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When you think about the Simpsons franchise, Krusty’s Fun House isn’t a game that comes straight to mind. Not because the game was poor, but because we already had 6 games prior featuring the jaundiced family. The 90’s was selling us Bart, not Krusty.
Gameplay
Expanding across 5 worlds and 60 levels, Krusty has to destroy all the rats in his fun house. Armed with custard pies or super balls, the player must traverse each level, completing puzzles as they go. Every level requires you to get 4 rats from the entrance to Krusty’s eradication machine. Machines feature various Simpsons character including Bart, Homer, Corporal Punishment and Sideshow Mel. Once the rat arrives, it’s promptly removed from all existence.
Starting levels are simple enough but the difficulty does ramp up come world two. Frustratingly, the game suffers from being on such a small screen. Tracing pipes and routes the rats take becomes near impossible, you will find yourself asking for more screen estate. Being able to work through levels in no specific order is a nice touch.
Making the game more than just another puzzle solver, you as the player must combat the environment and enemies. Restocking you ammunition using kickable boxes scattered across the level. Unlocking secret levels is also possible.
Graphics
Comparing the Game Gear entry to its bigger brother consoles sounds like it should be unfair. Surprisingly, the Game Gear version of Krusty’s Fun House holds its own. Bold colours, clear sprites and a fun design makes the game look fabulous on the small screen.
Suffering no slow down, the developers were smart in reducing the number of moving items at any one point.
Sound
The least impressive part of the game comes in the form of its sound. Music is unremarkable and sound affects limited. There are some nice voice clips of Krusty but that’s about as positive as I can be.
Final thoughts on Krusty’s Fun House
There are so many Simpson games you could choose from, Krusty’s Fun House should be one of them. It’s no Lemmings but as puzzle games go, it’s a good attempt. Frustrating as the small screen can be, if you persevere you will be rewarded. Due to the repetitive nature of the game, you aren’t going to want to play this for extended periods. The game lends itself to a 60 minute session when you have a gap in your timetable. I doubt that you will want to replay this title once complete. As good as the game is on Game Gear, it is better on television based consoles.
You can find the cartridge over on eBay here.
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