The Simpsons: Bartman Meets Radioactive Man (NES) Playthrough
5Playthrough of Acclaim's 1992 platformer for the NES, The Simpsons: Bartman Meets Radioactive Man.
The Simpsons: Bartman Meets Radioactive Man is a side-scrolling action game released for the NES in 1992, featuring Bart Simpson as he dons his alter ego, Bartman, to save the day. The plot revolves around Bart’s quest to rescue his favorite comic book hero, Radioactive Man, who has been captured by villains in the comic world. Players take control of Bartman as he battles through a series of comic-themed levels, facing off against various enemies and bosses to bring justice to his fictional universe.
The gameplay is typical of the era’s platformers, challenging players with tricky jumps, enemy-filled stages, and collectible power-ups that enhance Bartman’s abilities. Bart is equipped with a basic projectile weapon that can be powered up by collecting lightning bolt icons, adding to the strategic approach players need to succeed. The level design is diverse, incorporating themed environments such as deserts, power plants, and caverns, each with unique obstacles and enemies. The challenge is compounded by limited lives and continues, demanding careful play and precise timing to advance.
Visually, the game stays true to the look of The Simpsons, with Bartman’s character sprite and familiar enemies that echo the show’s cartoonish style. While the NES’s graphical limitations are evident, the game manages to capture the feel of a comic book adventure through bold colors and distinct, if simple, stage backgrounds. The game’s soundtrack features upbeat and action-driven chiptune melodies that add energy to Bartman’s journey, although the tracks can become repetitive over time.
Despite its fun concept, Bartman Meets Radioactive Man is known for its difficulty and sometimes unforgiving mechanics. Controls can feel stiff, making precise platforming more challenging, and enemy patterns require patience and memorization. However, for fans of The Simpsons and retro gaming enthusiasts, the game offers a nostalgic trip that highlights Bart’s heroics in a quirky, comic-inspired setting. While it may not be the most refined or well-balanced platformer of its time, it has a certain charm that reflects the humor and adventurous spirit of the beloved TV show.