Reviewed
02.10.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
AM3
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Jan.
26, 2000 (Japan)
Feb.
2, 2000 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd
Person
Genre
Arcade/Driver
Players
1
Options
Backup
23
Racing
Wheel
Rumble
VGA
Box
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
INTRO:
> Let me start out by saying, the idea behind Crazy Taxi is very simple,
but at the same time, very well done. The object is to pick up a
customer on the street, and drive them to the destination that they specify.
Destinations can range from a block away, to a whole map away. But of course,
its not just that simple. There is a lot of traffic all over the city --
that's one of the challenges. Then there's all the side scenery (buildings,
water, etc.). If you go into grass, you'll slow down, water, a near dead
stop, so, try and stay on the roads.
> Special DC enhancements include; the Crazy Box, Original Mode, and ability
to set your time on the course. In Crazy Box, there are many mini-games
which you complete to get better at your special moves (listed below).
Original Mode is a whole new map, exclusive to the DC. Though, its not
as polished as the Arcade map (a lot of slowdown) it is still a fairly
good map.
GRAPHICS:
> The graphics in this game are Great! There may not be many animations,
and the people are a little blocky, but only really noticeable when the
camera is swooping around while your picking up or dropping off a customer.
And at all other times, your going too fast to notice, or at least you
should be. The cars you drive also look great, a lot of lighting effects
and sparks through the game. Though the cars on the road are a little blocky
and flat looking.
CONTROL:
> Well, this really depends on your choice of cars. Some are really loose
and great for taking sharp turns without special moves (Gena), while others
sometimes depend on a special move like a Crazy Drift (Gus). Really basic
setup, Accelerate and Brake, Forward and Reverse. And then of course the
D-Pad/Joy-Pad for steering, your choice. Different button combos result
in different Tricks. There's the Crazy Drift, Crazy Boost, Limit Cut, turn
on spot, and many more, most, if not all essential to complete the Crazy
Box Mode.
SOUND:
> The soundtrack includes the two bands, The Offspring, and Bad Religion.
Normally I'm not much for these types of bands, but their style of music
fits perfectly into Crazy Taxi. Its high energy and fast, the same qualities
of Crazy Taxi.
> The normal, in-game sounds are great too. Every customer has their own
voice, with separate dialogue. But, sometimes you will here the male voices
get mixed up. And they aren't just the run of the mill voice, they act
and sound like a real person would. Example: Almost run over them while
picking them up, and they'll start to bitch at you. same as if you take
too long, But if you stop close, or get them to their destination quickly.
They'll complement you while your driving, and when dropping them off.
FUN:
> Straight forward, this is one of the most fun games I've played in a
long time. You and your friends will have loads of fun trying to top each
others score over and over. Then when he's/she's not around, you can always
practice up. This is the kind of game that keeps people up long into the
morning, trying to perfect a certain move, and top a high score. I know
it has for me.
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