Rumors of a Crazy Taxi reboot have been brewing lately, and Sega has confirmed a large-scale reboot is on the way. Displaying its bold ambitions, the Japanese giant has described the future title as a massively multiplayer online game set in an open world.
Crazy Taxi is a retro game published by Sega on the Dreamcast in 2000. In this racing game, players pick up taxi customers they must ferry to their destination in a flash. Controlling a car through a busy city gets hectic pretty fast. Gameplay gets even more frantic as the player performs crazy stunts to earn money from the passenger before the time runs out, such as nearly missing cars driving in the opposite lane.
First launching in arcades, the game spawned several sequels. Yet, the series has remained undeveloped since 2002, save for a few mobile spin-off entries like the idle clicker Crazy Taxi Tycoon. Still, many nostalgic fans were vocal about their desire to bring back this cult classic. And Sega is giving into their demands with a full-blown reboot.
During The Game Awards 2023, the company announced new installments in beloved yet dormant franchises. The video released for the occasion showcased brief gameplay clips of each game to come, with Crazy Taxi at the forefront. Six months later, fans know a little more about what Sega is cooking for the revival of Crazy Taxi with a modern twist.
The publisher indicated in a Japanese-language interview that the game was in its early stages of development in Unreal Engine. Sega has big plans to make this online battle royale-style title a global hit. While the original was never a multiplayer game, its reboot will seemingly see taxicabs fight it off on the street.
However, the team at Sega’s Sapporo Studio currently lacks the manpower to build the infrastructure required to match Sega’s ambitions. Doubtless, this recent interview partially functions as a job posting for more programmers to come aboard the project. This is illustrated by the Crazy Taxi recruitment page, which shows several listings substantiating the promise of a “large-scale online title.”
Beyond that, information is scarce on the game’s actual content. Devs described the map as a San Francisco-like realistic city, although built like an amusement park. They also hinted at multiple game types, which may consist of new modes or tweaks on the original formula for team-based play. It is worth bearing in mind that these plans refer to the current direction the game is going.
Whatever the changes this reboot may bring, many fans look forward to rediscovering this iconic madcap driving game. Decades after its release, the Crazy Taxi series still holds a special place in the hearts of retrogamers and players who grew up in the 2000s. This cult classic didn’t completely go off the radar, either. Sega put it back on the map with the launch of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth in early 2024. While known under a different name, the Crazy Delivery mini-game bears too much similarity with Crazy Taxi not to be its spiritual successor – albeit on a small scale.
In this self-contained mini-game, players must collect food and deliver it across Hawaii to make money. In a deliberate parallel to Crazy Taxi, they can perform stunts to boost their revenue. Launchers and power-ups also increase their abilities, granting them extra delivery points. This wacky race game is only one of many side activities available on the largest map to date in the Like a Dragon series. From an island management simulator to casino games, there are many other ways to make a bundle throughout this Hawaiian adventure.
Players having a blast within Like a Dragon’s gambling halls can keep the fun going online. Funnily enough, many machine slots are built around the taxi theme. Users can claim casino bonuses to test slots like Funky Taxi or Taxi Movida. Welcome packages await newcomers, while regular players can grab free spins to give themselves more chances to win. The terms and conditions of use are broken down so gamers can figure out the fine print. Plus, all bonuses are linked to licensed platforms offering a secure environment.
Despite being somewhat niche, Crazy Taxi left an enduring mark on the gaming landscape. Can Sega recapture the magic with an AAA reboot? While some fans would rather the game stay true to its arcade-fun self, a title larger in scope will surely bring new players on board.