There are games that have marked the childhood of an entire generation, and then there is The Simpsons: Hit & Run.
For many players who grew up with PlayStation 2, the original Xbox, and GameCube, Hit & Run was not just another licensed game based on a popular series. It was practically a kid's version of Grand Theft Auto, set in Springfield and full of humor, references, and chaos that perfectly matched the world of the Simpsons.
And that’s why every rumor about a possible remake has been causing huge excitement for years. According to new information coming from VGC journalist Jordan Middler, it seems that what fans have been wishing for more than two decades might finally happen. During a discussion about the future of Activision's older licensed games, Middler stated that it is “the game that everyone is desperately wanting” that is currently in development. Although he did not directly mention Hit & Run, many believe there aren’t many other candidates that fit such a description.
Especially considering that Crash Bandicoot and Spyro have already received their modern returns, while The Simpsons Hit & Run has been the subject of an almost cult fan movement seeking a remake for years. Adding fuel to the fire earlier this year was Joe McGinn, one of the designers of the original game, who publicly stated that he would love to see the return of the cult title.
Why is Hit & Run so special?
Because it managed to achieve something that rarely any licensed game succeeds at. Instead of a quick attempt to cash in on the popularity of the television series, the developers at Radical Entertainment created a fun and quality open-world adventure that perfectly captured the spirit of the Simpsons. Players explored Springfield, drove dozens of different vehicles, completed missions for Homer, Bart, Marge, and the rest of the crew, and along the way caused complete traffic chaos on the city streets. For many, it was the first “GTA game” they were allowed to play. And maybe that’s why the nostalgia for it has lasted so long.
Of course, there is one potential concern. Since Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, some fans fear that a possible remake could end up as an exclusive for Xbox platforms. However, given Microsoft’s current strategy of releasing games on as many platforms as possible, such a scenario seems unlikely at the moment. It is much more realistic to expect that the game would be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and it could potentially be part of the Game Pass offering from day one.
Of course, it is worth emphasizing that there is currently no official confirmation of the project. Everything is still based on rumors and speculation. I admit that this is one of the few rumors I genuinely want to believe in. Because if there is a game from the PlayStation 2 era that deserves a modern remake, it is indeed The Simpsons Hit & Run. And I believe I am not the only one who would jump back behind the wheel of Homer’s pink car without a second thought.
