After years of partnering with Disney on Marvel and Star Wars, it’s finally come to fruition: The Simpsons have made their way into Fortnite. Unlike most crossovers which typically feature themed skins and emotes, this one is an all-encompassing takeover featuring a stylized map designed for players to explore Springfield. It’s a clever method to introduce younger audiences to America’s longest-running sitcom, especially with the announcement of a second movie in the works. For millennials, it serves as the peak of a year-long effort to capture our interest, particularly in light of past collaborations with Power Rangers, Scream, and Mortal Kombat.
While this might seem like an easy tactic for someone who grew up reliving episodes on repeat after school, it’s not a half-hearted cash grab. Expect to see recognizable Springfield sites: the Simpsons’ residence on Evergreen Terrace, the well-known sloping lawns of Burns Manor, and the town square featuring Moe’s Tavern and the Jebediah Springfield statue complete with its removable head. On the outskirts of the map lies a nuclear power plant, emitting cartoonish steam into the sky; players can avoid a meltdown by interacting with the control console accompanied by the tune of “Eeny, meeny, minnie, moo.” Cletus’ Farm and Slurp Factory (Duff’s take on the game—no draft beer here) sit in one corner of the island, and every match kicks off with a delightful reimagining of the show’s intro, complete with the sky parting, the title card, and the iconic theme music, before you thank Otto and jump from the battle bus onto the map.
Awesome…Burns Manor from the Simpsons season of Fortnite. Photo: Epic Games
Though there have been virtual adaptations of Springfield in the past (the most recent being 2012’s Tapped Out and 2015’s LEGO Dimensions), this iteration is rendered with unprecedented detail. Playing here feels like stepping directly into the animation. Springfield is smaller compared to Fortnite’s overall map, but it has some quirky elements. The Springfield Valley, where the Hollywood-style Springfield sign proudly sits in the center, is a nod to the unforgettable episode “Bart the Daredevil,” probably just a short distance from the residential area housing Homer, Marge, and Ned Flanders.
Regardless, Springfield’s layout has always been an enigma, and what truly matters is that this intricate recreation is a delight to explore. A longstanding strength of Fortnite’s map design is its ability to effectively use the spaces between prominent landmarks, and here it’s an excellent chance to embed references for dedicated Simpsons fans—whether you discover the 33-cent store or not. Expect to find a tire yard that inexplicably burns forever. Your exploration can be enhanced with optional quests featuring fun guest appearances, where you can follow Homer’s orders to use a set of car keys or pick up a ringing payphone to receive a prank call at Moe’s. You’ll even spot Nelson popping up to say, “Ha ha!” when you defeat boss characters like Krusty.
The game is stuffed with content. Even after numerous iterations, there are still new findings to uncover. If there is a downside, it’s that the map must be navigated in a competitive setting, with storm rings threatening to push you along. I wish there was a way to leisurely explore without the necessity of diving into battle royale. Fortnite’s engaging pop culture collaborations are often best enjoyed as a fun playground rather than a virtual museum. However, I’d love for an exception here, particularly for new or returning players enticed by this update. If that’s you, here are some tips to help you last long enough to enjoy the experience: try the less chaotic “Zero Build” mode. If you activate “Sound Effect Visualization” in the settings, your position will be highlighted on the screen. Remember, there’s no shame in landing in a quieter part of the map and picking off opponents before they can make a move. After all, some of the greatest references are tucked away off the main paths.
The Simpsons collaboration is set to conclude on November 29th, marking a month-long break before the subsequent seasons. It would be a shame to see such an impressive tribute vanish, and while older maps have been reintroduced before (for instance, Fortnite’s first chapter returned in 2023, breaking concurrent player records), many have disappeared for good. Yet, if any series holds enduring appeal, it’s definitely The Simpsons. I’m holding out hope for a revival reminiscent of a blockbuster movie.
Source: www.theguardian.com
