The rumors were true! Fans of Konami's original arcade game based on the then-controversial FOX program The Simpsons should celebrate as the company has officially announced that it's bringing the 1991 title to the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 as a downloadable game. $9.99 / 800 Microsoft Points will snag you the adventures of Homer Simpson and his family as they battle their way through Springfield to rescue Maggie who has been kidnapped by the evil Waylon Smithers. As an added perk, the game includes some improvements not seen in the the original version and even has a bit of bonus content.
- Four-player online action. The Simpsons family is a force to be reckoned with when all 4 members of the family are teamed up. Now you'll never have to go it alone with online four-player cooperative play!
- Four different ways to play the game. Relive your favorite game modes, including the original coin-op experience in "Quarters" mode, or enjoy "Survival" mode which challenges you to see how far you can get with only one life! And for those looking for a more casual experience, "Free Play" gives unlimited continues so you can enjoy the ride.
- Bonus content! Play through new unlockable content that is sure to bring you back to 1991! For the true fan of The Simpsons™ Arcade Game, unlock and discover the never-before-seen Japanese version of the game, view classic flyers and posters, and peruse a guide that highlights the many Springfield characters who appear in the game!
PlayStation Plus members can download the game for free next week when it hits the PlayStation Network on Tuesday, February 7. Microsoft Xbox 360 owners can get an early start on things this Friday, February 3. Why now, you may ask? As it turns out in what I'm sure is totally a coincidence, the five-hundredth episode of The Simpsons airs later this month. It's cross-promotional marketing synergy at its finest! As for that mention of the Japanese version of the game, Hardcore Gaming 101 notes that this iteration of the game features an easier difficulty level, increased frequency of health power-ups, a different scoring system, and the ability to jump while holding a melee weapon. There are no lost levels to be found, but it'll be interesting to play a variation on a classic creation.
