The Simpsons Hit and Run

The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a 2003 action-adventure game developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games. It is based on the American animated sitcom The Simpsons, and is the twenty-second installment in the Simpsons series of video games.

The game follows the Simpson family and their friend Apu Nahasapeemapetilon as they witness many strange incidents that occur in Springfield; security cameras, mysterious vans, crop circles, and a “new and improved” flavor of the popular soft drink Buzz Cola that causes insanity. The Simpsons Hit and Run

Taking matters into their own hands, they discover numerous shocking secrets, and soon realize these incidents are part of a larger alien conspiracy, caused by Kang and Kodos. The gameplay largely focuses on exploration and missions; players often race enemies and interact with supporting characters on timed quests. The game also features many elements found in role-playing games, such as explorable worlds and side tasks.

Development of The Simpsons: Hit & Run began in late 2001 as a spiritual successor to Radical Entertainment’s previous game The Simpsons: Road Rage. Production was extensive, as the team sought to differentiate the game from Road Rage, deeming that their new entry in the franchise required a different direction. The game was heavily inspired by the Grand Theft Auto series, and the development team re-purposed the open-world design and nuanced character development for the game. This encouraged collaboration with the show’s writers and cast, who helped to craft the story and dialogue. It was released in September 2003 for the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. It was then ported to Microsoft Windows two months later.

Gameplay – The Simpsons Hit and Run

The Simpsons: Hit & Run features seven levels over three separate maps, each with missions and a sub-plot.^[1] The player can control one specific character in each level. The game’s playable characters are Homer (played twice), Bart (played twice), Lisa, Marge, and Apu.^[2] When travelling on foot, the player character can walk, jump, run, and perform three types of melee attacks: a normal kick, a jumping kick, and a smashing move.^[2] 

To drive, the player can either hitchhike and control the driver in one of the many civilian vehicles that drive endlessly around town, or use a phone booth to select a car.^[1] Several hidden vehicles are present in each level and can also be used by the player if found. The game’s driving missions are also similar to those of Grand Theft Auto III.^[3][4] In both games, the player races against other characters, collects items before a timer runs out, and wrecks other cars.^[1][5]

Reception – The Simpsons Hit and Run

Reception – The Simpsons Hit and Run

Publication	Score
	GC	PC	PS2	Xbox
AllGame	N/A	N/A	N/A	[13]
Electronic Gaming Monthly	7.17/10[12]	N/A	7.17/10[12]	7.17/10[12]
Eurogamer	N/A	N/A	5/10[14]	N/A
Famitsu	N/A	N/A	N/A	31/40[15]
Game Informer	8.5/10[16]	N/A	N/A	8.5/10[17]
GamePro	N/A	N/A	[18]	N/A
GameRevolution	B[19]	N/A	B[19]	B[19]
GameSpot	8.3/10[20]	8/10[21]	8.3/10[20]	8.3/10[20]
GameSpy	[22]	[23]	[24]	[25]
GameZone	8.7/10[26]	8.6/10[5]	8.6/10[27]	9/10[28]
IGN	8/10[29]	8.1/10[30]	8/10[29]	8/10[29]
Nintendo Power	3.8/5[31]	N/A	N/A	N/A
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine	N/A	N/A	[32]	N/A
Official Xbox Magazine (US)	N/A	N/A	N/A	8.8/10[3]
PC Gamer (US)	N/A	78%[33]	N/A	N/A
The Cincinnati Enquirer	[34]	N/A	[34]	[34]
Entertainment Weekly	B[35]	N/A	B[35]	B[35]

The Simpsons: Hit & Run received “generally favorable” reviews on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic,^{[36][37][38][39]} and many consider it to be the best Simpsons game to date.^[40][41][42] The Simpsons Hit and Run