When it comes to The Simpsons, their influence extends far beyond television into video games, offering fans unique and hilarious experiences through the years. Whether it's skateboarding through Springfield, driving chaotic taxi missions, or exploring an open world, The Simpsons has delivered plenty of unforgettable moments for players. Sony consoles, in particular, have been home to some of the best Simpsons games. In this ranking, we revisit the top five Simpsons games on PlayStation, each celebrated for capturing the essence of Springfield and its quirky residents. Dive into this nostalgic journey with us!
5. The Simpsons Skateboarding (PlayStation 2)
Though often criticized for its clunky controls, The Simpsons Skateboarding offered fans the chance to hit the streets of Springfield with their favorite characters. Its charm came from its quirky humor, signature voices, and the zany character-based tricks. Featuring iconic locations like the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and Moe’s Tavern, it was a fun, albeit flawed, attempt at the skateboarding genre. Fans of both The Simpsons and skateboarding were thrilled to see Homer, Bart, and others shred.
What really made this game resonate with fans was its sense of humor. It didn't just let you skate; it let you skate as Simpsons characters while being immersed in the quirky world of Springfield. While it may not have been as polished as other skateboarding titles, it scratched that Simpsons itch for fans.
4. The Simpsons Wrestling (PlayStation)
The Simpsons Wrestling may not have had the depth of other wrestling games, but it more than made up for it with laughs. Featuring a roster filled with Springfield’s finest characters, it offered absurdly fun matches where special moves took center stage, and every fight felt unpredictable.
Each wrestler brought their own signature style to the ring, from Homer’s crushing belly flop to Lisa’s jump rope smackdown. The game’s chaotic, fast-paced matches were packed with Simpsons humor, making it a quirky, if not technically advanced, wrestling experience that fans still remember.
3. The Simpsons: Road Rage (PlayStation 2)
In Road Rage, players took to the streets of Springfield in a fast-paced, arcade-style driving game heavily inspired by Crazy Taxi. Featuring iconic characters and a variety of vehicles, this title let players ferry passengers to their destinations while avoiding the meddling Mr. Burns.
What set Road Rage apart was the chaotic joy of driving through Springfield, smashing into familiar locations while hearing characters’ signature one-liners. The game’s charm lay in the witty interactions between passengers and drivers, and the way it captured the madcap energy of The Simpsons. With numerous unlockable characters and cars, it was a fan-favorite for long-time series devotees.
The game also featured an impressive level of exploration for its time. Players could unlock various districts of Springfield, each brimming with hidden paths and Easter eggs referencing the show. The mix of frantic driving and hilarious interactions between characters made Road Rage an enjoyable and nostalgic romp through Springfield's wacky world.
2. The Simpsons Game (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP)
The Simpsons Game brought players an original storyline that poked fun at video game tropes and pop culture. As the playable characters—including Homer, Bart, Lisa, and Marge—embarked on a world-saving mission, they each possessed unique powers, like Bart’s transformation into Bartman or Homer’s ability to turn into a rolling wrecking ball.
The creativity behind each level design and puzzle was what made The Simpsons Game stand out. From fighting giant donuts to traveling through a game-within-a-game parody of Grand Theft Auto, the title constantly kept players on their toes with its clever and often hilarious twists. Fans of the show loved how it broke the fourth wall with its meta-humor.
Adding to its appeal was the beautiful cel-shaded art style, which gave the game the look and feel of an actual episode of The Simpsons. This, combined with witty dialogue penned by the show's writers, made The Simpsons Game a true love letter to fans of the series. The game offered hours of fun while poking fun at both the franchise itself and video games as a whole.
1. The Simpsons: Hit & Run (PlayStation 2)
The crown jewel of Simpsons games, Hit & Run is often hailed as the Grand Theft Auto of Springfield. With an expansive open-world map, players could freely roam the city, hijack cars, and complete missions—all while playing as beloved characters like Homer, Bart, and Marge. The game’s mission structure, humor, and detailed exploration of Springfield were a perfect match, making it the ultimate Simpsons gaming experience.
Where Hit & Run really shined was in its attention to detail. The city of Springfield was packed with Easter eggs and references to classic episodes, making it a delight for long-time fans of the show. Each mission was filled with Simpsons humor, from the outrageous tasks to the absurd dialogue, and there was no shortage of familiar faces to interact with, from Apu to Chief Wiggum.
The combination of driving, exploration, and platforming created a gameplay loop that kept players hooked for hours. Whether completing missions or just cruising around Springfield, players could uncover secrets, collect coins, and enjoy a variety of vehicles. The game is still remembered fondly today, and fans continue to call for a remaster or sequel to this day.