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The Simpsons: Hit & Run

(2003, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated T, Play it on: PlayStation 2, Xbox)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A tamer, sillier alternative to Grand Theft Auto.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–15

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Loads of laughs, but light on learning.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Like the show, not a ton of diversity beyond controversial Apu. Some edgy humor.
  • Violence:

    Can run people over with car, or just kick and beat them.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Some salty language.
  • Consumerism:

    Fictitious billboards along the way, plus the Simpsons themselves are a product.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some Duff beer stuff, and other alcohol references.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Simpsons: Hit & Run was written by Kate Pavao

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

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  • 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?
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More on The Simpsons: Hit & Run

What’s the Story?

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. Close

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. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/27/2003, price $44.95 , not online enabled
ESRB rating: T

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    Great kids version of GTA. Really fun and kids will love to explore the Simpson World. Parents need to realise though the is some cartoonish violence incorparated into it.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    the best f@#kin game ever

    love it the best simpson game ever road rage sucks compard to this game

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    GreaT aND sUPER aMASING gAME tO pLAY aND tO bUY

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Entertaining

    Tame alternative to GTA. You play as the good guys trying to save Springfield from a... well I won't tell the plot. The map is well made. There is a bit of swearing, but the violence is very cartoonish. (you kick someone and he falls rolling and flailing his arms)

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This is probably the best Simpsons game ever created. In fact, it is about ten times better then Grand Theft Auto. I've played Grand Theft Auto. All it contains is raunchy, bloody, hell. The Simpsons Hit and Run, though, is mildly bad saying all you do is collect, destroy, and find things. The replay value in this game is tremendous, and there is nothing bad to say about this game. If I was to rate the Top Ten Xbox games, this would make the Top 5. (Not including the Xbox 360. To give you a minor heads up on the Top 5 Xbox Games, here is my (opionated) list: 1. Halo: Combat Evolved 2. Halo 2 3. The Simpsons Hit and Run 4. Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 5. Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords

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