Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A tamer, sillier alternative to Grand Theft Auto.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 33 kid reviews
Kids say this game is a fun, open-world experience filled with silly humor and car-driving antics, making it a suitable choice for younger audiences despite some mild language and cartoonish violence. Many players appreciate the nostalgic connection to the show, with missions that entertain and challenge while allowing for exploration and interaction with the vibrant game world.
- fun gameplay
- mild language
- cartoon violence
- nostalgic appeal
- suitable for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 2 , Xbox
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Radical Entertainment
- Release date : October 27, 2003
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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