The Simpsons: Hit & Run

"The best Simpsons game yet!"

Introduction -
The Simpsons Road Rage was a fun Crazy Taxi clone. The Simpsons Hit & Run is a fun Grand Theft Auto 3 clone. It does have its flaws though. Read on to see what they are.

Gameplay -
The game is fun. It just isn't that innovative anymore though. Some of the missions are funny. But some are really tough, and you'll find yourself replaying them a lot, and then they're just not as funny. The levels are big and easy to navigate. Just try not to navigate them on foot that much, because the camera sucks. The controls are easy to learn, and are setup in pretty much the same was as in Grand Theft Auto 3.

Story -
Well, the story of this game isn't going to be what keeps you playing. Bart gets abducted by aliens who use Buzz Cola to get their victims. You basically have to bump into a couple of black Sedans, race people around Springfield and pick up some items that other vehicles drop.

Graphics/Sound -
I wasn't that impressed with the graphics when I first started playing. The levels are big and Springfield is nicely detailed, but the Simpsons characters don't look that good as 3D polygons. Acclaim did the same thing with the South Park games. they just look better in 2D like they are on TV. Lisa's hair looks weird and Ralph's looks weird too. And the character's lip syncing is way off and there are some minor frame rate problems. And the character's one liners can get old sometimes. You will have a fun time picking out all the little details they included, such as Apu's secret garden on top of the Kwik-E-Mart's roof, and even Kamp Krusty.

Play Time/Replayability -
You might get bored of the game after a few hours. You should really try to stick with it though, cause it is a fun game. And, if you unlock enough stuff, you get to see a pretty entertaining Itchy And Scratchy cartoon.

Final Recommendation - You might want to rent the game first. But if you are a die hard Simpsons fan or your parents won't let you play Grand Theft Auto 3 yet, then go ahead and buy this game. It might be the best Simpsons game ever, but it sure isn't THE best video game ever. You might just want to save your money and buy one of the Simpsons DVDs instead.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/14/03