The Simpsons: Hit and Run on PS2 (2003)

Brief synopsis of The Simpsons: Hit and Run

Since The Simpsons first hit our screens back in 1989, Bart, Homer, Lisa, Marge and Maggie have made numerous appearances not just on TV, but in video games as well. And in 2003, as the series runs into its 15th season, what is surely the worlds most popular family is coming to PlayStation 2 in a brand new adventure, Hit and Run.

There are strange happenings in Springfield. People are missing, mysterious crop circles are appearing, and hidden cameras are being exposed. When Homer notices a black van complete with satellite dish parked outside the Simpson house, he decides to investigate further these odd events. What he reveals could be the biggest mystery to rock Springfield since 'Who Shot Mr Burns?'

There are two distinct playing styles in Hit and Run - exploration and driving - that help diversify the experience as a whole. Similar to Rockstars Grand Theft Auto, albeit without the sex, the crime and the language, Hit and Run charges players with the task of solving Springfields latest mystery over 56 (count 'em) driving and on-foot missions.

The driving section of the game exploits the arcade side of video games. Driving as one of 17 of Springfields most infamous characters, including Comic Book Guy and Principal Skinner, players can roam freely around the city, racing around one of seven well-known locales such as the Kwik-e-Mart and the power plant. On-foot, youll move around Hit and Runs superbly rendered environments, trying to solve the many objectives handed to you as you progress. Youll meet with other members of the Simpsons cast and even witness a few classic jokes.

As you would expect from the latest Simpsons offering, Hit and Run comes with pick-up-and-play controls that make it accessible to anyone, and thats quite possibly the most crucial aspect of a game with a young target audience.

Boasting hidden clips and extras from the past 14 seasons of the TV series, together with voice-overs from the original Simpsons cast, Hit and Run is perhaps the most authentic Simpsons outing weve seen yet. Excellent!