Crazy Taxi Arrives For PSN, XBLA Version Coming Soon

Today a remake of the Dreamcast classic Crazy Taxi launched on the PlayStation Network, with the Xbox Live Arcade release coming November 24th. The graphics have been updated to 720p, but licensing issues for the soundtrack and some in-game locations resulted in noticeable changes. Quoting the Opposable Thumbs blog: "The Offspring, along with Bad Religion, provided the game's soundtrack in the original release. These songs, along with the sound of that announcer, went a long way toward creating the game's mood. In the new version, they have been replaced by completely forgettable pop-punk tracks, and it's a downgrade. ... That's not the only thing that's missing. The game originally featured licensed locations. Customers would need to be dropped off at the Pizza Hut, for instance. These companies didn't spring for the advertising in the game's rerelease, but the buildings weren't updated to look like anything else; the result is a game that looks like its filled with closed-down fast food restaurants. ... this is an interesting look at what went on to become a cult classic. Still, this is no replacement for my original copy."

May take some time, Crazy Taxi 2?

[msuspartan11]

This was one of my favorite games to play in the arcade growing up and I'm happy to see it coming to the most popular video gaming systems. Of course it is sad not to see the original soundtrack or delivery destinations, however there is a large number of people who haven't played the game before and will love it. It will be a fun inexpensive game for people to play, and if you really miss the music you can download the songs and play them with your Xbox 360. Also, this could be a game that starts off slow and then when the sequel Crazy Taxi 2 comes out it will catch on, and hopefully bring back the old feeling of the original game. At the end of the day it will be a fun game to play, especially when you have a group of people together.

Real Life Crazy Taxi

[brillow]

I've always thought some kids would whip up a real-life version. Hack a car gps onto some random address generator, start a timer, and race across town! The device could calculate how long it should take you to get there, and give you points for getting there sooner. Drivers could compete for points online. Killing peds is of course, extra!

Re:Oh how terrible

[acedotcom]

but then again, thats one of the things that made Crazy Taxi Unique. it had super sharp graphics, decent music and the real world locations added a feel of realism to a completely unbelievable environment. In some way it would be like if they took the Pizza Hut ads out of the TMNT: The Arcade Game on the NES, sure the game would be the same, and not even matter to a new generation of gamers, but its all about the nostalgic feel for some games, and pruning that ruins that experience.

It should also be noted that CT hasnt had music from the offspring OR KFC, Levi's, or Pizza Hut ads since 2006 (roughly) none of the portable versions have the orignal ads or music, so i dont know why this would be much of a surprise.

and with that said, it should be noted that CT has one of the most significant patents [patentstorm.us] in console game history. Its still a fun and groundbreaking game, but ill keep playing it on my Dreamcast for now.

Re:Go ahead, stay on my lawn...

[Anonymous Coward]

It was also the most pirated console ever. Most people I've known will make up the mmost elaborate stories as to how and why the dream cast was best, but in reality they really loved it because they got free burned copies of games from their friends that is now a leaning tower of burned dream cast CDs.

Re:Go ahead, stay on my lawn...

[Anonymous Coward]

Boo hoo fuck you. The Dreamcast failed because Sega had a dicey history with retailers and Sony pulled a bunch of shenanigans leading up to the launch of the PS2. Piracy had nothing to do with it you corporate whore.

Re:Go ahead, stay on my lawn...

[drej]

I'm pretty sure the PSX was worse in that respect. Much worse.