Are you a Simpsons fan? Do you like Grand Theft Auto? What if you could combine the two and run amuck in Springfield? What if you could see Homer Simpson beat down Ned Flanders like he stole something? Well, your wish is Vivendi's command. Your favorite animated family from Springfield is coming to a console near you in full 3d glory and the same witty style.
Similar to the mission based and free-roaming style of GTA, Simpsons Hit & Run will put you in command of Homer, Bart, Apu, Marge, and Lisa as they try to solve the strange events occurring all over Springfield. With the disappearance of people all over town, the formation of mysterious crop circles, hidden cameras that look like bees, and the appearance of black vans; something strange is definitely happening in Springfield. By assuming the roles of some of your favorite characters, you'll get to the bottom of the largest mystery since "Who Shot Mr. Burns"!
In the latest adaptation of one of the longest running animated shows in history, you'll have free range over Springfield. From Moe's Tavern to Android's Dungeon, you'll be able to explore famous locales as you try to get to the bottom of this mystery. Let me tell you, being a huge fan of the series, just about everything you could imagine from the show is in this game. With the addition of dialogue recorded by the real vocal cast, this is shaping up to be one of the best Simpsons game to date. Not only do you enter the world of Springfield, you can do just about anything you want. If you feel the need to lay the smack down on Groundskeeper Willie for saying something smart, by all means go right ahead. But keep in mind, Springfield's finest will swoop down on you if you get too wild.
Control over your characters on foot is similar to those found on GTA. Each character has a jump, sprint, enter vehicle, and melee command. Though I found each character's melee attack a bit lacking, I still found the experience to be thrilling. Now you're probably thinking, sure it may be fun to walk all over Springfield. But who wants to walk when you can ride? With over 40 different vehicles to choose from, catching a ride is a simple carjack away. Even though you don't rip the unsuspecting driver out of his wheels like GTA, you're able to hop in and take control after a quick comment or two. If commandeering cars doesn't suit your fancy, there are always vehicles which you can earn throughout the game by collecting Buzz Cola coins. By simply visiting a phone booth, you can summon one of your vehicles to get back into the action. Nothing beats cruising down Evergreen Terrace in the Plow King as you make short work of unsuspecting pedestrians who happen to cross your path.
Spread out over 56 missions in 7 incredibly large levels, you'll be able to see everything America's favorite fictional town has to offer. As an added bonus, Springfield is filled with loads of hidden gags and special surprises which will have you reminiscing of past episodes. When you're cruising the aisles of the Kwik-E-Mart, keep an eye out for Hans Moleman getting hit in the groin with a football and Nelson punching Millhouse in the stomach. That had us laughing hysterically. In addition to surprises suich as these, you'll also be able to assume the roles of over 17 different characters in special missions all over town. One mission I came across during my role as Bart was joining Comic Book Guy in a street race with a fellow nerd as they each raced home to be the first person to post their comments and disgust with the latest McBain film on the internet. Yes kids, it's that detailed. Just about every tidbit and small gag from the show is here for your enjoyment. Not to mention special bonus material from episodes over the past 14 seasons will be unlocked if you collect special pickups throughout the game. This adds a whole lot more to the replay value for any true fan out there and makes this game a must have in my book.
Packed with tons of material, wisecracks, special costumes (Homer wearing his trademark Muumuu from the King Homer episode or Bart as the Ninja Delivery Boy rocks), and the ability to explore episode related locales makes this game a valued addition to the library of any Simpsons fan. Taking cues from GTA in the form of free roaming missions, destructive environments, special jumps, and all around chances for malicious mischief (insert Flanders beat down here) is just what the Simpsons video game franchise needed. Throw in the 4-player unlockable driving challenges and you have the makings of a real winner here. Watching Homer take a jump over the Springfield Tire fire in the family car while shouting the trademark "Woo-hoo" makes me realize that the release can't get here fast enough. Definitely keep an eye out for this one on PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube later this Fall.
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