Paul W. Anderson & Uwe Boll. Stop making bad video game movies.
Paul W. Anderson & Uwe Boll. Stop making bad video game movies.
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Plagued with bad entries into the gaming genre beforehand, the Simpson's hasn't been a hit since that old arcade version was around. "The Simpsons Road Rage" was merely a very pale imatation of a better game around then (Crazy Taxi, which was the s*%t then). People see through the glossy coating too easy these days to put up with a poorly executed idea, especially if its been done so well before. With that mentality we come to "The Simpsons - Hit & Run."
**The Simpsons**
Some people might ask themselves, who are The Simpsons. These people probably don't have a TV or the internet in the rock they have been living under the last decade or so. But still i'll be professional enough to say that The Simpsons are a dysfunctional American family that's daily madness is displayed in an insanely popular cartoon series created by Matt Groening. Critically acclaimed and the longest running comedy series ever. Of course you know this already, why else would you even care about this game based on the show?
**Story**
This is simple enough, a parody in many ways of the plot in videogames that seem bizarrely unrelated to anything. Admittedly not on par with any Simpson episodes in terms of story but it does allow a lot of amusing comments and events. The town of Springfield is plague with a strange array of oversized wasp cameras, black vans and even alien abduction. All these events occur around the same as a new Buzz Cola is released among the masses. Your task is simple, connect these events somehow and discover the truth behind it all.
**Characters/Locations**
Missions are carved up between all members of the Simpsons family (Homer, Bart, Marge, Lisa) except for Maggie who as a baby is too far a stretch even in Springfield. Apu makes up the numbers giving five playable characters. The missions take place in three different locations with Springfield which are basically the suburbs, downtown and richer part of the town.
Each character has of course his/her
own set of catch phrases with often raise a smile and the player can only be the character that each episode provides missions for. In every level each character has his/hers own story/goals and unlockables. I would have liked to have seen these locations simply one large sprawling town but minor complaint as each level is large and filled to the brim with familiar landmarks of the series. From the nuclear power plant, Mr. Burns Mansion, Krusty's Studios and Moe bar every things here in glorious 3-D. Its a plus for fans to just drive around looking at in jokes and funny signs littering springfields famous locations.
**Graphics** The best way i can describe the look of character models and backgrounds is if you have ever seen a model made of them in toy or statue form. Its got all the vibrant over the top colours but its still a little to get used to seeing the guys in 3D. But that being said its very well executed. Some argue cell-shading should have been used seeing its cartoon style would be perfect and i would be interested in seeing that executed. I'm definitely not too hung up on it, the graphics are very well done, its just a matter of preference in the end.
**Gameplay**
Played Grand Theft Auto any time in your life ? Then the controls and basic gameplay are already within your grasp. I have to say being instantly familiar with controls is a blessing and is probably very deliberately put together for instant pick up and playability. Indeed whilst "Road Rage" executed the "Crazy Taxi" rip-off poorly, "Hit & Run" does quite well in its attempt to mimic the popular GTA mechanics. Therefore driving around is something that becomes very easy to become good at quickly.
The missions themselves revolve around GTA's tried and tested missions. All missions revolved around getting from A to B really fast of course as this is a driving centred game with some odd moments requiring you to run and jump your way to glory. The formula is well executed theres the mandatory timed missions to certain locations, fetching quests, races and destroying enemy cars. Missions are basically a mild variation or combo of this list. For the vast majority the missions in game are executed well and with this games audiences likely familiarity with the GTA games, it had no excuses not to be of good standard.
Additionally one has to be aware of the choas and damage oen does. You can get away with a fair bit of destruction and hitting pedisterians in Springfield but even these cops have limits. Once you fill your "Hit & Run" bar they'll come after you in one of the games more pointless elements. Firstly the only time these guys are actually remotely a pain, is during missions. Secondly they dont arressted you (eg. GTA) just bump into you and for some reason if they corner you or hit you hard enough you stop and get fined $50 coins. Its really not well put into place and serves only as a mild pain than an actual engaging game element.
Unfortunately its connection to GTA is also part of the games main problem. It can become repetitive, especially when stuck for any length of time on a mission. Even when your cruising through it, some missions cause a roll of the eyes when you just did the same thing in the last mission. One of GTAs strengths is its ability to make the simple formula seem fresh and different over time. Of course the GTA game also has much deeper on foot missions which are reduced to fetch quests the odd time in this game. Walking around is useful for stealing faster cars and indeed grabbing coins/cards that populate the level but i feel they missed out an opportunity to make this deeper. With more variety on foot this game would have shone all the brighter. So its greatest and really only flaw is its shallowness next to even the earliest GTA titles (I'm not expecting San Andreas by a long shot) and indeed some other titles in the genre.
**Unlockables**
Never fear, the above problem is actually resolved to a degree by some of the nice unlockables the game provides as
Pictures of The Simpsons: Hit & Run (GameCube)
Bart Simpson totals his car
a reply value and indeed to give variety. Where the game doesn't fall short on is the amount of vehicles available to the player and cleverly takes advantage of some famous ones from the show. They're all there to unlock Mr. Burn's Car, The Globex Supervillian Car, Krusty's Limo, The Zombie Car, Professor Frinks Hover Car and many, many more. Theres a huge amount to unlock and they do cost a fair bit, especially the really cool ones. But its all the more reason to become a complete coin whore. Aside from the unlockables you'll find quite a few other generic cars/vans/trucks to steal and some cool ones in certain locations like the monster truck or rocket car. This is definitely something fans of the show can appreciate and it shows alot of effort on the people behind this game to include so many.
Each character also has the opportunity to purchase costumes with often nostalgic value. Homers got his classic Donut-Head look and evil Homer attire, Marge her Cop uniform, Bart his Bartman costume and ninja look. Every one raises a smile of a great episode which it featured in. Fans will probably become obsessed with getting all of these for every one of the 5 characters. Additionally one can collect cards (7 in each episode) hidden around the level and unlock bonus tracks for multiplayer however one tires too quickly of these. The cards do have funny quotes and images that Simpson fans will enjoy though.
On a personal note, one thing i did enjoy a lot and it certainly breathed life into the final episode was the very cool Halloween theme. Inspired by the "Treehouse Of Horror" episodes. The entire town is now filled with evil and spooky things. A makeover yes but its one that can be appreciated. The streets cars are replaced with ghoulish vehicles, zombies walk the streets and Springfield Elementary is now Springfield School of Magic (and a castle). Pumpkins, witches, giant spiders and great music. Everything about the look of this level fully explains the real effort to make this game look and feel like The Simpson's. Even the Lard Boy statue has come to life like in one episode. A worthy final episode indeed.
**Overview**
For a simpson game this is a tremendous achievement hopefully paving the way for the next instalment to be one of the truly great games. As it stands most fans of the Simpsons will get a fair amount of enjoyment out of this game. Its attention to detail within the world of Springfield is deeply commendable. Whilst it can become repetitive in places for the older crowd after a while the kids will definitely love this. It deserves its "players choice" selection as its mass appeal is obvious. Whilst the formula isn't the most original, the Simpson package allows it to raise above mediocrity and creates a game fans of the series have been waiting for. Seeing as now its Players Choice thus starts at 20 quid and even less pre-owned (10 quid in my case) its definitely worth that sum of money for a little bit of Simpsons on your console.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Up to nowThe Simpsonsgames have been nothing if not consistent: they've all been ... more
completely rubbish. However,The Simpsons: Hit&Runthankfully breaks this 100 per cent record, and although it's hardly a classic in its own right it's just the thing for fa...
Postage & Packaging: £1.94 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: fun gameplay, can control the simpsons characters, easy to pick up and play, plenty of missions Disadvantages: missions can become a bit repetative in nature
Oct 29th, 2006
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