attack Button: Press to perform basic attacks against enemies
• Jump Button: Press to jump over obstacles and enemies

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your mission. Up to four players can join simultaneously.

• Character Selection: Choose your Simpson family member from the available positions, which includes Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa.

• Combat Mechanics: Navigate through side-scrolling levels and defeat enemies using your character's standard attacks and jump moves.

• Health System: Your character has a health bar that depletes when hit by enemies. When health is depleted, you lose a life.

• Multiplayer Coordination: In multiplayer games, work together with other players to defeat enemies and progress through levels more efficiently.

• Level Progression: Complete each stage by defeating all enemies and reaching the end boss. Successfully defeating bosses allows you to advance to the next level.

• Final Battle: The ultimate objective is to reach and defeat Mr. Burns in the final confrontation to rescue Maggie and complete the game.

• Game Over: The game ends when you lose all your lives. Your final score is displayed based on your performance.