Game developers are apparently targeting old-school gamers, given that they’re bringing back games of the past on mobile phones. These include the Final Fantasy series, Pacman, the Grand Theft Auto Series (III, Vice City and San Andreas), and recently Crazy Taxi. The mobile version of this game is called “Crazy Taxi: City Rush” and it promises to be as dynamic and flamboyant as its original title, which was well-received 14 years ago. So, let’s review the iOS version and learn if this app is worth installing:

The Gameplay

Old SEGA Dreamcast console owners, along with early 2000s teenagers walking to the arcade to burn some quarters during their spare time, we’re sure that almost people who have played this game has fond memories of it. Anyway, the player’s purpose in this game hasn’t changed at all: you will still be required to weave around traffic skillfully to bring customers to their desired destinations around the city, while collecting cash and diamonds. Of course, the old Crazy Taxi doesn’t have this feature, since it’s totally mobile exclusive. Prior to burning rubber, you’ll need to choose a character, a customizable car and your desired location.

Even if the game play is overly simple and doesn’t require much brainpower, it is guaranteed to keep you playing for hours. This in turn guarantees that you will be able to kill time by playing it, regardless if you’re in your morning commute, you’re wasting away excess energy before going to sleep.

 

The Graphics

More than a decade ago, we all though that Crazy Taxi, along with other classic titles, had awesome graphics. As kids and teenagers, we were all astounded by the pixelated explosions, physics and character designs. If you’ve had the chance to play with your old gaming consoles, then you’re probably surprised to know that you actually liked playing with games that are in a mass of pixels. But hey, it’s the gameplay that counts, right? Anyway, the iOS version of the Crazy Taxi looks polished, clean and crisp. The pixels are gone, although it retains its old flair and appeal, making it a joy to play with.

 

Items and leveling

As mentioned earlier, the goal in Crazy Taxi is to collect coins, diamonds and in-cash currency from your customers. That being said, you’ll also be able to receive extra bonuses if you manage to achieve time and trick bonuses. Anyway, the coins are used to buy items, like taxi parts and upgrades in order to boost your ride’s capabilities. Other than that, the coins and in-game currency is also used to buy items that will enable you to customize your taxi – you can add a new color shade, or add something eccentric into the hood. The prices are fairly reasonable, which is a major plus since your taxi needs upgrades in order to access the higher levels.

 

The bad part

Continuous gameplay is nearly impossible, unless if you’re willing to shell out a huge amount of cash to purchase diamonds in order to fill up your gas tank. Basically, whenever your tank goes empty, you’ll need to wait for a certain amount of time before it fills up, or you could just spend a few dollars of real-life money to purchase diamonds, and watch an advertisement. Like all “FREE” mobile games, Crazy Taxi wants you to shell out a certain amount of cash to play, which in my case is a no-brainer.

 

The bad part

Continuous gameplay is nearly impossible, unless if you’re willing to shell out a huge amount of cash to purchase diamonds in order to fill up your gas tank. Basically, whenever your tank goes empty, you’ll need to wait for a certain amount of time before it fills up, or you could just spend a few dollars of real-life money to purchase diamonds, and watch an advertisement. Like all “FREE” mobile games, Crazy Taxi wants you to shell out a certain amount of cash to play, which in my case is a no-brainer.

 

Other features

If you’re a fan of punk music, then this game is definitely for you. The game’s soundtrack includes the likes of songs by Bad Religion and The Offspring. The music suits the game’s upbeat atmosphere and eccentric gameplay. However, if you’d rather listen to your own playlist, you can always pick the option to play music straight from your music library.

 

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