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The Plot:  "Simpsons: Hit and Run" is the latest in a long line ("Simpsons: Road Rage", "Simpsons: Wrestling", "Simpsons: Wrestling") of "Simpsons"-related video games. This still isn't an excellent video game, but it's a very good one that will appeal to hardcore - older - "Simpsons" fans. I say "older", because the game's design is taken from that most controversial game, "Grand Theft Auto III". In other words, this is "GTA III" for the younger set, which means that parents will still be displeased to see - in this case - Homer having the ability to kick neighbor Ned Flanders and run over elements of Springfield's streets. One of the early missions has Homer taking Barney's "Plow King" truck and hitting Smithers' car until it explodes, giving Homer the ability to get to work before performance reviews were to be handed out. Unlike "GTA", however, you won't see Homer taking out a rocket launcher. The game parodies violent videogames in one mission, where the player must bump a delivery truck and collect boxes that fall off, which contain "Bonestorm II". The best aspect of "Hit and Run" is how beautifully Springfield has been realized, with superb 3-D graphics and lots of highlights from the series, even down to the Tomacco fields and the Springfield Tire Fire. Players can control Marge, Lisa, Bart and Homer at various points throughout the game, as they look for new missions to complete, or mini-game races. The missions are generally fun, but there's a few too many timed races, which can be a little frustrating and aren't as fun as some of the exploration missions. The virtual Springfield is enormous, with plenty of different (and hidden) locations to explore, including the rooftop garden on top of the Kwik-E-Mart. Players can also use the coins collected (coins are at various points in the town, but any item that is trashed - such as a kicked-in vending machine - earns the player coins) in the game to purchase different vehicles and outfits for the characters. However, if a vehicle is destroyed, it can be repaired or players can simply swipe the closest car passing by on the street. Phone booths scattered throughout the game can be used to bring one of the player's cars by, which is helpful in some areas where one might have to walk a fair distance (and, of course, Homer isn't a fan of exercise.) Everyone in the series has joined in the fun, with the actors who provide the voices (Homer yells, "I blame society!" as he smashes through the city) offering the lines for the characters. Even Gil shows up to try and sell the characters items. Although the gameplay does have some flaws (the framerate drops occasionally, sometimes a competing car gets impossibly stuck - then magically unstuck and sometimes the camera gets stuck on a poor angle for moment), the control and gameplay is quite good and the amount of "Simpsons" tidbits will delight fans of the series. Rating: 8.5/10 The DVD Graphics: It may take some a little while to get used to the 3-D models of the characters, but I thought the graphics and style were quite stunning. There are beautifully rendered cutscenes and the streets of Springfield are full of detail. The framerate does drop on occasion, but it doesn't harm gameplay. Rating: 9.3/10 Sound: "Hit and Run" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. There's actually a fair amount going on in the game's soundtrack. Lots of nice ambient sounds are present around the listening space and when characters say things as Homer or one of the other characters speed by, they're heard first in the front, then in the surrounds. Dialogue by the characters is clear and crisp. Rating: 8.7/10 Gameplay: "Hit and Run" offers excellent controls and gameplay. Different vehicles have different characteristics and all are easily controlled. It's quite easy to simply pick up and play. Rating: 8.8/10 Rating Issues: "Hit and Run" is rated T (teen) for cartoonish violence. Again, this may/will likely be a fine game for most teens, but parents might not want younger kids playing this one. Final Thoughts: "Hit and Run" offers a remarkably inspired version of Springfield that will certainly please fans of the series, who will be familiar with many of the subtle and not-so-subtle gags and sights from the series. The core gameplay is generally enjoyable, although there are some rough edges that could have been ironed out. Still, this is an above-average game worth seeking out. |