The Simpsons: Hit & Run

The number-one dysfunctional family in America makes a solid road trip around Springfield.

The Simpsons video-game license has languished in the ?crappy exploitation? category for so long that it?s easy to expect another bland hack-job to sully the reputation of television?s finest show. But lo and behold, this time something went right?even the Comic Book Guy would be stoked.

Pray for Mojo...
No matter how the developers try to position it (mission-based driving?), Hit and Run?s gameplay is virtually identical to that of the Grand Theft Auto series, right down to the wanted meter and button assignments. Missions have you speeding around Springfield collecting items, racing against NPCs, or preventing Smithers from getting to work on time. Often, you?ll have to jump out and do platformy things like collect coins or jump from ledge to inaccessible ledge. Zany cut-scenes and well-timed quips keep the pace brisk, while the large maps provide ample opportunities for exploration. The music and voice acting are flawless, and the vibrant, cartoony graphics bring Springfield to spectacular life.

What?s a Battle?
For all its charms, there are a few problems. At its root, Hit and Run is merely a scaled-back Simpsons-themed GTA clone and lacks true innovation. The sound levels are inconsistent, requiring constant fiddling with the volume. During platform-based missions, the controls fall apart, and the camera gets stuck too easily. In the car, the map display is practically useless. And finally, the missions are bipolar: either incredibly easy or insanely difficult. Smithers is a boss for cryin? out loud!

Still, the deeper your Simpsons lore runs, the more references you?ll spot and the more you?ll enjoy Hit and Run. Whether piloting Chester J. Lampwick?s rocket car or harvesting tomacco with the Plow King, The Simpsons Hit and Run is the outstanding game that fans knew the show could become. Mmmmmm?Sacrelicious!

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