Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Simpsons: Hit & Run drops players into the vibrant streets of Springfield with a gameplay loop that feels instantly familiar to fans of Grand Theft Auto yet infused with the franchise’s signature humor. You’ll take on the roles of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa or Apu as you tackle more than fifty missions that range from high-speed car chases to platforming challenges on foot. Each character’s chapter introduces unique mission types, ensuring that you’re never doing the same thing twice for too long.

Much like GTA, missions are presented in a linear order, but thoughtful level design keeps the action fresh. Some tasks have you tailing suspicious vans without raising alarms, others force you to collect runaway cola cans before Springfielders can guzzle them, and several involve intense showdowns with mechanical bees that swarm at every turn. The variety of objectives, from timed challenges to precision driving stunts, means you’re constantly pushing yourself to earn bonus unlocks and hidden rewards.

Adding another layer of replayability, Hit & Run encourages you to perfect each mission by completing them within shorter time limits or by pulling off outrageous stunts. Successfully meeting these secondary objectives unlocks character cameos, concept art, and hidden vehicles. The inclusion of local multiplayer for up to four players—via split-screen—also lets you tackle side missions and stunt challenges with friends, bringing a delightful communal vibe to Springfield’s open-world chaos.

Graphics

Despite its 2003 release, The Simpsons: Hit & Run sports a cel-shaded art style that perfectly captures the look and feel of the long-running animated series. Character models are instantly recognizable, right down to Homer’s signature drool and Bart’s slingshot. Buildings, trees and props throughout Springfield are richly colored and detailed, evoking an almost cartoon-like charm that remains appealing even by modern standards.

The game’s world is surprisingly large, with iconic Springfield landmarks such as the Kwik-E-Mart, Moe’s Tavern and Krusty Burger all fully realized in 3D. Vehicle textures are crisp, and each car—from Mrs. Krapappel’s school bus to the City Wok delivery van—boasts whimsical design touches. While some draw distance pop-in occurs, it’s never intrusive enough to break immersion.

Lighting and shading effects, especially during night missions or inside dark buildings like the power plant, add a layer of atmosphere that complements the series’ comedic tone. Animations are fluid, whether it’s Lisa pogo-sticking across rooftops or Homer belly-flopping into a mud puddle. Overall, the graphics strike a fine balance between technical capability of the era and faithful representation of the show’s art direction.

Story

Hit & Run weaves a delightfully absurd narrative that feels lifted directly from a classic Simpsons episode. The overarching plot revolves around mysterious vans prowling the streets of Springfield, strange mechanical bees swarming the populace, and a sinister cola formula that can manipulate minds. Each character’s chapter peels back another layer of this zany conspiracy, leading to a final showdown that could only happen in the Simpsons universe.

Fans will appreciate the clever writing that peppers every mission with sight gags, running jokes and pop culture references. Dialogue is delivered by the original voice cast—Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith and the rest—lending authenticity and countless laugh-out-loud moments. Whether you’re eavesdropping on a power plant meltdown or listening to Bart roast a passing motorist, the game’s humor never feels forced.

The structure of the story, split into six character-based chapters, gives a satisfying sense of progression. You’ll uncover new evidence, unlock hidden cutscenes and gradually piece together how the cola conspiracy ties into a covert corporate plot. While the narrative is straightforward, its playful self-awareness and rapid-fire jokes keep you engaged from start to finish.

Overall Experience

The Simpsons: Hit & Run remains one of the most charming and entertaining licensed games ever made. Its blend of open-world exploration, varied mission design and authentic Simpsonian humor create an experience that’s as fun today as it was at launch. Whether you’re zipping through town in a go-kart or racing to dispose of a tainted cola shipment, each moment offers enough novelty and laughter to keep you hooked.

Performance is generally solid on modern hardware, though you may encounter occasional frame drops in the busiest areas of Springfield. The game’s audio design—featuring the show’s iconic theme tune, wacky sound effects and the full voice cast—cements the feeling that you’re living inside an interactive episode. Multiplayer mode, while simple, is a welcome addition for those looking to share the Springfield madness with friends.

For fans of The Simpsons and open-world adventures alike, Hit & Run is a must-play title. Its engaging gameplay loop, faithful graphical style and uproarious story combine to deliver a package that has stood the test of time. Even newcomers to Springfield will find it an accessible, riotous romp, making it a safe—and highly recommended—purchase for anyone seeking a hearty dose of cartoonish mayhem.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10