Hold onto your Duff beers, Springfield! For years, fans have been clamoring for a return to the open-world mayhem of The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Now, it seems our prayers might finally be answered. During Disney’s recent D23 event, series creator Matt Groening dropped some tantalizing hints that suggest a revival could be in the works.
A Glimmer of Hope
During a Q&A session, a fan inquired about the possibility of a Simpsons Movie sequel and whether that might also pave the way for a Hit & Run follow-up. Groening, seemingly caught off guard, responded with a mischievous grin, “I think the original game is coming back in some form.” The audience erupted in cheers, only to be met with a more cautious response from longtime series producer Matt Selman, who quickly added, “Or not.” This playful exchange left fans both excited and slightly apprehensive.
The Road Rage Revelation
The panel also delved into the history of earlier Simpsons games. Groening shared an amusing anecdote about the original Road Rage game, revealing that studio executives initially worried the title might incite real-world road rage incidents. After the game’s success, however, the more edgy “Hit & Run” title was deemed acceptable. Selman added that the concept for Road Rage was clearly inspired by Sega’s Crazy Taxi series, and a financial agreement helped smooth over any potential legal issues.
A “Never Say Never” Attitude
Earlier this year, Selman expressed his awareness of the enduring love for Hit & Run and confirmed that the team maintains a “never say never” attitude regarding a possible revival. He admitted to having no idea that the game would become such a beloved cult classic. In 2021, Selman told IGN that he would “love” to see a remaster of the game, but acknowledged the potential challenges due to the “complicated corporate octopus.”
The Voice Acting Dilemma
One significant hurdle in any potential remake or remaster project would be securing the original voice cast. Having the main cast reprise their roles is crucial for authenticity, and re-recording or re-licensing their voices wouldn’s come cheap. Furthermore, The Simpsons has a complex web of stakeholders who would need to approve such a project.
Radical Entertainment’s Legacy
The original Simpsons: Hit & Run was developed by Radical Entertainment, which unfortunately closed its doors in 2012. However, one of the studio’s founders, Ian Wilkinson, has since established New Radical Games, offering services like work-for-hire and co-development for mobile and console projects. The studio’s website also highlights their expertise in porting and remastering.
Modern Platforms Beckon
Originally released for PS2, GameCube, and Xbox, with a PC port following, any new Simpsons: Hit & Run game would undoubtedly be released on modern platforms. The possibility of experiencing Springfield’s open-world chaos in stunning HD is enough to get any fan’s engine revving!
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