The Simpsons: Hit & Run

 PC
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. GameNow
    91
    Laugh-out-loud comic quips ("I blame society!" Homer yells when he runs someone over) and endless sight gags round out this very pretty—and ever-so-animated—picture.
  2. GameSpy
    90
    Unlike many console-to-PC ports, it's clear that the developers loaded up the PC version with as much high-res art as possible, which looks even better than the Xbox version.
  3. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    This "Grand Theft Springfield" perfectly captures everything that makes the show great: the writing, the setting, the humor, and most importantly, the characters. [Mar 2004, p.72]
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  5. Computer Gaming World
    90
    Relentlessly funny, constantly entertaining, and a total joy to play. For Simpsons fans (and is there anyone who isn't one?), it's nothing less than a must-have game. [Feb 2004, p.64]
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  6. Da Gameboyz
    87
    It's been a while since I caught myself laughing out loud while playing a game. The game play is simple and really is an escape from some of the mind numbing titles out there.
  7. GameZone
    86
    The Simpsons’ universe is so well conceived in Hit & Run that you can’t help but feel charmed by the atmosphere.
  8. Gamer's Hell
    85
    Having been a fan of The Simpsons for many years the gags and references alone were enough to keep me happy, and the main game itself was great fun.
  9. Game Over Online
    82
    It feels like S:HAR is more of a Simpson’s comedy experience than just a driving game...It’s really all the extras that make this game enjoyable, and they’re all Simpson’s extras, so if you’re not a Simpson’s person, you’re probably not going to care for it.
  10. IGN
    81
    Though it's undeniably the perfect game for Simpsons fans, it's not the perfect game. A few shortcuts have been taken in terms of polish and veterans of "Grand Theft Auto" won't find that the title holds much surprise beyond the use of the license.
  11. Worth Playing
    80
    The camera and controls can be a little flakey at times and some of the missions can go from being repetitive to just about impossible. However, there is just too much that has been done right to capture the characters and the town of Springfield to hold this game back from a good recommendation.
  12. GMR Magazine
    80
    Hit & Run's gameplay is entertaining without the license, but the license considerably enhances the fun, and you can't for ask for anything more from a tie-in.
  13. FiringSquad
    80
    Random hilarious run-ins occur frequently, many times when they aren't even scripted. And for a show that has virtually nothing to do with driving, it's impressive to see a Springfield with seamlessly integrated wacky vehicles, destructive driving (Canyonero! - it's in the game, baby), and unexpected donut theft.
  14. Game Chronicles
    80
    While some gamers may be turned off by the game’s simplicity, Simpsons fans should be encouraged to enjoy this highly polished, eminently charming and enjoyable Simpsons driving adventure.
  15. Gamer.tv
    80
    A very polished and enjoyable product, and anyone with a passable interest in The Simpsons will appreciate the attention lavished on Hit & Run's details.
  16. GameSpot
    80
    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.
  17. PC Gamer
    78
    Any repetition is mollified by the fact that you really do have the run of Springfield. [Jan 2004, p.105]
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  18. GameShark
    76
    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.
  19. 1UP
    75
    A must purchase for a child interested in but forbidden to play GTA 3, Hit and Run also appeals to the avid or casual viewer of the show who might be looking for something entertaining that retains actual gameplay.
  20. GamerFeed
    70
    The levels are all extremely repetitive, and the graphics are sub par. But if you love Simpson's trivia, this is definitely chalk full of it.
  21. Armchair Empire
    70
    Overall, I really like this game, but the difficulty really puts me in a tight spot - no matter how fun the game is to begin with, it loses appeal quickly as the game becomes insane.
  22. Gamer's Pulse
    60
    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.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best PC Game of 2003
24
#24 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
19
#19 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 194 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 194
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 194
  3. Negative: 11 out of 194
  1. ChrisP.
    Dec 20, 2004
    10
    IT ROCKS!
  2. PatrykG
    Mar 20, 2013
    9
    This is probably the best Simpsons game ever made. Simpsons Hit & Run brings back so much memories to my childhood. The game is a parody onThis is probably the best Simpsons game ever made. Simpsons Hit & Run brings back so much memories to my childhood. The game is a parody on one of the best games ever made GTA, see because the town where you are playing as Bart and Apu, it reminds me of Liberty City (GTA III) and the mission with Lisa, the big beach place reminds me of Vice City. The game's missions are really really fun, my favourite are the damaging and destroying cars. The jokes and gags are hard to find in a few places. Simpsons Hit & Run is one of my favourite games of all time. 9/10… Full Review »
  3. CatzM.
    Nov 14, 2003
    5
    Nothing new in gameplay... but good for Simpsons fans.
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