Simpsons Hit and Run Took Inspiration from Unexpected Nintendo Game

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While discussing what games influenced the design of cult classic The Simpsons: Hit & Run, one of the game's original developers mentioned a surprising Nintendo game. It's now been around 20 years since the release of The Simpsons: Hit & Run, which delivered a casual Grand Theft Auto-type gameplay experience. Few likely expected to be surprised by anything regarding the game in 2023, barring a remake announcement, yet confirmation of Nintendo's influence on The Simpsons: Hit & Run does make a lot of sense.

At its heart, The Simpsons: Hit & Run was primarily influenced by a single game. It won't come as any surprise that 2001's Grand Theft Auto 3 served as the key influence for what would become The Simpsons: Hit & Run. After all, they both deliver very similar gameplay ideas, mixing a significant amount of driving with non-vehicular platforming and adventure. But Grand Theft Auto 3 isn't The Simpsons: Hit & Run's only major influence.

The Simpsons Hit and Run Developer Comments on Remake Demand

Speaking with GamesRadar, The Simpsons: Hit & Run lead game designer Joe McGinn explained that one of the game's most surprising influences was none other than Super Mario 64. Super Mario 64 was released in 1996, but was an incredibly influential 3D platforming project for the time. McGinn explains that Super Mario 64 played a key role in The Simpsons: Hit & Run's development, as it took «the nasty» out of Grand Theft Auto 3 and replaced it platforming.

While McGinn is pointing generally to Super Mario 64's platforming gameplay and kid-friendly nature as influencing The Simpsons: Hit & Run's design, he has more specific examples, too. McGinn says that The Simpsons: Hit & Run looked at Super Mario 64's camera placement and controls to