The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants

The Simpsons:
Bart vs. the Space Mutants
North American NES box art
DeveloperImagineering
PublishersAcclaim Entertainment
Home computers
Ocean Software
DirectorGarry Kitchen
DesignersGarry Kitchen
Barry Marx
Dan Kitchen
Roger Booth
Henry C. Will IV
ArtistJesse Kapili
WriterBarry Marx
ComposersDanny Elfman (theme)
Mark Van Hecke (NES)
Mark Cooksey (MS/GG)
Jonathan Dunn (computers)
SeriesThe Simpsons
PlatformsNES, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear
Release
February 1991
  • NES
    • NA: February 1991
    • EU: December 12, 1991
    Amiga
    • EU: September 1991
    CPC, Atari ST, C64, ZX Spectrum
    Genesis/Mega Drive
    Master System
    • EU: September 1992
    Game Gear
    • NA: December 1992
    • EU: January 5, 1993
GenrePlatform
ModeSingle-player

The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants is a 1991 platform video game based on the animated television series The Simpsons. It was originally developed by Imagineering and published by Acclaim Entertainment for the Nintendo Entertainment System, and was later released for the Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum by Ocean Software, and in 1992 for the Sega Genesis, Master System, and Game Gear; all ports were developed by Arc Developments. In the game, the player controls Bart Simpson through five levels as he tries to ruin the aliens' plan to take over the world, collecting specific items and avoiding enemies.

Bart vs. the Space Mutants was designed by Garry Kitchen, who was approached by Acclaim in 1989 while the original Simpsons shorts were airing on The Tracy Ullman Show. Full production began in May 1990 with an intended release by Christmas 1990, development issues caused the game to be delayed to early 1991. Upon release, Bart vs. the Space Mutants received mixed reviews, with criticism directed towards the control and high difficulty level. However, it was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies and becoming a best-seller for the NES. It was followed the same year with The Simpsons: Bart vs. the World.