The Simpsons: Hit & Run Review

The Simpsons license has been involved in videogames practically ever since the industry was created. Some have been of decent quality, but most have been rather subpar unfortunately. However, with the most recent game in the franchise, Simpsons Hit & Run, the license finally has something to be proud of. Hit & Run (referred to as H&R for the rest of the review) is most definitely the best Simpsons licensed game to be created to this date. It features a comical story that definitely feels like it could be applied to the television series, a very fun and engaging gameplay engine, fun music, kooky dialogue and a very nice graphical presentation!

The main story that drives it is a mysterious new soft drink called Buzz Cola. It’s apparently having strange effects on those who drink it, and something is strange about the environment around you. There are mysterious black vans appearing on street corners, there are mechanical bees buzzing around with cameras attached to their butt ends, some citizens are mysteriously disappearing, and no one seems to know what’s going on! Well, it’s up to Homer and Co. to figure things out, and boy are you in for one heck of a spin!

When you start your game, it will open up with a cinematic cutscene showing the beginning of the story. It shows the infamous Simpsons house with Homer’s car parked in the driveway and Homer is sitting on his trademark couch doing what he does best, watching tv! He’s watching the news when all of a sudden a commercial advertisement featuring Krusty the Clown and a supporting cast member that is promoting a new type of soft drink! The new “hot” item is called Buzz Cola. Apparently this Cola is at the heart of the game’s story, because for some reason it’s been having adverse effects on the people who are drinking it. Of course Homer drools at the thought of this new Cola, but Marge quickly breaks his trance and tells him he has something to do!

The opening scene does a great job of giving you that Simpsons atmosphere that those of you know and love, and giving you that comical feel that it brings. You will feel right at home when you start your first mission, because Homer is just like how he is on television!

Most of the game’s controls will involve two things, driving cars and foot navigation. It’s not hard to drive cars, especially since it’s virtually the same controls as any other game that involves driving, and walking and running, well, that should most definitely be simple enough for the common gamer!

You will have absolutely no problem fine tuning yourself to play this game, and around 30 minutes should be more than satisfactory.

Just as the Simpsons is a cartoon show on television, the graphical presentation in this game reflects that kind of style. Now there is a slight difference, because the television show mainly features a sort of “cel shaded” presentation (LoZ: Wind Waker, Killer 7), but H&R features a more 3D kind of presentation. This coupled with a sort of cartoony style approach sort of makes the characters look a little misconstrued in some physical aspects, especially when it comes to their eyes. But given the presentation and how they are presented on television, it’s truly understandable.

That’s really the only thing one could complain about the graphics in this game, because everything else looks very good! The world of Springfield is massive, and it’s no different in H&R. There are 3 main areas in the game that you will find yourself navigating. The main neighborhood where you can visit the school, stores and other such locations. Downtown Springfield where you will find a large construction site, Moe’s Tavern, the doctor’s office and even the town library! Finally, you will have the harbor-like area where you will find several restaurants, afternoon/evening hangout areas, and the town’s beautiful looking water!

So yes, based on what was just said, you should be able to figure out that this game is a free-roaming game. You are free to go whereever you want and whenever you want! So you can experience what the Simpsons world of Springfield has to offer at all times. Now even though your environment is massive, that doesn’t mean the graphics have been sacrificed due to it!