Bart vs the Space Mutants

The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants was released in 1991 for the NES, developed by Imagineering and published by Acclaim. It was the first video game based on The Simpsons, and it quickly gained attention thanks to the popularity of the show. In this game, Bart is the only one aware of an alien invasion and must thwart the aliens’ plans by collecting or destroying specific items in each level before they can use them to build their doomsday device.

The NES version is best known for its ambitious concept but also for its frustrating execution. The game blends platforming with adventure and puzzle elements, requiring the player to spray paint objects, use X-ray specs to identify aliens in disguise, and collect or manipulate items across complex environments. Bart's controls, however, are stiff and unresponsive, especially when jumping or using gadgets. The difficulty is quite high, not just because of the alien enemies, but also due to poor hit detection and confusing objectives. Still, the game features decent graphics for the NES and a catchy chiptune version of the show’s theme song.

The Commodore 64 version was released shortly after, and while it captures the basic gameplay and level structure, it's much more limited. The graphics are less detailed, the controls are more sluggish, and the color palette is severely restricted. Still, it managed to retain the overall premise and even includes the same levels, albeit in simplified form. The loading times and performance on the C64 are an issue, though typical for games of that era on the platform.

The Genesis/Mega Drive version is visually superior, offering crisper sprites, smoother animations, and a more colorful presentation. Audio is improved as well, with better effects and more faithful music. Despite this, the core gameplay remains largely the same – meaning the same frustrating controls and awkward mechanics are still present, although some players found it slightly more responsive than the NES version.

The Amiga version is quite similar to the Genesis one in terms of graphical fidelity. It sports detailed backgrounds and colorful visuals, arguably the best-looking version of the game. However, it suffers from unresponsive controls due to the single-button joystick limitations and somewhat laggy performance. The sound is improved, featuring more refined effects and music closer to the TV show, but it doesn't significantly change the overall experience.

Bart vs. the Space Mutants is a game full of great ideas but hampered by poor execution. While its creative level design and the way it incorporates elements from the show are commendable, the punishing difficulty and clunky mechanics make it a tough game to love. Still, it remains a nostalgic piece of early '90s gaming history – particularly for Simpsons fans. The game was followed by Bart vs the World