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It's up to Bart to save the planet from the Space Mutants, a bunch of slimy horrors taking over the bodies of Springfield residents and building a weapon to take over the world.

On each level, Bart must perform specific tasks. Firstly, he must free his neighbours from the mutant parasites. And how do you spot the mutants? Dip into Bart's inventory and select the X-ray specs. Springfield is overflowing with objects to collect or buy - cherry bombs, rockets and wrenches are just some of the wares on offer from numerous shops.

To free a person from their mutant inhabitant, leap onto their head! The reward for this is 200 points and a Proof of Existence token. Tokens are important as they tight up the name of a family member who'll help Bart in his mission. On Level One, freeing six mutants liberates Maggie. Secondly, a set goal must be achieved, this involves collecting or ruining objects the mutants need to build their machine. In Level One's Springfield, the mutants are after anything purple and knock Bart down if he gets in their way, depriving him of vital energy.

Bart finds spray cans to change purple objects to red, but not everything will be changed using paint, and so extra brain power comes into play. Laundry can be used to hide purple things, rockets should be shot at the monument and the cherry bomb destroys aliens. Bart starts off with ten coins and he can get more by finding them and doing things. For every 15 coins collected, an extra life is awarded, and the money is also used to buy things.

Level Two is the Shopping Mall with hats to collect. Some are just lying around, but most of them Bart knocks off people's heads. This level tests your joystick to the limit with lots of leaping between moving platforms.

The aim in Level Three is to collect balloons from Krustyland Amusement Park. If Bart picks up a sling-shot he can also take aim and fire. Sideshow games involve bursting balloons, but he pays to take part in this. This level also features a devious puzzle game called Dizzy Doors, a real mind-boggler where activating one door turns some the right colour, others the wrong one, and you can't continue until it's completed.

At the end of the level there's a tricky platform section over organ pipes blowing gusts of air. Time your leaps to make the most of the wind otherwise you'll never make it.

It's night-time and Bart must collect all the exit signs from the Museum in Level Four, while avoiding crawling mutants. Watch out for exhibits coming to life and laser alarm sensors - be careful.

Level five is set in the Nuclear Power Plant where Homer works. All the Simpson family help Bart to return the nuclear rods to the reactor. Don't have a cow man!

Getting this far isn't easy though. Level one is a real demon with loads of little things to do, not all essential, but often tricky to work out. Yet even if you're not into the Simpsons, you will have no trouble getting involved. Just like his cartoon original, he is cheeky and rude. If you deposit a coin in the telephone box. Bart will ask to speak to Jock. When asked Jock who? Strap. Mo falls for it every time, just like the cartoon.

The game itself can be described as tricky. There's lots of precise jumping and there isn't much room for mistakes. When you start discovering things, making use of objects, finding hidden treasures, it really comes alive. Achieving an objective is satisfying because the games producers have certainly not made it easy (especially some of the platform elements.)

The backdrop for the game is mediocre and it is not easy to see just where Bart can jump to. If you like your games packed with flashy graphics and quick, brainless action. The Simpsons will drive you up the wall. But if you've got a bit more intelligence than the average editor this tough, but extremely playable game will keep you entertained for ages.

Presentation 76%
Good intro loading and levels are big enough to make multi-loading not too off-putting.

Graphics 85%
Colourful and varied.

Sound 70%
Good Simpsons tune while loading, in-game effects are reasonable.

Hookability 83%
First level is packed with things to do, immediately intriguing and challenging.

Lastability 86%
Five big levels with lots of tricky task to perform. Will send some mad, but many will love it!

Overall 85%
A highly playable arcade adventure.