Crazy Taxi is a classic arcade-style game that was released in 1999 and later ported to various platforms, including the Sega Dreamcast. In the game, players are tasked with picking up passengers and taking them to their destinations as quickly as possible while navigating through a busy city filled with obstacles and other vehicles. Players have the choice of four playable taxi drivers, each with unique personalities and abilities, and can perform crazy stunts to earn extra points. One of the game’s highlights is its energetic soundtrack featuring punk and rock bands. The game has had a lasting impact on the industry, with its fast-paced and fun gameplay being emulated in other games.
Crazy Taxi: The Wild and Fun Arcade-style Game on Dreamcast
Introduction
Crazy Taxi is a classic game that was first released as an arcade game in 1999. It was later ported to various platforms including the Sega Dreamcast, which is where it gained a cult following.
The gameplay
The basic premise of Crazy Taxi is simple: you are a taxi driver in a busy city and you are tasked with picking up passengers and taking them to their destinations as quickly as possible. The game is set in a large, open city environment where there are plenty of obstacles and other vehicles on the road.
Players have the freedom to choose their own path through the city, and they can also perform crazy stunts and jumps in order to earn extra points. The gameplay is fast-paced and frenetic, with a ticking clock adding to the sense of urgency.
The characters
There are four playable taxi drivers in Crazy Taxi, each with their own unique personality and abilities. These characters are:
- Axel – The default character and an all-around good driver.
- Gina – A female driver with good handling and a funny personality.
- B.D. Joe – A reckless driver who can take shortcuts and perform crazy stunts.
- Gus – An old-timer who may not be the fastest, but has good handling and can take angry passengers.
In addition to the playable characters, there are also various non-playable characters in the game, such as the passengers who hail the taxi.
The music
Crazy Taxi is well-known for its upbeat and energetic soundtrack, which features songs from punk and rock bands such as The Offspring and Bad Religion. The music adds to the overall frenetic and fun nature of the game, and is a big reason why it is so enjoyable to play.
The Dreamcast version
The Dreamcast version of Crazy Taxi was released in 2000 and was a critical and commercial success. The Dreamcast’s graphics capabilities allowed for a more detailed and vibrant game world than was possible in the arcade version.
The Dreamcast version also included a new mode called “Crazy Box”, which consisted of a series of challenges such as picking up and dropping off passengers as quickly as possible, and performing crazy stunts. This mode added even more replay value to an already addictive game.
The legacy of Crazy Taxi
Crazy Taxi has had a lasting impact on the video game industry and has influenced many other games in the years since its release. Its fast-paced and fun gameplay has been emulated in games like Grand Theft Auto and even some mobile games.
Crazy Taxi has also been ported to various other platforms, including the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. However, many fans still prefer the original Dreamcast version for its superior graphics and overall feel.