Simpsons: Hit & Run, The

GameSpy

Very fun and very funny; it deftly satirizes Grand Theft Auto while being almost as entertaining, and it even improves on several aspects of GTA's gameplay (instant mission restarts, a superior guidance system, and an easily accessible collection of vehicles).

Nintendojo

The writing and extreme sense of humor will definitely get fans turning their heads and exploring every inch of every level. There's a good 15-20 hours available in this title and any Simpsons fan should cherish every minute.

GameZone

There are an amazing amount of vehicles to man.

Game Informer

This thing's sweeter than that beer with candy pieces in it; y'know, Skittlebrau. [Nov 2003, p.157]

Armchair Empire

I suppose the upshot of it is, is that I would recommend The Simpsons: Hit & Run, particularly to those that may have been let down by prior Simpsons games.

Next Level Gaming

The best thing about this title is that it was clearly made for the fans of the show.

GameSpot

It creates the most accurate representation of the world of Springfield ever put into a game, and it manages to make the gameplay surrounding it quite a lot of fun. Additionally, the game's overall sense of humor is delightfully self-referential.

Gaming Age

All the Simpsons references in the world would be a waste if the game play were trash. Just ask "Simpsons Skateboarding" on that one. Thankfully the game play is very tight, responsive, and easy to maneuver for rookies or vets.

Play Magazine

Essentially the show in real time, Hit & Run is so grandiose in its expanse and artisitic rendering it appears altogether more appealing than TV allows - the mark of a truly great cross-over product. [Sept 2003, p.78]

Game Over Online

A solid script, good gameplay and a huge dose of humor makes this game stand out as a nice platformer. Unfortunately, technical issues prevent this game from truly standing out as exceptional.

GameShark

With a healthy mission-based storyline and tons of collectables, this is a game with a good lifespan, and one that is easy to introduce non-gamers to.

NintendoWorldReport

The finest and most accurate Simpsons game produced to date. Although, some of the gameplay elements wear thin after a while, you won’t have time to notice through all the giggling you’ll be doing.

Cincinnati Enquirer

What it lacks in originality it more than makes up for with its fun and easy-to-pick-up game play that will appeal to fans of the long-running comedy.

Game Chronicles

What really sets it apart from other Simpsons games is that behind all of the quick wit and polished voice acting lies a very, very good game.

Yahoo! Games

While the missions in The Simpsons: Hit and Run can take on an air of sameness after a while and the pursuit scheme is less than completely thought out, the most startling thing we can note is that the gameplay stands on its own, Simpsons or no Simpsons.

IGN

The game is true to the Simpsons TV show, the voice actors all nail their lines, the writing is sharp, hilarious and it catches you off guard again and again, and the gameplay is expansive, surprising and endearing.

Adrenaline Vault

Lives up to its potential, giving Simpsons fans an authentic and enjoyable experience. With the crashing, and the funny, and the doo dads- GLAVIN! *ahem* One can't argue with the quality and level of detail.

Gamezilla!

The bottom line: if you can't appreciate the show’s humor, there’s not much for you in The Simpsons: Hit and Run. But then again… who doesn’t like the Simpsons?

GameCube Europe

The levels are pretty big and there is something to do on every streetcorner, and whether it’s taking a racing challenge from Milhouse, visiting Moe’s or just driving over the comic book guy, it’s always fun.

Nintendo Power

The control is great, the missions are creative and the dialogue is hilarious. [Oct 2003, p.138]

GamingWorld X

The GameCube version of Hit and Run loads a bit faster and runs smoother overall than the PS2 version of the game, and it’s the closest thing that the GameCube has to "Grand Theft Auto" at this point, so why not give it a go?

Entertainment Weekly

If some of the missions seem repetitive, others stand out, like the one that has you confiscating copies of a particularly violent videogame (wink, wink) corrputing Springfield's youth. [5 Sept 2003, p.L2T 22]

Game Revolution

In all three console versions (which are identical), A.I. glitches aren't uncommon and the on-foot camera tends to get persnickety. The game looks and plays better while driving.

TotalGames.net

Although it's wonderful to drive around a fully realised 3D Springfield at breakneck speed in Otto's bus, we can't help but feel that things are a little formulaic.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Hit & Run is so good at capturing the show's spirit and copying a great game ["GTA"] that it turns out to be real, honest-to-God fun for anyone who digs the show. [Oct 2003, p.140]

Nintendophiles

The missions do get repetitive, what there is to do outside of the main story missions are the same race and collection in every level, and the controls are somewhat loose.

Gamer's Pulse

Tries to avoid the woes of its predecessors by injecting some modern, albeit derivative, gameplay, but fails to really explore the platform it is built upon. As a consequence, this game is average at best.

games(TM)

There's just not enough to do besides the main tasks to justify stealing the GTA concept ... the distinct lack of content reduces the amount of enjoyment you'll get out of it. Better than you'd think, but still very basic. [Nov 2003, p.118]