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THE GUIDE TO VIRTUAL SPRINGFIELD v1.8
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Maintained by Vince Chan
Last updated on May 1, 1998
Please contribute to this guide. Since the guide is still in its
infancy, there is a lot of information missing or not complete.
E-mail your submissions to trophy@netcom.ca. Thanks! Your help is
appreciated.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 ABOUT THE GUIDE
* 1.2 HOW TO OBTAIN THE GUIDE
* 1.3 WEBSITES
2.0 FAQs, RUMORS, INFO, AND NON SPOILERS
2.1 INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUAL SPRINGFIELD
2.2 PRESS RELEASE
2.3 REVIEWS
2.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
# 2.5 WHERE TO BUY THE GAME
2.6 MOVEMENT WITHIN THE GAME
2.7 PLAYING WITH THE KEYBOARD
2.8 CHERRY OS AND SOL
2.9 THE BART CAVE
2.10 THE LITTLE THINGS
2.11 BART'S TREEHOUSE
2.12 SKINNER'S ANSWERING MACHINE
2.13 RENDER ME 3D
3.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
3.1 COMPATIBILITY
3.2 VIDEO CARDS
3.3 SOUND CARDS
* 3.4 SYSTEM PERFORMANCE AND CONFLICTS
3.5 CUSTOMER SUPPORT
4.0 SPOILERS
4.1 SPOILER WARNING
4.2 SPOILER SPACE
4.3 KEYS AND OBJECTS
4.4 COLLECTOR CARDS
* 4.4.1 ALL COLLECTOR CARDS PART I
4.4.2 ALL COLLECTOR CARDS PART II
4.5 MINI GAMES
4.6 EASTER EGGS, SURPRISES, AND OTHER TRICKS
4.6.1 FFF (FREEZE FRAME FUN)
4.6.2 TOOTHPASTE-SHAMPOO RACE
4.6.3 WARP
4.6.4 HIGHWAY TO SPRINGFIELD
4.6.5 FLANDERS' PRIVATE SANCTUARY
4.6.6 BART'S REVENGE
4.6.7 HOMER'S SOUL DONUT
4.6.8 HEEEEEEERE'S MATT!
4.6.9 SKINNER'S SECRET STASH
4.6.10 UNDER THE COUCH
4.6.11 THE BILLBOARD PAINTING
4.6.12 ODE TO BLEEDING GUMS
# 4.6.13 BETA TESTING FOR DUMMIES
# 4.7 SAVED GAMES
5.0 ETC.
5.1 CONTRIBUTORS
5.2 DISCLAIMER
* Was updated in this version
# New section
=====================================================================
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 ABOUT THE GUIDE
This guide on Virtual Springfield was created to provide people with
help on areas that are not mentioned in the Virtual Springfield
manual. It was also created to keep the VS questions on the newsgroup
alt.tv.simpsons to a minimum. Please direct any questions asked on
the newsgroup to the guide to save your time and bandwidth. Thanks!
1.2 HOW TO OBTAIN THE GUIDE
Right now, the only way to get the guide is by e-mail, Usenet or the
Internet. The guide will be posted on the newsgroup alt.tv.simpsons
every so often.
The newest version of this guide can also be obtained by e-mailing
trophy@netcom.ca. This is NOT an auto mailer, so you'll probably
have to wait a day or so before you get a reply. Put the subject as
"Need VS Guide".
The HTML version of this guide can be found at,
A copy of the newest version of this guide can be found on the
Internet at the following locations:
1.3 WEBSITES
For downloads and more information on Virtual Springfield check out
these sites related to the game.
Virtual Springfield- Official Site
Virtual Springfield Tech Support
See the above section for the URL of the HTML version of this guide.
There is also a site for those people who have found all the
collector cards in the game. See section 3.4.2 for details.
Reviews of the game can be found in section 2.3.
Websites where this guide can be obtained can be found in the
section above.
=====================================================================
2.0 FAQ, RUMORS, INFO, AND NON SPOILERS
2.1 INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUAL SPRINGFIELD
Virtual Springfield, created by Fox Interactive, is a product like
no other. You can now take a "virtual tour" of Springfield, visiting
sites like the Simpsons House, The Nuclear Power Plant, and
Springfield Elementary. It boasts an impressive 35,000 frames of
original animation that has been fully-rendered in 3D. There are
over 50 locations you can visit and explore. It is the ultimate
experience for Simpsons fans. (MSRP $29.98 US)
2.2 PRESS RELEASE
LOS ANGELES, June 19 - 21, 1997 -- Come fall, Simpsons addicts can
zap themselves into Springfield through Fox Interactive's The
Simpsons: Virtual Springfield, a hilarious look into the lives of
America's favorite animated family.
Welcome to Springfield, home of Moe's Tavern, Krustylu Studios,
Apu's Kwik-E-Mart, and oh yes, the Simpsons. Run amok with your
favorite characters in the first complete, 3D re-creation of their
town featuring all original animation and sound effects along with
a newly recorded script from the cast of the show. Launch water
balloons from Bart's Tree House, play games like "Larry the Looter,"
and "Super Slugfest" at the Noizeland Arcade, lob Candy Bears at
unsuspecting moviegoers in the Aztec Theater, or take a donut break
at the Nuclear Power Plant. The whole town of Springfield has been
meticulously recreated in 3D, allowing users to examine objects in
every location--each featuring custom animation, sound effects or
dialogue. You'll discover new surprises every time you stop by!
"With Virtual Springfield, we set out to create a title the Simpson
family could take pride in, capturing their sensibility and sense
of humor in order to extend the linear experience of the television
show for fans everywhere," said Jon Richmond, president of Fox
Interactive. "Virtual Springfield is an outstanding example of
how we work with proven Fox brands to create quality interactive
entertainment."
Virtual Springfield contains more than 35,000 frames of original
animation, as well as music by Danny Elfman and Alf Clausen, sound
effects and all-new dialogue specially recorded by the cast of the
show, including Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Julie Kavner,
Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer and Phil Hartman.
Your visit begins as you're dropped off in the Springfield town
square. From there you navigate your own course in this "pea-size
town with lima bean size dreams." Don't forget to look both ways
before crossing the street--you never know who could be speeding.
Your options are limitless in Springfield. Stop by the lovely
Simpsons' abode, where you can check under Bart's bed, open Homer's
mail, flip through the family photo album and channel surf on the
Simpson's TV to check out Homer's favorite programs, dial the
Cory hotline with Lisa and make prank phone calls with Bart.
As a Virtual Springfield visitor, you will be greeted by the
lovely town folk and can enter other shops and buildings in
Springfield. To get some religion, you can attend church and
either listen to the Reverend Timothy Lovejoy's uplifting
sermon, or click on the Simpson's heads to hear what they are
really thinking! You can browse at the Kwik-E-Mart and shoot the
bad-old burglar, rifle through Bart's school locker or the
teacher's desk, or play mini games at the Noizeland Arcade.
Visitors can also collect 74 trading cards hidden inside shops
and other locales.
ESRB rating: pending. The Simpsons: Virtual Springfield will be
available Q3, 1997 on Windows(r) '95 and Power Macintosh CD-ROM.
Also available from Fox Interactive: The Simpsons Cartoon Studio.
Recognized as an innovative global industry leader, Fox Interactive,
an operating unit of Fox Filmed Entertainment, a News Corporation
company, is committed to developing a full range of bold and
engaging interactive entertainment. Fox Interactive products are
distributed by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Check out
Fox Interactive at www.foxinteractive.com.
2.3 REVIEWS
Check out these sites for reviews of the game:
Animation World
Electric Games
Computer Gaming World
Gamecenter.com
Netizen Islanders
New Media Review
2.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PC
Pentium 75Mhz
8 MB RAM (16 MB recommended)
Windows 95
DirectX compatible graphics and sound cards
1 MB free hard drive space (An extra 6 MB if DirectX is not already
installed)
4x CD-ROM
Macintosh
Power PC 66 MHz
16 MB RAM
System 7.0 or greater
1 MB free hard drive space
4x CD-ROM
NOTE: Although the requirements for the PC is a Pentium 75 with a 4x
CD-ROM, it is possible to play the game with a slower computer, the
game, however, will most likely be jerky and slow.
Virtual Springfield cannot be played on a PC running Windows 3.x.
This is because DirectX, is only available for Windows 95.
Virtual Springfield has been tested on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
running Service Pack 3 with DirectX. Works fine, but not guaranteed
operation under WinNT.
2.5 WHERE TO GET THE GAME
Here is a list of places where to get the game:
NOTE: This is not a list of online stores that sell the game,
although some sites are. Do not expect to be able to purchase this
game at these sites.
4CDs
Babbages
CD-ROM Shop
Computer City
CompUSA
Electronics Boutique
Egghead software
Fox Store
Frys Electronics
Multiple Zones
Tower Records
Virgin Megastore
2.6 MOVEMENT WITHIN THE GAME
You can tour around Springfield with either a mouse or a keyboard.
Although common sense tells you that a mouse is better than a
keyboard, you will find that it is much easier to navigate through
the 3D world with the keyboard. Just use the arrow keys to move in
the direction you choose.
2.7 PLAYING WITH THE KEYBOARD
Here are some keystrokes for Virtual Springfield commands:
------------------------------
| WINDOWS 95 | MAC OS |
---------|--------------|---------------|
| Open | ALT + 1 | COMMAND + O |
| Save | ALT + 2 | COMMAND + S |
| Quit | ALT + 3 | COMMAND + Q |
| Collect | ALT + 4 | COMMAND + C |
| Music | ALT + 5 | CTRL + M |
| Sound | ALT + 6 | CTRL + S |
| Pause | Spacebar | Spacebar |
| Unpause | Esc or Enter | Esc or Return |
----------------------------------------
You can also use the arrow keys to navigate your way through the
3D world.
2.8 CHERRY OS AND SOL
The computer in Principal Skinner's office is, as you may all have
noticed, a reference to the Macintosh class of computers. Instead
of an apple, the Computer Art Director of this game decided to put
a cherry as a logo and also creating a desktop similar to that of
a Mac. Some icons were also created for the faux OS, but
unfortunately, they can't be seen because of the SOL window
covering it. And, as we all know, SOL is a parody of the widely
used online service.
(Info courtesy of a Vortex representative)
2.9 THE BART CAVE
For those of you who visited the Virtual Springfield preview site
when it was up on the Fox Interactive Site,
you might recall that one of the
locations that the preview site advertised that could be explored
in the game was the Bart Cave. So how come it can't be found
anywhere in the game? Well, the reason being that the people at
Vortex never promised Fox Interactive with a Bart Cave in the game.
They were never obligated to provide it. This was something Fox
Interactive should of never advertised.
2.10 THE LITTLE THINGS
It's the little things that makes something great. Like putting a
choice of using a keyboard or a mouse to control your game, or
when you can preview a saved game by an image of the last visited
area. But it is also the little things that can get a person
frustrated. Just take the CD case for instance. Have you ever tried
to put it along side/stack it with your other CDs? You'll notice
that the brilliant people at Fox have mistakenly written the title
the wrong way, making it look odd with all your "right-side up
titled" CDs. You have to turn the CD upside down just so that it
looks right. Fox has managed once again to mess something up.
What's the point of all this? There isn't one.
2.11 BART'S TREEHOUSE
This seems to be one of the most frequently asked questions, "where
is Bart's Treehouse?" As you've seen in many episodes, Bart's
Treehouse can be found in the backyard. To get to the backyard,
enter the house and head for the TV room. Once there, head to the
left of the screen click on the area of carpet which is lighter than
the rest (This is light coming through the backyard door). Bart's
Treehouse is then just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
2.12 SKINNER'S ANSWERING MACHINE
Now here's something interesting. What is all that fast forwarding/
rewinding gibberish heard when Principal Skinner checks his answering
machine in his office? Well one person found out. The recording was
slowed and this is what it said, "As one of Canada's leading
ethical pharmaceutical companies, we have researched and developed
products of the finest quality for the well-being of Canadians since
1954. Today...." Chalk up another reference for the Great White
North, eh?
2.13 RENDER ME 3D
If you go to the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, and into Mr. Burns
office, you'll find a place on the floor in front of his desk which is
clickable. Under this, is a model of SNPP. What's so special about
this model? It's the only 3D rendering in the game, not including the
streets of Springfield. The streets were rendered in 3D while all the
interior places of the game were drawn in 2D. If you take a look at
the model, it looks pretty cool. Unfortunately, the designers of the
game were limited to 256 colours.
(Info courtesy of a Vortex representative)
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3.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: All this information is taken from the Readme text file found on
the Virtual Springfield CD-ROM.
3.1 COMPATIBILITY
Virtual Springfield is designed to run under Windows 95 with DirectX
3a compatible devices, including sound cards and graphics cards. The
drivers for these various devices are provided by the respective
manufacturers, and may occasionally contain bugs or otherwise cause
incompatibilities beyond our control.
If you experience any problems, it is always recommended that you
obtain up-to-date drivers, which will often remedy the problem. If
you have World Wide Web access, nearly every manufacturer makes their
latest drivers available on their web site, and we suggest that you
start by checking there.
Virtual Springfield ships with DirectX 3a (Version 4.04 -December
96). If for some reason another product installs an older version of
DirectX, or if Virtual Springfield does not successfully install
DirectX 3a, you may wish to install DirectX manually by right-
clicking on the CD icon in "My Computer", selecting Open, opening
the 'Virtual', 'Redist' and 'Directx' folders, then double-clicking
on the Dxsetup.exe icon and then clicking on the "ReInstall DirectX"
option.
Virtual Springfield does not install or share DLL's except those
used by Microsoft DirectX.
If you find you have problems with a graphics or sound card other
than those listed below, you should re-install the drivers supplied
with the card. You may wish to contact your card manufacturer and
obtain the latest drivers.
3.2 VIDEO CARDS
The following video cards have display problems during the game, this
is most likely caused by incompatibility with DirectX. The Readme
file was written at the time of DirectX 3a, and many of these
problems might have been fixed by now. For the latest version of
DirectX, go to DirectX homepage at
S3 Vision 968: If you have a video card with a Vision 968 chipset
(Diamond Stealth 64 3000 Series, #9 Motion 771, etc.) you will need
to obtain the latest DirectX drivers from your video card
manufacturer. As of the release date, many of these cards were not
supported under DirectX 3a.
Tseng chipsets: If you experience problems, use the drivers that come
with DirectX 3a. The drivers that are supplied by Tseng are not
compatible as of this release.
S3 Virge3D: If you have a card with the Virge 3D chip, use the Virge
driver from the DirectX 3a CD and NOT the OEM driver, or the driver
from the video card manufacturer.
3Dlabs GLINT Delta: As of the release date, these graphics adapters
have DirectDraw drivers that do not work with some applications. You
may experience occasional "hard freezes" that will cause your
computer to lock up. Specific drivers that support DirectX may be
available in the future.
Matrox Millennium: If you have a Matrox Millennium card and are
experiencing random lockups or palette glitches, it is recommended
that you obtain updated drivers from the card's manufacturer.
STB Video Rage Mediastream: As of the release date, these graphics
adapters have DirectDraw drivers that do not work with some
applications. You may experience occasional "hard freezes" that
will cause your computer to lock up. Specific drivers that support
DirectX may be available in the future.
Diamond Stealth 64: Launching Virtual Springfield from the Start
Menu sometimes doesn't disable the standard Windows pointer. It is
recommend that you launch Virtual Springfield directly from the
'Play' option (either via the Autorun feature, or by double-clicking
on the CD-ROM icon from "My Computer").
3.3 SOUND CARDS
The following is a list of sound cards err... card, with
compatibility problems.
Aztec Sound Galaxy: You may notice music skipping on some systems.
This is due to incompatibilities between Windows DirectSound and the
Aztec drivers. As of the release of DirextX 3a the drivers that Aztec
supply do not correct this. Specific drivers that support DirectX
may be available in the future from Aztec.
3.4 SYSTEM PERFORMANCE AND CONFLICTS
Although Virtual Springfield will work with other applications running
in the background, for the best results try restarting your computer
and running it as a stand alone application (with no other applications
running).
Additionally, you may experience conflicts with other programs running
minimized on the System Tray, or in the StartUp folder such as on-
access Anti-Virus software, System Agents supplied with the Microsoft
Plus pack, Norton Utilities and others, or some of the Microsoft
PowerToys such as FlexCD. You should exit or disable these programs
before running Virtual Springfield, if problems persist.
3.5 CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you cannot find the answer to your problem here, or need the
answer of a specific question, you can contact customer support in
the following ways:
Website:
Tech Support: vs@fox.com
E-mail: gameinfo@fox.com
Phone (in North America): (970) 522-5369
between 11am and 8pm PST.
NOTE: Long distance rates may apply!
=====================================================================
4.0 SPOILERS
4.1 SPOILER WARNING
WARNING: The following are spoilers. If you do not want the game to
be ruined for you, please do not continue. The following is a list
of solutions to problems in the game. The warning has been provided
so proceed with caution...
4.2 SPOILER SPACE
Just in case you are tempted and still have second thoughts on if
you want to learn all the stuff that can be found in the next
several sections, this whole section is spoiler space. You've been
warned.
4.3 KEYS AND OBJECTS
Here's a list of the places that display the cursor with the slash
through it, and where to find the keys or objects needed to open
them.
Krusty's Office
-Go to Town Hall and click on the desk of Mayor Quimby. Select the
center drawer and click on the key located near the back of the
drawer.
Skinner's Office
-Go to Moe's Tavern and click on the counter. Select the pink box
beside the green box. You'll find a key labeled Spanky. Take it.
Telescope
-Enter the Principal's Office and click on the desk, select the
computer and log on to SOL. Click on the "You've Got Mail" and
select the second letter, Scoponic.
The Lever in Sector 7G
-Enter Homer and Marge's Room in The Simpsons House. Select the
dresser on the right and then click on the right drawer and pick up
the paper near the belt.
Bottom Right Drawer of Miss Hoover's Desk
-Enter the Simpsons House and go to Lisa's Room. Select her desk and
open the drawer on the right. Inside you will find a map. You now
have access to Miss Hoover's bottom right drawer at Springfield
Elementary.
Hamster in Miss Hoover's Class
-Get the hamster food that is found in the bottom right drawer of
Miss Hoover's desk.
Locker in School Hall
-Go into Bart's room in the Simpsons House. Take a look under Bart's
bed and select the piece of paper sticking out of the under-side of
the bed.
Bottom Drawer in Grampa's Room
-Go to Bart's Secret Stash at the school. Click on the locker on the
left in the School Hallway and pick up the piece of paper taped on
the locker door.
Stonecutters
-Pick up the Stonecutters ring found in the bottom drawer of
Grampa's dresser in the Retirement Castle.
Monty's Private Washroom
-Enter the Stonecutters. Click on the stage and then the podium.
Open up the multi-coloured box and pick up the key. You now have
access to Burns' private washroom.
Exorcism
-Go to the Stonecutters and select the stage. Pick up the book on
the stand. With the book, go to the Flanders house. Enter and
re-enter the house until Rod and Todd get "possessed".
4.4 COLLECTOR CARDS
NOTE: Some of these cards won't appear until you collect another
card.
Simpsons House
-In Bart's Treehouse, look out the window on the end of the tree
branch, there is a card there. Pick it up.
-There is a card under Maggie's crib in her room. It is beside the
Monkey's Paw.
Nuclear Power Plant
-You will find a card beside the door on the left in the reactor
core. It is stuck on the metal plate.
-In Mr. Burns' office, click on the wooden panel on the wall, left
of his desk.
Town Hall
-Under the flag stand beside Mayor Quimby's Desk.
Church
-Click on the podium where Rev. Lovejoy is standing and pick up the
card on the bottom shelf.
Springfield Elementary
-In Miss Hoover's Class, click on Hamster cage and select the bottom
drawer. In the back, behind the crutches, you will find a card.
-In Principal Skinner's office, click on the stereo on the small
shelf. A card will pop out.
Library
-A card can be found in the ashtray/garbage can beside the
Information desk.
Stonecutters
-Click on the stage. You'll see a card under it.
Retirement Home
-You'll find a card stuck between some books on the bookshelf in
Grampa's room. (The shelf is located beside the door).
Krustylu Studios
-Select the Labor Laws Notice in the Hallway.
-Turn on the TV in Krusty's Office.
NOTE: A card only appears when the TV is gradient filled, not the
light blue colour.
-Behind the clipboard on the left wall in the Control Room, there
is a card.
Kwik-E-Mart
-Click on the display with The Old Sea Captain. Now click on his
pipe and a card will pop up.
Flanders House
-On the bookcase to the left of the couch, a card can be found
stuck between two books. Click on the bookshelf and scan each row.
Moe's Tavern
-In Moe's backroom, click on one of the boxes with pandas. When
Moe moves, you'll see a card near the back of the room on the
ground behind a box. Pick it up.
4.4.1 ALL COLLECTOR CARDS PART I
In some places where cards are found, you can exit and re-enter the
area to collect all the cards needed to complete your set. This is
probably due to a bug. Here is a list of the places.
-Select the Labor Laws Notice in the Krusty Hallway of Krustylu
Studios and pick up the card. Exit the room by going into Krusty's
Office or Studio 12. Re-enter the hallway and click on the Labor
Laws again.
-Turn on the TV in Krusty's Office at Krustylu Studios. Exit into
the Krusty Hallway and re-enter the office. Turn on the TV again for
a second card.
NOTE: A card can only be collected in Krusty's Office when the TV
screen is gradient filled, and not light blue.
-In the TV Control Room, enter and re-enter the room to pick up the
card behind the clipboard.
4.4.2 ALL COLLECTOR CARDS PART II
After you find all 74 Collector Cards, you will receive a bonus
card (#75). This card will give you a website address to visit. For
all you people that are too lazy to collect all the cards yourself,
here's the address.
There's nothing really important at the site, most of the content
found there is already provided here in the guide.
4.5 MINI GAMES
Here's a list of where to find the mini games mentioned in the
manual.
BALLOON TOSS
-You can find the game in Bart's Treehouse. Enter the Simpsons House
and work your way to the treehouse. Click on the water balloons in
the bottom right corner of the treehouse.
DONUT TOSS
-Pull the lever on the left in Sector 7G. Tug on the rope that falls
down. Push the light that pops out. Pick up the donuts in the secret
compartment.
SLINGSHOT GAME
-Go to Bart's room in the Simpsons house and click on his desk.
Select the drawer on the bottom left hand corner and pick up the
slingshot inside.
FLANDERS' BAR GAME
-Enter the Flanders home and click on the bar. Pick up the Holy
Water.
APOOM
-Click on the front counter when you enter the Kwik-E-Mart.
4.6 EASTER EGGS, SURPRISES, AND OTHER TRICKS
4.6.1 FFF (FREEZE FRAME FUN)
-When journeying through Springfield, you'll notice that there are a
lot of signs, and most of them go by too fast for an average person
to read. An easy way to catch all the signs is to pause the game or
view the game frame by frame. Here's how to do it:
-Start walking. Click the left mouse button (or spacebar) to pause
the game. Click it again to advance one frame. To get back to
regular speed, click the right mouse button (or esc button).
4.6.2 TOOTHPASTE-SHAMPOO RACE
-Now you can race toothpaste and shampoo like Bart and Lisa did in
Bart vs. Australia. Go to the Simpsons House and enter Homer and
Marge's Room. Go into the washroom and click on the counter. To
start the race click on the water in the sink.
4.6.3 WARP
To get to one place to another faster than you can say
"Pneumonoultramicrosopicsilicovolcanoconiosis", open up the map and
select the place you want to go to. Press Shift+V+S and click on
the location.
4.6.4 HIGHWAY TO SPRINGFIELD
There is a little shortcut that will bring you to the east side
of Springfield. Go to where you would for the Springfield Gorge and
head north. The highway will give you a little scenic tour of
Springfield, and brings you to the north-east corner of town.
4.6.5 FLANDERS' PRIVATE SANCTUARY
When Flanders' isn't worshipping at church, he's worshipping at home.
To visit his little church away from church, go into the Flanders
home and click on the couch (make sure no one is on it) You'll get
a quick view of his little room.
4.6.6 BART'S REVENGE
Bart hit's Homer where it hurts... his stomach, well, not literally.
To see Bart unfoil his devious scheme, go to the Simpsons home and
into the dining room. Turn off the light with the light switch near
the door. If nothing happens, try again.
4.6.7 HOMER'S SOUL DONUT
To find Homer's precious soul donut, go into the dining room of the
Simpsons house and click on the picture on the wall. It'll open
up to reveal a safe with his sweet, sweet, donut inside.
4.6.8 HEEEEEEERE'S MATT!
As it turns out, Matt Groening is not only the creator of the show,
but also a member of the Stone Cutters. Go into the Stone Cutter's
hall and click on the pictures located near the top of the screen.
You should see pictures of Homer getting paddled. Scroll through
them and eventually, you'll get to one of a short brown hair,
bearded man with glass, namely, Matt Groening.
4.6.9 SKINNER'S SECRET STASH
If you enter the principal's office when Skinner isn't there, you
will see a red button on the inside wall of his desk. This button
is covered up by Skinner when he is sitting at his desk. Push the
button, and a secret door will open in his office, which will lead
you to a room with items worth a principal's ransom.
4.6.10 UNDER THE COUCH
So what's stuck between the cushions of your couch? Well, whatever
is there, it's probably not half as impressive as what is in the
Simpsons House. To see for yourself, go to the house and enter the
TV room. Make sure no one is sitting on the couch. Click on it, and
you'll find some pretty interesting stuff.
4.6.11 THE BILLBOARD PAINTING
There has to be more to the painting of the boat behind the couch,
I mean, there has to be. Click on the painting to view one of the
few mini billboard advertisements.
4.6.12 ODE TO BLEEDING GUMS
In Snow White, the mirror told the queen who was the most beautiful,
in Virtual Springfield, it leads you to a Bleeding Gums Murphy
shrine. Enter Lisa's room and click on her mirror. It'll open up
and reveal a small shrine dedicated to the jazz musician.
4.6.13 BETA TESTING FOR DUMMIES
Enter the library and click on the second bookshelf from the main
desk, and look on the bottom shelf and the last book on the right.
There, you will find a book, "Beta Testing Made Easy", "written"
by the lead tester of the game, Mike Scheider. He is also credited
in the game as one of the three who wrote the VS manuel.
4.7 SAVED GAMES
A zip containing 3 saved games for Virtual Springfield is available
at this location:
In the zip is a saved game with all the objects and keys (including
access to the telescope), one with all Collector Cards, and one with
all objects and keys plus Collector Cards. More details can be found
in the readme file in the zip.
=====================================================================
5.0 ETC.
5.1 CONTRIBUTORS
Thanks go out to everybody that has contributed to this guide.
Don Del Grande Mike Smith
Ryan Mead Nicholas DePetrillo
Lee Maguire
Sam W
...and to those who have wished to be left anonymous.
5.2 DISCLAIMER
The Guide to Virtual Springfield ("the guide") is an unofficial guide
and is not authorized by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Fox
Interactive, Digital Evolution or Vortex. The creator of this guide
is in no way affiliated with the companies mentioned above.
The guide should not be distributed, modified, or posted without the
prior consent of the author. (c)1997, 1998 Vince Chan
.
====================================================================
Maintained by Vince Chan
Last updated on May 1, 1998
Please contribute to this guide. Since the guide is still in its
infancy, there is a lot of information missing or not complete.
E-mail your submissions to trophy@netcom.ca. Thanks! Your help is
appreciated.
====================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 ABOUT THE GUIDE
* 1.2 HOW TO OBTAIN THE GUIDE
* 1.3 WEBSITES
2.0 FAQs, RUMORS, INFO, AND NON SPOILERS
2.1 INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUAL SPRINGFIELD
2.2 PRESS RELEASE
2.3 REVIEWS
2.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
# 2.5 WHERE TO BUY THE GAME
2.6 MOVEMENT WITHIN THE GAME
2.7 PLAYING WITH THE KEYBOARD
2.8 CHERRY OS AND SOL
2.9 THE BART CAVE
2.10 THE LITTLE THINGS
2.11 BART'S TREEHOUSE
2.12 SKINNER'S ANSWERING MACHINE
2.13 RENDER ME 3D
3.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
3.1 COMPATIBILITY
3.2 VIDEO CARDS
3.3 SOUND CARDS
* 3.4 SYSTEM PERFORMANCE AND CONFLICTS
3.5 CUSTOMER SUPPORT
4.0 SPOILERS
4.1 SPOILER WARNING
4.2 SPOILER SPACE
4.3 KEYS AND OBJECTS
4.4 COLLECTOR CARDS
* 4.4.1 ALL COLLECTOR CARDS PART I
4.4.2 ALL COLLECTOR CARDS PART II
4.5 MINI GAMES
4.6 EASTER EGGS, SURPRISES, AND OTHER TRICKS
4.6.1 FFF (FREEZE FRAME FUN)
4.6.2 TOOTHPASTE-SHAMPOO RACE
4.6.3 WARP
4.6.4 HIGHWAY TO SPRINGFIELD
4.6.5 FLANDERS' PRIVATE SANCTUARY
4.6.6 BART'S REVENGE
4.6.7 HOMER'S SOUL DONUT
4.6.8 HEEEEEEERE'S MATT!
4.6.9 SKINNER'S SECRET STASH
4.6.10 UNDER THE COUCH
4.6.11 THE BILLBOARD PAINTING
4.6.12 ODE TO BLEEDING GUMS
# 4.6.13 BETA TESTING FOR DUMMIES
# 4.7 SAVED GAMES
5.0 ETC.
5.1 CONTRIBUTORS
5.2 DISCLAIMER
* Was updated in this version
# New section
=====================================================================
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 ABOUT THE GUIDE
This guide on Virtual Springfield was created to provide people with
help on areas that are not mentioned in the Virtual Springfield
manual. It was also created to keep the VS questions on the newsgroup
alt.tv.simpsons to a minimum. Please direct any questions asked on
the newsgroup to the guide to save your time and bandwidth. Thanks!
1.2 HOW TO OBTAIN THE GUIDE
Right now, the only way to get the guide is by e-mail, Usenet or the
Internet. The guide will be posted on the newsgroup alt.tv.simpsons
every so often.
The newest version of this guide can also be obtained by e-mailing
trophy@netcom.ca. This is NOT an auto mailer, so you'll probably
have to wait a day or so before you get a reply. Put the subject as
"Need VS Guide".
The HTML version of this guide can be found at,
A copy of the newest version of this guide can be found on the
Internet at the following locations:
1.3 WEBSITES
For downloads and more information on Virtual Springfield check out
these sites related to the game.
Virtual Springfield- Official Site
Virtual Springfield Tech Support
See the above section for the URL of the HTML version of this guide.
There is also a site for those people who have found all the
collector cards in the game. See section 3.4.2 for details.
Reviews of the game can be found in section 2.3.
Websites where this guide can be obtained can be found in the
section above.
=====================================================================
2.0 FAQ, RUMORS, INFO, AND NON SPOILERS
2.1 INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUAL SPRINGFIELD
Virtual Springfield, created by Fox Interactive, is a product like
no other. You can now take a "virtual tour" of Springfield, visiting
sites like the Simpsons House, The Nuclear Power Plant, and
Springfield Elementary. It boasts an impressive 35,000 frames of
original animation that has been fully-rendered in 3D. There are
over 50 locations you can visit and explore. It is the ultimate
experience for Simpsons fans. (MSRP $29.98 US)
2.2 PRESS RELEASE
LOS ANGELES, June 19 - 21, 1997 -- Come fall, Simpsons addicts can
zap themselves into Springfield through Fox Interactive's The
Simpsons: Virtual Springfield, a hilarious look into the lives of
America's favorite animated family.
Welcome to Springfield, home of Moe's Tavern, Krustylu Studios,
Apu's Kwik-E-Mart, and oh yes, the Simpsons. Run amok with your
favorite characters in the first complete, 3D re-creation of their
town featuring all original animation and sound effects along with
a newly recorded script from the cast of the show. Launch water
balloons from Bart's Tree House, play games like "Larry the Looter,"
and "Super Slugfest" at the Noizeland Arcade, lob Candy Bears at
unsuspecting moviegoers in the Aztec Theater, or take a donut break
at the Nuclear Power Plant. The whole town of Springfield has been
meticulously recreated in 3D, allowing users to examine objects in
every location--each featuring custom animation, sound effects or
dialogue. You'll discover new surprises every time you stop by!
"With Virtual Springfield, we set out to create a title the Simpson
family could take pride in, capturing their sensibility and sense
of humor in order to extend the linear experience of the television
show for fans everywhere," said Jon Richmond, president of Fox
Interactive. "Virtual Springfield is an outstanding example of
how we work with proven Fox brands to create quality interactive
entertainment."
Virtual Springfield contains more than 35,000 frames of original
animation, as well as music by Danny Elfman and Alf Clausen, sound
effects and all-new dialogue specially recorded by the cast of the
show, including Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Julie Kavner,
Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer and Phil Hartman.
Your visit begins as you're dropped off in the Springfield town
square. From there you navigate your own course in this "pea-size
town with lima bean size dreams." Don't forget to look both ways
before crossing the street--you never know who could be speeding.
Your options are limitless in Springfield. Stop by the lovely
Simpsons' abode, where you can check under Bart's bed, open Homer's
mail, flip through the family photo album and channel surf on the
Simpson's TV to check out Homer's favorite programs, dial the
Cory hotline with Lisa and make prank phone calls with Bart.
As a Virtual Springfield visitor, you will be greeted by the
lovely town folk and can enter other shops and buildings in
Springfield. To get some religion, you can attend church and
either listen to the Reverend Timothy Lovejoy's uplifting
sermon, or click on the Simpson's heads to hear what they are
really thinking! You can browse at the Kwik-E-Mart and shoot the
bad-old burglar, rifle through Bart's school locker or the
teacher's desk, or play mini games at the Noizeland Arcade.
Visitors can also collect 74 trading cards hidden inside shops
and other locales.
ESRB rating: pending. The Simpsons: Virtual Springfield will be
available Q3, 1997 on Windows(r) '95 and Power Macintosh CD-ROM.
Also available from Fox Interactive: The Simpsons Cartoon Studio.
Recognized as an innovative global industry leader, Fox Interactive,
an operating unit of Fox Filmed Entertainment, a News Corporation
company, is committed to developing a full range of bold and
engaging interactive entertainment. Fox Interactive products are
distributed by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Check out
Fox Interactive at www.foxinteractive.com.
2.3 REVIEWS
Check out these sites for reviews of the game:
Animation World
Electric Games
Computer Gaming World
Gamecenter.com
Netizen Islanders
New Media Review
2.4 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PC
Pentium 75Mhz
8 MB RAM (16 MB recommended)
Windows 95
DirectX compatible graphics and sound cards
1 MB free hard drive space (An extra 6 MB if DirectX is not already
installed)
4x CD-ROM
Macintosh
Power PC 66 MHz
16 MB RAM
System 7.0 or greater
1 MB free hard drive space
4x CD-ROM
NOTE: Although the requirements for the PC is a Pentium 75 with a 4x
CD-ROM, it is possible to play the game with a slower computer, the
game, however, will most likely be jerky and slow.
Virtual Springfield cannot be played on a PC running Windows 3.x.
This is because DirectX, is only available for Windows 95.
Virtual Springfield has been tested on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
running Service Pack 3 with DirectX. Works fine, but not guaranteed
operation under WinNT.
2.5 WHERE TO GET THE GAME
Here is a list of places where to get the game:
NOTE: This is not a list of online stores that sell the game,
although some sites are. Do not expect to be able to purchase this
game at these sites.
4CDs
Babbages
CD-ROM Shop
Computer City
CompUSA
Electronics Boutique
Egghead software
Fox Store
Frys Electronics
Multiple Zones
Tower Records
Virgin Megastore
2.6 MOVEMENT WITHIN THE GAME
You can tour around Springfield with either a mouse or a keyboard.
Although common sense tells you that a mouse is better than a
keyboard, you will find that it is much easier to navigate through
the 3D world with the keyboard. Just use the arrow keys to move in
the direction you choose.
2.7 PLAYING WITH THE KEYBOARD
Here are some keystrokes for Virtual Springfield commands:
------------------------------
| WINDOWS 95 | MAC OS |
---------|--------------|---------------|
| Open | ALT + 1 | COMMAND + O |
| Save | ALT + 2 | COMMAND + S |
| Quit | ALT + 3 | COMMAND + Q |
| Collect | ALT + 4 | COMMAND + C |
| Music | ALT + 5 | CTRL + M |
| Sound | ALT + 6 | CTRL + S |
| Pause | Spacebar | Spacebar |
| Unpause | Esc or Enter | Esc or Return |
----------------------------------------
You can also use the arrow keys to navigate your way through the
3D world.
2.8 CHERRY OS AND SOL
The computer in Principal Skinner's office is, as you may all have
noticed, a reference to the Macintosh class of computers. Instead
of an apple, the Computer Art Director of this game decided to put
a cherry as a logo and also creating a desktop similar to that of
a Mac. Some icons were also created for the faux OS, but
unfortunately, they can't be seen because of the SOL window
covering it. And, as we all know, SOL is a parody of the widely
used online service.
(Info courtesy of a Vortex representative)
2.9 THE BART CAVE
For those of you who visited the Virtual Springfield preview site
when it was up on the Fox Interactive Site,
you might recall that one of the
locations that the preview site advertised that could be explored
in the game was the Bart Cave. So how come it can't be found
anywhere in the game? Well, the reason being that the people at
Vortex never promised Fox Interactive with a Bart Cave in the game.
They were never obligated to provide it. This was something Fox
Interactive should of never advertised.
2.10 THE LITTLE THINGS
It's the little things that makes something great. Like putting a
choice of using a keyboard or a mouse to control your game, or
when you can preview a saved game by an image of the last visited
area. But it is also the little things that can get a person
frustrated. Just take the CD case for instance. Have you ever tried
to put it along side/stack it with your other CDs? You'll notice
that the brilliant people at Fox have mistakenly written the title
the wrong way, making it look odd with all your "right-side up
titled" CDs. You have to turn the CD upside down just so that it
looks right. Fox has managed once again to mess something up.
What's the point of all this? There isn't one.
2.11 BART'S TREEHOUSE
This seems to be one of the most frequently asked questions, "where
is Bart's Treehouse?" As you've seen in many episodes, Bart's
Treehouse can be found in the backyard. To get to the backyard,
enter the house and head for the TV room. Once there, head to the
left of the screen click on the area of carpet which is lighter than
the rest (This is light coming through the backyard door). Bart's
Treehouse is then just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
2.12 SKINNER'S ANSWERING MACHINE
Now here's something interesting. What is all that fast forwarding/
rewinding gibberish heard when Principal Skinner checks his answering
machine in his office? Well one person found out. The recording was
slowed and this is what it said, "As one of Canada's leading
ethical pharmaceutical companies, we have researched and developed
products of the finest quality for the well-being of Canadians since
1954. Today...." Chalk up another reference for the Great White
North, eh?
2.13 RENDER ME 3D
If you go to the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, and into Mr. Burns
office, you'll find a place on the floor in front of his desk which is
clickable. Under this, is a model of SNPP. What's so special about
this model? It's the only 3D rendering in the game, not including the
streets of Springfield. The streets were rendered in 3D while all the
interior places of the game were drawn in 2D. If you take a look at
the model, it looks pretty cool. Unfortunately, the designers of the
game were limited to 256 colours.
(Info courtesy of a Vortex representative)
=====================================================================
3.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: All this information is taken from the Readme text file found on
the Virtual Springfield CD-ROM.
3.1 COMPATIBILITY
Virtual Springfield is designed to run under Windows 95 with DirectX
3a compatible devices, including sound cards and graphics cards. The
drivers for these various devices are provided by the respective
manufacturers, and may occasionally contain bugs or otherwise cause
incompatibilities beyond our control.
If you experience any problems, it is always recommended that you
obtain up-to-date drivers, which will often remedy the problem. If
you have World Wide Web access, nearly every manufacturer makes their
latest drivers available on their web site, and we suggest that you
start by checking there.
Virtual Springfield ships with DirectX 3a (Version 4.04 -December
96). If for some reason another product installs an older version of
DirectX, or if Virtual Springfield does not successfully install
DirectX 3a, you may wish to install DirectX manually by right-
clicking on the CD icon in "My Computer", selecting Open, opening
the 'Virtual', 'Redist' and 'Directx' folders, then double-clicking
on the Dxsetup.exe icon and then clicking on the "ReInstall DirectX"
option.
Virtual Springfield does not install or share DLL's except those
used by Microsoft DirectX.
If you find you have problems with a graphics or sound card other
than those listed below, you should re-install the drivers supplied
with the card. You may wish to contact your card manufacturer and
obtain the latest drivers.
3.2 VIDEO CARDS
The following video cards have display problems during the game, this
is most likely caused by incompatibility with DirectX. The Readme
file was written at the time of DirectX 3a, and many of these
problems might have been fixed by now. For the latest version of
DirectX, go to DirectX homepage at
S3 Vision 968: If you have a video card with a Vision 968 chipset
(Diamond Stealth 64 3000 Series, #9 Motion 771, etc.) you will need
to obtain the latest DirectX drivers from your video card
manufacturer. As of the release date, many of these cards were not
supported under DirectX 3a.
Tseng chipsets: If you experience problems, use the drivers that come
with DirectX 3a. The drivers that are supplied by Tseng are not
compatible as of this release.
S3 Virge3D: If you have a card with the Virge 3D chip, use the Virge
driver from the DirectX 3a CD and NOT the OEM driver, or the driver
from the video card manufacturer.
3Dlabs GLINT Delta: As of the release date, these graphics adapters
have DirectDraw drivers that do not work with some applications. You
may experience occasional "hard freezes" that will cause your
computer to lock up. Specific drivers that support DirectX may be
available in the future.
Matrox Millennium: If you have a Matrox Millennium card and are
experiencing random lockups or palette glitches, it is recommended
that you obtain updated drivers from the card's manufacturer.
STB Video Rage Mediastream: As of the release date, these graphics
adapters have DirectDraw drivers that do not work with some
applications. You may experience occasional "hard freezes" that
will cause your computer to lock up. Specific drivers that support
DirectX may be available in the future.
Diamond Stealth 64: Launching Virtual Springfield from the Start
Menu sometimes doesn't disable the standard Windows pointer. It is
recommend that you launch Virtual Springfield directly from the
'Play' option (either via the Autorun feature, or by double-clicking
on the CD-ROM icon from "My Computer").
3.3 SOUND CARDS
The following is a list of sound cards err... card, with
compatibility problems.
Aztec Sound Galaxy: You may notice music skipping on some systems.
This is due to incompatibilities between Windows DirectSound and the
Aztec drivers. As of the release of DirextX 3a the drivers that Aztec
supply do not correct this. Specific drivers that support DirectX
may be available in the future from Aztec.
3.4 SYSTEM PERFORMANCE AND CONFLICTS
Although Virtual Springfield will work with other applications running
in the background, for the best results try restarting your computer
and running it as a stand alone application (with no other applications
running).
Additionally, you may experience conflicts with other programs running
minimized on the System Tray, or in the StartUp folder such as on-
access Anti-Virus software, System Agents supplied with the Microsoft
Plus pack, Norton Utilities and others, or some of the Microsoft
PowerToys such as FlexCD. You should exit or disable these programs
before running Virtual Springfield, if problems persist.
3.5 CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you cannot find the answer to your problem here, or need the
answer of a specific question, you can contact customer support in
the following ways:
Website:
Tech Support: vs@fox.com
E-mail: gameinfo@fox.com
Phone (in North America): (970) 522-5369
between 11am and 8pm PST.
NOTE: Long distance rates may apply!
=====================================================================
4.0 SPOILERS
4.1 SPOILER WARNING
WARNING: The following are spoilers. If you do not want the game to
be ruined for you, please do not continue. The following is a list
of solutions to problems in the game. The warning has been provided
so proceed with caution...
4.2 SPOILER SPACE
Just in case you are tempted and still have second thoughts on if
you want to learn all the stuff that can be found in the next
several sections, this whole section is spoiler space. You've been
warned.
4.3 KEYS AND OBJECTS
Here's a list of the places that display the cursor with the slash
through it, and where to find the keys or objects needed to open
them.
Krusty's Office
-Go to Town Hall and click on the desk of Mayor Quimby. Select the
center drawer and click on the key located near the back of the
drawer.
Skinner's Office
-Go to Moe's Tavern and click on the counter. Select the pink box
beside the green box. You'll find a key labeled Spanky. Take it.
Telescope
-Enter the Principal's Office and click on the desk, select the
computer and log on to SOL. Click on the "You've Got Mail" and
select the second letter, Scoponic.
The Lever in Sector 7G
-Enter Homer and Marge's Room in The Simpsons House. Select the
dresser on the right and then click on the right drawer and pick up
the paper near the belt.
Bottom Right Drawer of Miss Hoover's Desk
-Enter the Simpsons House and go to Lisa's Room. Select her desk and
open the drawer on the right. Inside you will find a map. You now
have access to Miss Hoover's bottom right drawer at Springfield
Elementary.
Hamster in Miss Hoover's Class
-Get the hamster food that is found in the bottom right drawer of
Miss Hoover's desk.
Locker in School Hall
-Go into Bart's room in the Simpsons House. Take a look under Bart's
bed and select the piece of paper sticking out of the under-side of
the bed.
Bottom Drawer in Grampa's Room
-Go to Bart's Secret Stash at the school. Click on the locker on the
left in the School Hallway and pick up the piece of paper taped on
the locker door.
Stonecutters
-Pick up the Stonecutters ring found in the bottom drawer of
Grampa's dresser in the Retirement Castle.
Monty's Private Washroom
-Enter the Stonecutters. Click on the stage and then the podium.
Open up the multi-coloured box and pick up the key. You now have
access to Burns' private washroom.
Exorcism
-Go to the Stonecutters and select the stage. Pick up the book on
the stand. With the book, go to the Flanders house. Enter and
re-enter the house until Rod and Todd get "possessed".
4.4 COLLECTOR CARDS
NOTE: Some of these cards won't appear until you collect another
card.
Simpsons House
-In Bart's Treehouse, look out the window on the end of the tree
branch, there is a card there. Pick it up.
-There is a card under Maggie's crib in her room. It is beside the
Monkey's Paw.
Nuclear Power Plant
-You will find a card beside the door on the left in the reactor
core. It is stuck on the metal plate.
-In Mr. Burns' office, click on the wooden panel on the wall, left
of his desk.
Town Hall
-Under the flag stand beside Mayor Quimby's Desk.
Church
-Click on the podium where Rev. Lovejoy is standing and pick up the
card on the bottom shelf.
Springfield Elementary
-In Miss Hoover's Class, click on Hamster cage and select the bottom
drawer. In the back, behind the crutches, you will find a card.
-In Principal Skinner's office, click on the stereo on the small
shelf. A card will pop out.
Library
-A card can be found in the ashtray/garbage can beside the
Information desk.
Stonecutters
-Click on the stage. You'll see a card under it.
Retirement Home
-You'll find a card stuck between some books on the bookshelf in
Grampa's room. (The shelf is located beside the door).
Krustylu Studios
-Select the Labor Laws Notice in the Hallway.
-Turn on the TV in Krusty's Office.
NOTE: A card only appears when the TV is gradient filled, not the
light blue colour.
-Behind the clipboard on the left wall in the Control Room, there
is a card.
Kwik-E-Mart
-Click on the display with The Old Sea Captain. Now click on his
pipe and a card will pop up.
Flanders House
-On the bookcase to the left of the couch, a card can be found
stuck between two books. Click on the bookshelf and scan each row.
Moe's Tavern
-In Moe's backroom, click on one of the boxes with pandas. When
Moe moves, you'll see a card near the back of the room on the
ground behind a box. Pick it up.
4.4.1 ALL COLLECTOR CARDS PART I
In some places where cards are found, you can exit and re-enter the
area to collect all the cards needed to complete your set. This is
probably due to a bug. Here is a list of the places.
-Select the Labor Laws Notice in the Krusty Hallway of Krustylu
Studios and pick up the card. Exit the room by going into Krusty's
Office or Studio 12. Re-enter the hallway and click on the Labor
Laws again.
-Turn on the TV in Krusty's Office at Krustylu Studios. Exit into
the Krusty Hallway and re-enter the office. Turn on the TV again for
a second card.
NOTE: A card can only be collected in Krusty's Office when the TV
screen is gradient filled, and not light blue.
-In the TV Control Room, enter and re-enter the room to pick up the
card behind the clipboard.
4.4.2 ALL COLLECTOR CARDS PART II
After you find all 74 Collector Cards, you will receive a bonus
card (#75). This card will give you a website address to visit. For
all you people that are too lazy to collect all the cards yourself,
here's the address.
There's nothing really important at the site, most of the content
found there is already provided here in the guide.
4.5 MINI GAMES
Here's a list of where to find the mini games mentioned in the
manual.
BALLOON TOSS
-You can find the game in Bart's Treehouse. Enter the Simpsons House
and work your way to the treehouse. Click on the water balloons in
the bottom right corner of the treehouse.
DONUT TOSS
-Pull the lever on the left in Sector 7G. Tug on the rope that falls
down. Push the light that pops out. Pick up the donuts in the secret
compartment.
SLINGSHOT GAME
-Go to Bart's room in the Simpsons house and click on his desk.
Select the drawer on the bottom left hand corner and pick up the
slingshot inside.
FLANDERS' BAR GAME
-Enter the Flanders home and click on the bar. Pick up the Holy
Water.
APOOM
-Click on the front counter when you enter the Kwik-E-Mart.
4.6 EASTER EGGS, SURPRISES, AND OTHER TRICKS
4.6.1 FFF (FREEZE FRAME FUN)
-When journeying through Springfield, you'll notice that there are a
lot of signs, and most of them go by too fast for an average person
to read. An easy way to catch all the signs is to pause the game or
view the game frame by frame. Here's how to do it:
-Start walking. Click the left mouse button (or spacebar) to pause
the game. Click it again to advance one frame. To get back to
regular speed, click the right mouse button (or esc button).
4.6.2 TOOTHPASTE-SHAMPOO RACE
-Now you can race toothpaste and shampoo like Bart and Lisa did in
Bart vs. Australia. Go to the Simpsons House and enter Homer and
Marge's Room. Go into the washroom and click on the counter. To
start the race click on the water in the sink.
4.6.3 WARP
To get to one place to another faster than you can say
"Pneumonoultramicrosopicsilicovolcanoconiosis", open up the map and
select the place you want to go to. Press Shift+V+S and click on
the location.
4.6.4 HIGHWAY TO SPRINGFIELD
There is a little shortcut that will bring you to the east side
of Springfield. Go to where you would for the Springfield Gorge and
head north. The highway will give you a little scenic tour of
Springfield, and brings you to the north-east corner of town.
4.6.5 FLANDERS' PRIVATE SANCTUARY
When Flanders' isn't worshipping at church, he's worshipping at home.
To visit his little church away from church, go into the Flanders
home and click on the couch (make sure no one is on it) You'll get
a quick view of his little room.
4.6.6 BART'S REVENGE
Bart hit's Homer where it hurts... his stomach, well, not literally.
To see Bart unfoil his devious scheme, go to the Simpsons home and
into the dining room. Turn off the light with the light switch near
the door. If nothing happens, try again.
4.6.7 HOMER'S SOUL DONUT
To find Homer's precious soul donut, go into the dining room of the
Simpsons house and click on the picture on the wall. It'll open
up to reveal a safe with his sweet, sweet, donut inside.
4.6.8 HEEEEEEERE'S MATT!
As it turns out, Matt Groening is not only the creator of the show,
but also a member of the Stone Cutters. Go into the Stone Cutter's
hall and click on the pictures located near the top of the screen.
You should see pictures of Homer getting paddled. Scroll through
them and eventually, you'll get to one of a short brown hair,
bearded man with glass, namely, Matt Groening.
4.6.9 SKINNER'S SECRET STASH
If you enter the principal's office when Skinner isn't there, you
will see a red button on the inside wall of his desk. This button
is covered up by Skinner when he is sitting at his desk. Push the
button, and a secret door will open in his office, which will lead
you to a room with items worth a principal's ransom.
4.6.10 UNDER THE COUCH
So what's stuck between the cushions of your couch? Well, whatever
is there, it's probably not half as impressive as what is in the
Simpsons House. To see for yourself, go to the house and enter the
TV room. Make sure no one is sitting on the couch. Click on it, and
you'll find some pretty interesting stuff.
4.6.11 THE BILLBOARD PAINTING
There has to be more to the painting of the boat behind the couch,
I mean, there has to be. Click on the painting to view one of the
few mini billboard advertisements.
4.6.12 ODE TO BLEEDING GUMS
In Snow White, the mirror told the queen who was the most beautiful,
in Virtual Springfield, it leads you to a Bleeding Gums Murphy
shrine. Enter Lisa's room and click on her mirror. It'll open up
and reveal a small shrine dedicated to the jazz musician.
4.6.13 BETA TESTING FOR DUMMIES
Enter the library and click on the second bookshelf from the main
desk, and look on the bottom shelf and the last book on the right.
There, you will find a book, "Beta Testing Made Easy", "written"
by the lead tester of the game, Mike Scheider. He is also credited
in the game as one of the three who wrote the VS manuel.
4.7 SAVED GAMES
A zip containing 3 saved games for Virtual Springfield is available
at this location:
In the zip is a saved game with all the objects and keys (including
access to the telescope), one with all Collector Cards, and one with
all objects and keys plus Collector Cards. More details can be found
in the readme file in the zip.
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5.0 ETC.
5.1 CONTRIBUTORS
Thanks go out to everybody that has contributed to this guide.
Don Del Grande Mike Smith
Ryan Mead Nicholas DePetrillo
Lee Maguire
Sam W
...and to those who have wished to be left anonymous.
5.2 DISCLAIMER
The Guide to Virtual Springfield ("the guide") is an unofficial guide
and is not authorized by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Fox
Interactive, Digital Evolution or Vortex. The creator of this guide
is in no way affiliated with the companies mentioned above.
The guide should not be distributed, modified, or posted without the
prior consent of the author. (c)1997, 1998 Vince Chan
.