One of American's most popular television programs has certainly been no stranger to the video game universe. Spanning the arcade, console and handheld platforms, developers have introduced a bevy of adventures based upon The Simpsons franchise. Though I've been all too familar with the seemingly endless number of titles developed by Acclaim, it's been ages since I've encountered a Simpsons title which held my interest. Shallow gameplay mechanics and limited replay value were just some of the common quips that comes to mind; truly an injustice to the series.

In the this newest Simpsons video game adventure, driven by greed and up to no good(as usual). Mr. Burns has purchased the Springfield Transit Corporation and has hiked the rates sky-high. Of course, no one in Springfield is pleased with the situation. Thus the citizens take to the streets in what has been dubbed as a "road rage" in which they brave jaded commuters and jam-packed back-routes in the quest to earn enough money to buy back the transit system before time runs out.

Fortunately, the end of shoddy representations is coming to an end, with the introduction of The Simpsons Road Rage. A title which captures the look and personality of the series, combined with reckless, arcade-style racing action.

Adopting a formula strikingly similar to that seen in Sega's Crazy Taxi series, the core gameplay revolves around picking up passengers and delivering them on time. Simpson's Road Rage features several gameplay modes:

• Rage Mode: The core, arcade mode. Players can select between 5 Springfield locations collecting passengers.

• Story Mode: Allows for 40 to 60 unique passenger deliveries, plus seven mini-bonus deliveries.

• Sunday Driving Mode: Think of this as a practice mode, allows players to pick up passengers and explore the city at a leisurely pace.

• Two-Player Mode: Complete with split-screen action adopting the "Capture the Flag" theme in which players beat opponents in a race for the next passenger, or steal their passenger mid-ride!

In Rage Mode, players will immediately have access to the Simpsons family (the game features over 25 characters in total). Taking control of a selected character, each with their own signature vehicle (Bart for example drives a rocket car, Lisa uses an electric powered vehicle, and Mr. Plow has his trademark truck). As players navigate throughout the streets of Springfield, you're required to pick up "customers" flagging you down for a ride. Once you've picked up a passenger, it's your job to deliver them to their intended destination in the alloted time provided. Should you successfully reach the destination in time, you'll be rewarded with a base fare (in addition to bonus items) in accord with the customer's time limit. Passengers will also comment upon your performance during the interim of the trip, as well as when you've dropped them off (or failed to reach the destination). Crazy Taxi vets should feel right at home, as the game features its own blend of special manuevers, including jumps, powerslides, and speed starts. Plus, by earning bonus points, players will be able to unlock hidden characters and vehicles, thus expanding the gameplay value.

The Simpsons Road Rage is full of personality and charm, essentially feeling like a virtual episode, featuring a multitude of voices and animations - each which are instantly recognizeable. Plus, you'll note that each character expresses a distinct relationship with one another, conveyed with full dialogue. For example, I took control of Bart and picked up Marge. After greeting his mother, she scolds him for driving around when he should be in school. Quite amusing, and a perfect touch which enhances the entire atmosphere.

The control system is very user friendly, consisting of a 3-button interface, respectively for acceleration, reverse gear and brakes. Despite its side, navigating each vehicle with the Xbox controller can be done with ease, allowing you to focus more on the gameplay and become immersed with on-screen action. Every level features a variety of trademark locations featured within the Simpsons universe. Moe's tavern, the church, Apu's Quik-E-Mart...it's all here, depicted in a psuedo-2D fashion. You'll also discover an abundance of interaction within the world of Springfield, full of pedestrians and traffic - added obstacles if anything, so stay alert!

EA has introduced quite an intriguing spin to a successful formula, one which I personally project to be a solid hit with fans of the Simpsons series. Set for release to launch in conjunction with the Xbox console (with upcoming releases for the Gamecube and PS2 as well), The Simpsons Road Rage is a remarkable first-generation title which should be experienced. Aye caramba!

· · · Bahn