The Simpsons: Hit & Run (T)
A tamer, sillier alternative to Grand Theft Auto.
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details
- Publisher: Radical Entertainment
- Genre: Video Games - Action/Adventure
- Release Date: 10/27/2003
- ESRB Rating: T
- Price: $44.95
Parents need to know
Parents need to know the humor and language are right in line with the show's salty style, and while the game's animation is, obviously, very cartoonish, players can run people over with their cars, and beat and kick them. On the other hand, the plot includes both parental protesting over a controversial video game, and a soda with mind-controlling properties, both of which might encourage conversations about marketing to children.
Families can talk about marketing to children. Do you think the parents in the game have valid concerns about the game they’re protesting? Should game developers be held responsible for promoting controversial games to children, or is the responsibility of families to exercise good judgment?
Families can talk about marketing to children. Do you think the parents in the game have valid concerns about the game they’re protesting? Should game developers be held responsible for promoting controversial games to children, or is the responsibility of families to exercise good judgment?
Message
Social Behavior:
Like the show, not a ton of diversity beyond controversial Apu. Some edgy humor.
Consumerism:
Fictitious billboards along the way, plus the Simpsons themselves are a product.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Some Duff beer stuff, and other alcohol references.
Educational Value:
Loads of laughs, but light on learning.
Violence
Can run people over with car, or just kick and beat them.
Sex
Language
Some salty language.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Kate Pavao
In this newest Simpsons driving game, players become various characters from the animated show and complete silly missions (as Homer, you might deliver Lisa's digestive tract model to school, eating the gall bladder along the way; as Lisa you might save a school of fish from graduating to the dish of the day). As players advance through various levels -- and characters -- racing and chasing, collecting and delivering items, the storylines link to reveal that something sinister is going on in Springfield.
Is it any good?
The missions get a bit repetitive, but the well-animated town, complete with Kwik-E-Mart and Squid Port, gives players plenty to explore, and there are side missions, wardrobe changes -- and secrets to unlock. The Simpsons writers and cast collaborated on THE SIMPSONS: HIT & RUN and there are loads of jokes and insider-references for the show's loyal viewers (favorite characters such as Mr. Burns and Ralph Wiggum appear, and players can drive Homer's Mr. Plow or dress in Lisa's lumpy Florida costume). There's not a lot of educational value here, but this racing game could provide a tamer -- and sillier -- alternative to Grand Theft Auto.
How to play
- Playability: Medium. Easy handling at first, but the difficulty accelerates as you advance.
- Reading Required: 10+
- Graphics: Above average.
Other choices
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Parents and kids say
All Reviews
There are 27 reviews.
Posted on 05/27/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 10
Posted on 04/05/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12
Posted on 08/14/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 11
Adult Reviews
There are 5 reviews.
Age 11+
Posted on 11/29/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Age 8+
Posted on 05/31/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Kids Reviews
There are 22 reviews.
Posted on 05/27/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 10
Posted on 04/05/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12
Posted on 08/14/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 11
What do your kids do online?
Surf
40%
Homework and research
15%
Download music
6%
Chat with friends
40%
53 votes

