Dive into Bart vs. the Space Mutants, the 80s classic that brought Springfield to your console. Discover its charm, quirks, and legacy!
One of the biggest names in the 80s was Bart Simpson. He was loved by just about everyone who grew up in the decade. It was a period of time that was filled with neon leg warmers, big hair, gaming systems, and flashy graphic tees. And out of all of the Simpsons merchandising released throughout the decade, one of the most popular was Bart vs. the Space Mutants.
Released for Nintendo at first, there were eventually ports of the game available on the Sega Genesis, Game Boy, Amiga, and so much more. Bart vs. the Space Mutants was more than just about saving the world, it was about causing mischief, rolling around Springfield on a skateboard, and taking over the TV with Bart’s classic rebellious charm.
Bart vs. the Space Mutants had everything that the 80s fell in love with. There were aliens, conspiracy theories, and pop culture. It didn’t matter if you were a kid marveling over the quirky gameplay, or a parent trying to figure out Bart’s snarky look on life, because this was a game for kids of all ages.
The Basics: Bart vs. the Space Mutants in a Nutshell
- Title: Bart vs. the Space Mutants
- Developer: Imagineering Inc.
- Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
- Release Date: February 1991 (close enough to the late-80s magic!)
- Genre: Action-platformer
- Platforms: NES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, Amiga, and more
The Gameplay: A Bart-Sized Adventure
Who else better to save the world than Bart Simpson? In the game, the aliens are attempting to take over the Earth once again. And, their plan is to start and Springfield. They began by collecting purple objects, hats, and balloons, in order to build a mysterious weapon that would doom all of humanity. Yes, it was ridiculous. And, yes it was extremely fun. More importantly, it was done in the Simpsons’ style.
Naturally, in Bart vs. the Space Mutants, you play Bart Simpson. If you don’t know who Bart is, he is Springfield’s lovable and favorite troublemaker. Your soul mission, if you choose to accept it, is to foil the alien’s extraterrestrial plans. But, there will be so much more than just running and jumping. Each level will challenge you to sabotage the alien schemes in various creative ways.
Start by spraying purple objects with various colors of spray paint in order to cover them up. Naturally, this isn’t your standard shoot-everything-in-sight game. It requires some thought, timing, and a little bit of mischief to get right.
As far as the aliens go, they are body snatchers. They disguise themselves as humans, which means you will need to use Bart’s trusty X-ray classes in order to figure out who to attack. It’s basic like playing a game of spot-the-difference, except you have a slingshot and a skateboard.
And, as you make your way through the various levels of the game, the mechanics change constantly. On one level, you have to collect hats. On another level, you have to pop balloons. And, if you think this all feels a bit chaotic, you’re probably right. After all, this was the Simpson style. Best of all, you will also have the random boss fight, where you get to take on your biggest nemesis like sideshow Bob and Nelson.
The Cultural Impact of Bart vs. the Space Mutants
When Acclaim released Bart vs. the Space Mutants it was a huge deal. It was the first Simpsons game that was ever made. During a period of time when kids wore Bart Simpson T-shirts, had lunch boxes, trapper keepers, backpacks, and so much more, a videogame marked the epitome of Simpson’s culture. But, don’t have a cow man. The game itself was fresh, edgy, and it allowed fans to step into Bart’s animated world.
Unlike other tie-ins of the era, The Simpsons was captured perfectly in the game. Because it wasn’t just about Bart saving the world, it was about doing it with his signature sass, and the nation’s most beloved animated town in the backdrop. Sure, the graphics were only a bit, but in the 80s, eight-bit was simply amazing. You could still make out recognizable locations like Moe’s Tavern and the Kwik-E-Mart.
The developers didn’t just slap Bart onto a generic platform in order to create the game. Rather, they created a whole new platform for the gameplay. It had a bit of humor and innovation, that set it apart from other games of the time. There’s just something unique about being able to interact with the environment and solve puzzles, that made the game something completely different. Bart vs. the Space Mutants gave people a reason to explore every nook and cranny of the virtual world, in order to figure out new ways to trick the aliens.
Game Background: From Springfield to Space Mutants
Believe it or not, Bart vs. the Space Mutants was not even developed by a huge team of veterans. Instead, it was a small studio with big ideas that was able to bring the Simpsons world to life. With the help of lead designer Bill Williams, they were able to create gameplay mechanics that stood out from the crowds. And, they succeeded. That’s not to say that all of the mechanics were the best, there were still some issues, but it didn’t interfere with the enjoyment of the game. Especially with all of the Easter eggs referenced throughout the game.
Reception and Legacy: Love It or Hate It?
When it comes to Bart vs. the Space Mutants, you either loved or hated it. After its release, the critics were divided. The game was praised for its humor, creativity, and clever use of the Simpson’s license. But also had a steep learning curve, that left many players very frustrated. As a result, you either quickly mastered the mechanics, or simply gave up and went back to Super Mario Bros.
Nevertheless, the game still found a loyal fan base. For many, it was their first introduction to Springfield outside of the television. That made it something special. And, as time went on, it found a cult following. Even today people still revisit the game for its nostalgia. After all, it is remembered as a bold, imperfect experiment that eventually spawned sequels like Bart’s Nightmare and Virtual Bart.
FAQs About Bart vs. the Space Mutants
Is Bart vs. the Space Mutants worth playing today?
Without question, if you are into retro gaming, then Bart vs. the Space Mutants is a must-play. It is still a very challenging but fun 80s video game.
What’s the hardest part of the game?
Although the game mechanics have several different types of play, it is the platforming sections that are the most difficult. They can be extremely tricky, especially with the slippery controls.
Did the game influence other Simpsons titles?
The game was an absolute success when it comes to porting cartoons into video games. And, the humor and unique mechanics set the tone for all future Simpsons games. Even these Simpsons game for the PlayStation 3, follows a similar style of mechanics, humor, and charm.
Can you still play it today?
With the help of retro emulators, and secondhand and yes cartridges, you can still play Bart vs. the Space Mutants today.
Why We Still Love Bart vs. the Space Mutants
In the end, Bart vs. the Space Mutants is far from being the perfect videogame. The controls are very clunky. The gameplay mechanics can be quite difficult in places. And, the graphics were very pixelated. But, this is also what makes the game so special. It is a virtual time capsule that captures all of the chaos, creativity, and fun of the 80s.
If you are a fan of The Simpsons, then it’s definitely worth taking a nostalgic trip to a simpler time, when Bart was the ultimate bad boy, and aliens could be tricked with a can of spray paint. For any retro gamer, it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with the 80s in the first place. So, if you have never played Bart vs. the Space Mutants, throw on your X-ray glasses, look for aliens, and save the world Bartman style.
