The Simpsons: Hit and Run Review (no fat)

Game Description

What can you expect from a game featuring the craziest, most adorable family of four fingered yellow folks? Some crazy action, frisky language, zany escapades and tons of fun.

Drawn on similar lines of the notorious Grand Theft Auto series, this one has The Simpsons raising hell on the streets and trying to complete missions. While it's predecessor Road Rage turned out to be a dud, Hit and Run is a great piece of game craftsmanship that offers plenty of activity and action to players. The GTA tribute is well done and the host of Simpsons landmarks and trivia makes for an exhilarating game.

As Homer or one of his brood, you must endure Springfield's streets that have been infested with chaotic cars, mechanized bees and other destructive elements. Snoop around and perform chores to eventually discover the secret behind a strange cola that has been taking over everyone's mind. Investigate all the weird happenings that have plagued Springfield, complete the missions and garner some stats to boost up your personal record.

The game is as addictive as GTA, has plenty of thrills and spills, a humourous storyline, great voice acting, massive levels and plenty of missions to ensure hours of gaming fun.

Gameplay

The shortcomings of Road Rash were its glitchy graphics and miniscule plot. Hit and Run packs a punch in these departments.

Like GTA, Hit and Run features a series of missions set in huge levels. Each level is assigned to one of the five playable characters and missions cover a wide range of activities including collecting and delivering items, frantic racing sprees, head on combat and so on. The GTA reference is high as Hit and Run borrows heavily from it. The bonus here is the Simpsons who add humour to the proceedings. Also, GTA was a blend of serious, sadistic and fun elements whereas Hit and Run is all about fun.

There are seven levels to play and each level has its own set of missions. As you cruise or walk around you will notice Simpson memorabilia and landmarks which can bring a smile to your face. There are bonus missions that help you unlock new cars. The cars form the crux of the game as it is after all a driving game. You get access to a wide range of cars that you can use to commute, crash and run over people. Players can swap their default cars by borrowing them from other motorists or friends.

The HUD is pretty crisp and has a map that shows you your exact location in a level. It's very easy to get lost on the streets of the massive levels but a series of arrows help you cruise to your destination. The alternative to driving is to traverse by foot. Walk, run and jump around and also attack anyone or anything that opposes you. The Simpsons and Apu all pack a decent set of moves that they can use to take down people and destroy objects. There is a fair amount of interactive elements that can be triggered by the characters.

It's all about discovering new things and gathering plenty of money on your way. While vandalism is a nice way to get rich, be wary that the long arm of law is waiting to nab you if you ever cross a line. Try not to attract attention. Unlike GTA, you don't get busted for good but the cops do charge a fine which can leave you a little poorer.Collect your coins discretely. The cash that you accumulate can buy you new cars and outfits ranging from sports gear to zany attire taken straight from the show.

There's plenty of gags and sub plots to keep you going. It can get tiresome driving around and exploring and the process of doing so is pretty repetitive but the thousands of little nuggets that the game packs in it makes it all a worthwhile experience.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Hit and Run are miles ahead of the previous game to hit the stands (Road Rage). Some cars are rendered well while the common ones are given a basic look. Simpson sprites, landmarks and memorabilia all display significant amount of resemblance to the cartoon show. The camera does misbehave at times but overall it's not a detail that would significantly hamper gameplay.

Brilliant voice acting is one of the highlights of the game and you get to hear little quips, anecdotes and dialogues rendered in the voices of the Simpsons cast members. The game's background score is insignificant amongst all the action that takes place in the rectangular window.

Summing Up

A game that rates high on the playability and nostalgia scale. It's something that both fans of the show and those of GTA style madness would relish. There are infinite references to the show to appease Simpsons fanatics and the action is good enough to please hardcore gamers.

The developers were smart enough to weave a plot and build in some seriously addictive gameplay into their creation. The slew of cars and immense possibilities that the game offers makes this a title that will not sit in a shelf and gather dust.

Finally, this is a title that's definitely worth investing in.

Cost

The Simpsons: Hit and Run currently retails at $19.99US at the time of writing.