Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride (2003)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride (2003)

Released in 2003, Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride is an arcade-style racing game that puts players behind the wheel of a taxi cab and challenges them to pick up passengers and deliver them to their destinations as quickly as possible. The game was developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega. It is the second game in the Crazy Taxi series, following the original Crazy Taxi which was released in 1999.

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride features four playable characters: Axel, B.D. Joe, Gena, and Gus. Each character has their own unique taxi and driving style. Players must choose a character and then navigate their taxi through the game’s four cities: San Francisco, New York City, Las Vegas, and London.

The gameplay in Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride is simple but addictive. Players must pick up passengers and deliver them to their destinations as quickly as possible. The faster the player delivers the passenger, the more money they earn. Players can also earn money by performing stunts, such as drifting and jumping.

The game’s four cities are all based on real-world locations. San Francisco features Lombard Street, the “most crooked street in the world.” New York City features Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge. Las Vegas features the Strip and the Bellagio Hotel. London features Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride was a critical and commercial success. The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its fast-paced gameplay, catchy soundtrack, and sense of humor. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride is simple but addictive. Players must pick up passengers and deliver them to their destinations as quickly as possible. The faster the player delivers the passenger, the more money they earn. Players can also earn money by performing stunts, such as drifting and jumping.

The game’s four cities are all based on real-world locations. San Francisco features Lombard Street, the “most crooked street in the world.” New York City features Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge. Las Vegas features the Strip and the Bellagio Hotel. London features Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

Each city has its own unique challenges. San Francisco’s hills make it difficult to navigate, while New York City’s traffic is a constant obstacle. Las Vegas’s wide streets make it easy to speed, but the desert heat can be a hazard. London’s narrow streets and roundabouts can be tricky to navigate.

Characters

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride features four playable characters:

  • Axel is a young man who is new to the taxi business. He is eager to prove himself and make a name for himself.
  • B.D. Joe is a middle-aged man who has been driving a taxi for many years. He is a skilled driver and knows the city like the back of his hand.
  • Gena is a young woman who is trying to make a living as a taxi driver. She is a determined and hard-working driver.
  • Gus is an old man who has been driving a taxi for over 50 years. He is a wise old man who knows all the tricks of the trade.

Each character has their own unique taxi and driving style. Axel’s taxi is a yellow Checker Marathon. B.D. Joe’s taxi is a black Crown Victoria. Gena’s taxi is a pink Volkswagen Beetle. Gus’s taxi is a green London Taxi.

Reception

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride was a critical and commercial success. The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its fast-paced gameplay, catchy soundtrack, and sense of humor. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride is considered to be one of the best arcade-style racing games ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding game that will keep players entertained for hours on end.

Legacy

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and catchy soundtrack have been imitated by many other games. The game has also been ported to numerous platforms, including the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and PC.

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride is a classic arcade-style racing game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, catchy soundtrack, and sense of humor make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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