The Simpsons: Hit & Run Should Get an Official Remake

gamerant.com:

Licensed video games might hold a special place in one’s childhood due to the natural appeal of interacting with fictional universes from movies and television. However, licensed games have rightfully gained a reputation for being rushed, mediocre messes capitalizing on the popularity of outside properties. That being said, there are exceptions. Some licensed games involve experienced developers who are fans of the series being adapted, or members of the original creative team itself. One of the best examples of a licensed game subverting audience expectations is The Simpsons: Hit & Run.

A parody of Grand Theft Auto games, The Simpsons: Hit & Run was lauded for being a tribute to the entire Simpsons franchise at the time of its development. Every well-known landmark in Springfield, important character, and event that could serve as a reference appears in some capacity. Despite being made as The Simpsons was losing its steam, the writing was similarly praised for its faithfulness to the show, making the game look like an interactive episode. Due to its legacy, The Simpsons: Hit & Run should get an official remake, especially in an era that prioritizes bringing back old works.

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The Simpsons: Hit & Run is almost 20 years old. The Simpsons got a few licensed games of dubious quality at the height of its popularity in the 90s, so cashing into the Grand Theft Auto phenomenon amid the show’s oncoming dark age did not seem like a great idea in hindsight. Part of what shocked people about The Simpsons: Hit & Run is The Simpsons creative team’s willingness to involve itself with a genre associated with the then-biggest target of “moral” figures. The Simpsons looked