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Originals

The Simpsons: Hit & Run

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Posted by: kombo

You would think that one of the most popular cartoon series in the history of television would experience nothing but success when they finally turned to video games as a new form of entertainment media for raging fans. Unfortunately this is not the case when talking about The Simpsons and their foray into the video game world. With past Simpson’s titles leaving gamers with a feeling nothing short of disappointment (except to the truly hardcore fan), the newest incarnation hopes to break that trend with a new twist on gameplay that “borrows” from a tried and true formula. The story is representative of a typical Simpson’s episode: Notorious aliens, Kang and Kodos, are bent on creating an intergalactic reality TV show using the good, unsuspecting townspeople of Springfield as their stars. The resulting actions create such havoc that only the Simpsons and Apu realize they must put an end to it. Enter The Simpsons: Hit and Run (think Grand Theft Auto III meets Springfield). Gamers will be able to play as either Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Apu with a few hidden characters also available. Not only will you be able to drive around Springfield creating mayhem and destruction wherever you go, but now you have the ability to get out of your car and run amok as well as being able to enter certain types of buildings. But players cannot simply feel they can get away with everything. Be on the lookout for the police, as if you’re caught attacking or running over too many people the cops will take notice and come after you. By driving around and crashing into anything and everything in this virtual Springfield players will be rewarded with cash. With said cash you can buy your character new clothes, vehicles and more paraphernalia. The way in which the city is designed allows players to really explore each nook and cranny because you never know what hidden goodies you might find. Throughout the game players are encouraged to explore the surrounding environments to find collectible items. These items range from extra cash (to buy stuff), to wrenches (which help repair your car), and playing cards (that recall a special Simpson’s episode). Springfield is represented accurately including many different and familiar locales from the show fans will no doubt recognize. Including Apu’s Kwik-E-Mart, Moe’s Tavern, Homer’s power plant, the Simpson’s home (naturally), as well as a host of other locations. Along with familiar locales nearly every character from the show makes an appearance in one form or another (an incredible 50+ characters are reputed to be featured). All characters have their respective voice-overs done by the original cast, and throughout your carnage and decimation you’ll hear, in typical Simpson's fashion, one-liners and humorous quips and quotes. Each character has their own unique missions, and you’ll be able to run, walk, kick, interact with other characters, and most importantly jack new cars to complete these missions. Each character has their own vehicle they are more proficient at driving, but you are able to drive any kind of vehicle you can get your yellow, stubby little four-fingered hands on. Another interesting aspect when driving is that players are automatically ejected from their vehicles if/when it is about to explode. However, players are able to re-enter that blown up vehicle and continue driving it if they so choose. About the only thing absent is any sort of weapons or killing sprees. So forget any grand illusions you might have of being able to take out Principal Skinner with a rocket launcher on the school steps, or capping Mr. Burns with a 9MM; this is just good old fashion Simpson’s wackiness. Hopefully this attempt will breathe some new life into a video game series that, thus far, has been dismal and disappointing at best for featuring such beloved characters as the Simpsons. Whatever the case, a familiar and popular license coupled with a gameplay formula that has proven to be a success in the past, Hit & Run looks to have the potential to break the trend of mediocrity. Expect Springfield laden carnage to appear on game shelves this September 16th. Antonio LeCara
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