The Simpsons: Road Rage (2001)

by Christopher May 1, 2024

written by Christopher May 1, 2024 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2001
Genres: Racing
Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Developers: Radical Entertainment
Publishers: Electronic Arts

The Simpsons: Road Rage: A Chaotic Driving Adventure

Released in 2001, The Simpsons: Road Rage is a comical driving game that puts players behind the wheel of various Simpsons characters as they race through the streets of Springfield and beyond. The game is similar to Sega’s 1999 video game Crazy Taxi, in that the main objective is to drive picked up passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible. Players receive money upon successfully dropping off each passenger, and bonuses are obtained when they are transported in a short amount of time.

Gameplay

The Simpsons: Road Rage features a variety of gameplay modes, including:

Story Mode: Players take on the role of Homer Simpson as he tries to earn enough money to buy a new car for his family. Homer must complete a series of missions, such as picking up passengers, delivering packages, and destroying property.
Arcade Mode: Players can choose from any of the available characters and vehicles to race through the streets of Springfield. The goal is to pick up as many passengers as possible and deliver them to their destinations before the time runs out.
Versus Mode: Two players can compete against each other in a split-screen race. The first player to reach the finish line wins.

Characters and Vehicles

The Simpsons: Road Rage features a wide range of playable characters and vehicles, including:

Characters: Homer Simpson, Marge Simpson, Bart Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Maggie Simpson, Grandpa Simpson, Ned Flanders, and Professor Frink.
Vehicles: The Simpsons’ family car, Homer’s pink convertible, Marge’s station wagon, Bart’s skateboard, Lisa’s scooter, Maggie’s stroller, Grandpa’s wheelchair, Ned’s Flandersmobile, and Professor Frink’s flying saucer.

Reception

The Simpsons: Road Rage was met with positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s humor, variety of gameplay modes, and addictive gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

The Simpsons: Road Rage is considered to be one of the best Simpsons games ever made. The game’s success led to the development of several sequels, including The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003) and The Simpsons: Road Rage 2 (2008).

Conclusion

The Simpsons: Road Rage is a hilarious and chaotic driving game that will keep you entertained for hours. The game’s variety of gameplay modes, characters, and vehicles ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of The Simpsons or just looking for a fun and challenging driving game, The Simpsons: Road Rage is definitely worth checking out.

Additional Details

Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: Fox Interactive
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Release Date: November 13, 2001
Genre: Driving game
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
Sales: Over 2 million copies worldwide

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.