Crazy Taxi (PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox)

In CRAZY TAXI, players, in the role of cab drivers, pick up and drop off as many passengers as they can before the clock runs out. When the timer expires, drivers are scored for the fares they collected and rated on their overall performance.

Players career around a 3-D cityscape, stopping near color-coded passengers. Those in red circles have short, easy trips; those in yellow circles require longer trips, offering more money and more time off the clock.

Crazy Taxi is aptly named, serving up chaotic driving thrills. The joyride begins almost immediately; kids will have no trouble getting up to speed without even cracking the manual. And no police uphold the rule of law in this city, so players are free to drive through, over, and around anything they like, smacking into buildings, cars, and other obstacles. Some passengers give larger tips for a more exciting ride, while others jump out of the cab when they're too scared. It doesn't exactly teach safe driving habits, but it can be a decent amount of fun.