The Simpsons Hit & Run Remake Is Adding Fan-Favourite GTA Feature
We're jumping back in the Plow King and leaving a trail of destruction behind us in Springfield, as a fan remake of The Simpsons: Hit & Run is racing into view. Nearly two decades after the first game revved its engine, the project is making some improvements under the bonnet.
In 2003, Radical Entertainment cashed in on our booming obsession with Grand Theft Auto and slapped on some yellow paint for a crossover with arguably the most famous cartoon of all time. Radical had already had some success with the Crazy Taxi-esque The Simpsons: Road Rage, but that was nothing compared to Hit & Run. Sadly, it's been lost to the ages.
What Is The Hit & Run Remake?
Over the years, The Simpsons: Hit & Run has gained a cult status and frequently tops wishlists for a requested remaster/remake. Sadly, right issues and the merger of Vivendi into Activision Blizzard means Hit & Run is trapped in a bygone era. It's not on any digital storefronts, so unless you're booting up an old PC, GameCube, PS2, or Xbox, there's no way to play.
We've previously covered Reuben "Reubs" Ward's Unreal Engine 5 remake of Hit & Run, but not content with simply repurposing the game, he's expanding beyond the confines of the original. As well as showing off an open-world version, Reubs has added GTA's famous character switching ability to the remake.
You might remember the character switching options from 2013's GTA V, which pulled the camera out to a birds-eye view and then zoomed back into whoever you wanted to play as. It meant you didn't have to worry about having Trevor, Michael, and Franklin at the same place at once. In Hit & Run, characters were usually locked to a single level (excluding Bart and Homer). Now, you can also swap to Apu, Lisa, and Marge whenever you want.
When Will The Hit & Run Remake Release?
Adding GTA V's character switcher is the latest in a series of development logs where Reubs is trying to improve on the work done all those years ago. We've seen some great progress on where things are up to, but sadly, Ward admits the project will never officially be released. Being a fan project, it means he's likely flying under the radar of current IP owner, Electronic Arts.
This still brings us no closer to seeing Hit & Run again. While Sony and Xbox power ahead with their own backward compatibility, forgotten classics like 1999's Toy Story 2 are finding a new lease of life. Last year, Game Producer Vlad Ceraldi revealed his own hopes for a remaster but admitted we're a long way off. If this wasn't enough, even The Simpsons co-showrunner Matt Selman said he'd love to see one. For now though, we're left watching footage of Reubs enjoying his own fan remake while we're left on the sidelines.