Whether we’ll get a The Simpsons: Hit & Run remake/remaster is up in the air, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relive the game’s wacky adventures in Media Molecule’s Dreams. The impressive creation suite recently launched on the PS4, giving users the chance to play and create nearly anything imaginable. Thanks to Dreams user ReivaJKH, you can jump back into the world of the beloved Hit and Run in a faithful recreation of the original. Much like many of the excellent Dreams recreations (like this rendition of Ghost of Tsushima), this one is nearly indistinguishable from the source material and features visuals, sounds, and gameplay to match.
The video below shows the recreation in action:
The Simpons: Hit & Run remaster could happen, according to the game's producer, but for now, it doesn't look very likely. For those that don't know: The Simpsons: Hit & Run, released back in 2003.
Each of its characters is identical to those in the original, with Homer, Marge, Bart, Maggie, and Lisa in playable form. Hit & Run features an open world similar to that of 2001’s Grand Theft Auto III, but done so in more of a satirical way, in typical Simpsons fashion. Though the recreation still needs some work with its open-world aspects (like more variety in buildings and other features to make the world feel more alive), the foundation of an impressive game is there. It’s unclear if its creator plans to keep fleshing things out, but nonetheless, this looks and is presented just like the game you remember.
With remakes and remasters running rampant in the video game world, the idea of seeing The Simpsons: Hit & Run again isn’t outside the realm of possibility. Towards the end of 2019, the game’s producer Vlad Ceraldi talked about wanting to bring it back in some capacity but noted that there were no solid plans to do so at the time. But if the success of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Spyro: Reignited Trilogy, and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled are any indication, bringing back Hit & Run could be lucrative for those involved. (Editor’s Note: Licensing agreements notwithstanding, particularly now that Disney owns Fox and its properties.) After all, the original game sold somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 million copies.
While we may never see the return of Hit & Run, at least you can enjoy a version of it in Dreams, complete with Bart skateboarding sections, a saxophone-playing Lisa, and a gun-slinging Maggie—all of which can explore the town of Springfield.
(Editor’s Note: This is not the complete Hit & Run game remade, but rather a technical demonstration of what’s possible in Dreams limited to the area immediately around the Simspons’ residence.)
[Source: Dreams, YouTube via USgamer]
There aren’t many games that the majority of gamers can all agree are absolute bangers, but 2003’s Simpsons Hit and Run is a definite exception.
Hit and Run, which released on GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox and Microsoft Windows, had you drive around in a series of unlockable Simpsons vehicles and get to the bottom of an alien mystery.
Heavily influenced by Grand Theft Auto 3, the title featured solid gameplay set against the adored backdrop of The Simpsons. It’s an unshakeable classic and players have been clamouring for a remake or sequel for years now.
In an unexpected turn of events, it seems that The Simpsons writers will have a panel at this year’s E3 2019, leading many to speculate that not only will we be getting a new game, but that it might actually be a Hit and Run remake or sequel.
Sharing the news on social media, the official E3 account tweeted: “More exciting #E3Coliseum news – join the writers and producers of @TheSimpsons for a panel on June 11! More info to come… #E32019“
Naturally, the gaming community was sent into a tizzy, with people literally begging for this to be a Hit and Run-related panel.
Will They Remake Simpsons Hit And Run
“If it isn’t Simpsons Hit and Run remastered then you have wasted my time,” tweeted one gamer.
Another said: “My E3 wishes: Simpsons Hit and run for PC.”
Another fan tried to give us a reality check, writing: “people who see ‘the Simpsons producers hosting an E3 panel’ and think there’s gonna be a hit & run remaster have the sheer optimism i need in my life right now.”
Hey, never stop dreaming, right?
E3 2019 kicks off in just a few days time, starting on June 11 and running until June 14.
Simpsons Hit And Run Remake
Featured Image Credit: Vivendi Universal Games