Ryan’s 100 Favorite Video Games: Number 99 The Simpsons: Hit & Run (PS2) 2003

99. The Simpsons: Hit & Run 2003 (PS2)

The town of Springfield is experiencing several strange occurrences. There are new WASP cameras in town. A new flavor of Buzz Cola is launched by Krusty the Clown. And let’s not forget about those mysterious black vans that are appearing all over town.

Homer takes matters into his own hands and investigates the vans, which leads him to Mr. Burns.

Spanning seven different levels, players assume the control of Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, and Apu. I mentioned that I am not the biggest fan of Grand Theft Auto, but slap The Simpsons license on a GTA-style game, and I am sold. You will fight, race, collect coins, Buzz Cola machines as you try to solve the mystery plaguing Springfield and its residents.

It’s not my favorite The Simpsons game, but it’s close.

Graphics

Capturing The 2D Simpsons in 3D is always a challenge. The Simpsons: Hit & Run mostly succeeds at capturing the show in PS2-era 3D graphics.  There is some clipping, but the characters look great. The vehicles look like they could be in the show, and if you love The Simpsons like me, you know your way around the map, and I love all the inside jokes.

Sound

The music, the voice work are all first-class. Having all the talent from the show lend their voices is so essential in immersing the player into Springfield. The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a sonic delight.

Gameplay

Mixing several types of gameplay can lead some games to miss the mark on one of them. The Simpsons: Hit & Run does each element well. Whether you are running around the Kwik-E-Mart, punching Snake, or hitchhiking for a ride, The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a blast.

Fun Factor

Licensed games can sometimes struggle to succeed. They are victims of adhering to the source and merging that into a fun game. The Simpsons: Hit & Run developers understood the assignment. Not only is the game fun to play, but you can have a good time playing it, even if you’re not a Simpsons fan. If you are a Simpsons fan, you are in for a treat. The game succeeds in being easily accessible for everyone and has enough deep-cut jokes for all Simpsons fans to yell “Woo-hoo!”