Crazy Taxi

File:Crazy taxi pickup.jpg

File:Crazy taxi ride.jpg

Crazy Taxi and its sequels are score attack games that all employ the same fundamental rules and mechanics. The player controls one of several taxi drivers in a fictional city, looking for fares and then taking them to their destination in the fastest time possible. The player must perform this while time still remains on an overall gameplay clock. Passengers looking for rides are indicated by an overhead marker that is colored to represent the distance to their intended destination. The color marker ranges from red indicating short trips, to yellow for intermediate distances, and to green indicating long ones. When a passenger is picked up, the player is awarded additional time on the countdown clock. Furthermore, a second countdown timer is started, representing how quickly the passenger needs to be at their destination. While a passenger is in the taxi, a large green arrow is shown on the player's HUD that points in the general direction of the passenger's destination to help guide the player through the map.

The player can use special "crazy stunt" moves such as drifts, jumps, and near-misses, and consecutive combos of these, to earn extra money from the passenger during the trip. If the destination is reached in time, the player is paid based on distance driven with a possible time bonus based on how quickly the destination was reached. If the passenger's countdown strikes zero, they will exit the taxi without paying and the player will be required to look for another fare. The game continues in this mode as long as time remains on the main clock. Once the main clock reaches zero, the game is over, and the player is ranked and rated based on the total earned.

Unlike other arcade games, the player cannot continue from where the previous game ended. The game cannot be played indefinitely; while there are hundreds of potential passengers to pick up and deliver, there are only a limited number of fares in the game. The various passengers scattered throughout the city will randomly appear and disappear throughout the game, but once one is picked up that passenger is unavailable for the rest of that game. The core gameplay in the series has been praised as being "deceptively complex";{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecritics.com/review/crazytaxi/main.php |title=Crazy Taxi |publisher=GameCritics |date=February 19, 2000 |access-date=August 15, 2007 |first=Chi Kong |last=Lui |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904030703/http://www.gamecritics.com/review/crazytaxi/main.php |archive-date=September 4, 2007}} as stated by the IGN staff for their review of the Dreamcast version of Crazy Taxi:{{cite web | url = http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/162/162006p1.html | title = Crazy Taxi | publisher = IGN | author = IGN Staff | date = January 28, 2000 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = August 12, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070812120857/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/162/162006p1.html | url-status = live}}

{{Blockquote|As you progress through the game's ratings scale by picking up and delivering passengers as quickly as possible, you will slowly but surely realize that there is much more to the game than getting from point a to b.|IGN Staff|Crazy Taxi (Dreamcast) Review}}

Starting with Crazy Taxi 2, the gameplay included the ability to pick up a party of passengers, each having a different destination. The number of passengers in the car multiplies the tip bonuses earned from stunt driving, while the total fare can only be earned once the last passenger is dropped off in time. Additionally, Crazy Taxi 2 introduced a new stunt move called the "Crazy Hop" that allowed the player to make the taxi jump to clear some obstacles or reach higher drivable surfaces.

The console games have also featured a set of mini-games that require the player to meet a certain objective using one or more of the various "crazy stunts" within the game. Some of these test the player's handling of a taxi, while others are more exaggerated, such as taxi bowling or pool. Some mini-games require the completion of others before they can be accessed.

Prior to each game session, the player can pick one of several drivers and their associated cars; each car/driver has slightly different performance relating to factors such as speed and turning, that impact the game.{{cite web | url = http://www.eamobile.com/mobile-games/crazy-taxi# | title = Crazy Taxi | publisher = EA Games | access-date = January 12, 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100103092551/http://www.eamobile.com/mobile-games/crazy-taxi | archive-date = January 3, 2010}}

The original arcade game was developed by Hitmaker as a variation from then-current arcade titles. Crazy Taxi producer Kenji Kanno noted that the time extension on gameplay was a breakaway of the current "100 yen for 3 minutes" that persisted at the time for arcade games, and rewarded players with longer playing times by performing well in the game.{{cite web | url = http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/074/074863p1.html | title = The "Crazy" Interview with SoJ's Kenji Kanno | publisher = IGN | author = IGN Staff | date = February 4, 2000 | access-date = August 17, 2007 | archive-date = October 24, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071024174209/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/074/074863p1.html | url-status = live}} In addition to providing a game that could be played in short sessions, Kanno wanted a game to explore the "daily life and routine" of a taxi driver.{{cite web|url=http://media.psp.ign.com/media/875/875970/vids_1.html |title=Video interview with Kenji Kanno |publisher=IGN |date=August 3, 2007 |access-date=October 31, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027151023/http://media.psp.ign.com/media/875/875970/vids_1.html |archive-date=October 27, 2007}} In the development of the Dreamcast version of the original arcade game, the developers included a larger map in addition to the arcade one, as to create a feeling of "being lost" and allowing home console players to have fun "learning the town". Mini-games were developed for this version as to "let the player play longer if he improved skill" by offering challenges that were both fun and educational. Over one hundred different ideas for mini-games were developed by the team but then pared down for the Crazy Box mini-game challenges for the game. The addition of the Crazy Hop in Crazy Taxi 2 came about because the development team noted that "...in New York – where the basic landscape is quite flat – we had to create 3D space by letting the player drive on the buildings" and "we added the Crazy Hop to let the player hop around the roofs of buildings to make short cuts".{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=2145 |title=Crazy Taxi 2 Preview |publisher=CVG |date=August 1, 2001 |access-date=October 31, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201104847/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=2145 |archive-date=December 1, 2007}}

Hitmaker had tried to develop an online version of Crazy Taxi, to be called Crazy Taxi Next exclusively for the Xbox, which, besides multiplayer game modes, would have included night and day cycles, each with a different set of passengers and destinations, while reusing and graphically updating the maps from Crazy Taxi and Crazy Taxi 2.{{cite web | url = http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/095/095663p1.html | title = SEGA Unleashed Interviews | date = June 8, 2001 | access-date = October 31, 2007 | publisher = IGN | author = IGN Staff | archive-date = April 5, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070405010600/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/095/095663p1.html | url-status = live}} Ultimately, both multiplayer and day/night cycles were dropped and work on Crazy Taxi Next was transferred to Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller, which included some of the nighttime driving concepts suggested by Next.{{cite web|url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r19392.htm |title=Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller Review |date=August 14, 2002 |publisher=GameZone |first=Louis |last=Bedigian |access-date=October 31, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019215428/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r19392.htm |archive-date=October 19, 2006}}

Kenji Kanno has noted that the gameplay in the Crazy Taxi series has otherwise not "evolved" with each new game "because basically the whole point of the game is to have a lot of fun in a short period of time, and it's a very concentrated game. So instead of trying to evolve the series necessarily, it's more like taking that concept and putting it in different places – seeing how it works".{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3158197 | title = Previews: Crazy Taxi: FW | last = Leone | first = Matt | date = March 22, 2007 | access-date = August 17, 2007 | publisher = 1up | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927204306/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3158197 | archive-date = September 27, 2007}} Kanno considered bringing the title to newer consoles, but wanted to include multiplayer features and having a time cycle within the game that would affect passengers' attitudes and the environment of the game.{{Cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/29/what-would-bring-crazy-taxi-to-ps4-and-xbox-one | title = What Would Bring Crazy Taxi to the PS4 and Xbox One | first = Luke | last = Karmali | date = July 29, 2014 | access-date = July 29, 2014 | publisher = IGN | archive-date = July 30, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140730052259/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/07/29/what-would-bring-crazy-taxi-to-ps4-and-xbox-one | url-status = live}}

Through the series, the cities used within the Crazy Taxi games have been influenced by real-world cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Las Vegas. Certain versions of the Crazy Taxi game include in-game counterparts of real-world businesses, including Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, FILA, and Tower Records;{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi/news.html?sid=2451687&mode=all | title = Driving Crazy Taxi | first = James | last = Mielke | date = April 21, 1999 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | publisher = Gamespot | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930013736/http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi/news.html?sid=2451687&mode=all | url-status = live}} these were often destination targets for the passengers. Although this is one of the most prominent examples of product placement in video gaming history, it is generally looked upon relatively favorably amongst gamers, perhaps because it gives a sense of realism to the fictional cities in the game.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/172/book_excerpt_game_design_.php?page=3 | title = Book Excerpt: Game Design Complete: Advergaming and Sponsorships | publisher = Game Career Guide | first = Patrick | last = O'Luanaigh | date = April 6, 2006 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 28, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928055133/http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/172/book_excerpt_game_design_.php?page=3 | url-status = live}} These establishments have been replaced with generic businesses in later games due to licensing difficulties.{{cite web | url = http://gameboy.gamezone.com/news/03_26_03_05_29PM.htm | title = Catch a ride in full 3D with "Crazy Taxi" for Game Boy Advance | publisher = GameZone | first = Louis | last = Bedigian | access-date = August 17, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070713041512/http://gameboy.gamezone.com/news/03_26_03_05_29PM.htm | archive-date = July 13, 2007}}

The soundtrack of the Crazy Taxi series has typically been licensed hard rock and punk rock music. The arcade and initial home console versions include selections from punk rock bands The Offspring and Bad Religion, though these have been removed in both the Game Boy Advance and the PlayStation Portable remakes because of licensing issues. In the case of the Game Boy Advance Catch a Ride, the game uses instrumental music instead of recorded songs.{{cite web|url=http://oldschoolvideogamez.blogspot.ru/2014/01/crazy-taxi.html |title=Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride Review |publisher=Game Zone |date=June 5, 2003 |first=Eduardo |last=Zacarias |access-date=August 24, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202114839/http://oldschoolvideogamez.blogspot.ru/2014/01/crazy-taxi.html |archive-date=February 2, 2014}}

Sega applied for and was awarded U.S. Patent 6,200,138 – "Game display method, moving direction indicating method, game apparatus and drive simulating apparatus" – in 2001.{{cite web | url = http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6200138.PN.&OS=PN/6200138&RS=PN/6200138 | title = U.S. Patent 6,200,138 | publisher = U.S. Patent Office | date = March 13, 2001 | access-date = August 14, 2007 | archive-date = January 10, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160110222113/http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6200138.PN.&OS=PN%2F6200138&RS=PN%2F6200138 | url-status = live}} The mechanics in the "138 patent" describe an arcade cabinet similar to Sega's previous arcade game Harley-Davidson & L.A. Riders (1997),{{cite web|url=http://www.segaarcade.com/archive/harleydavidson.aspx |title=Harley Davidson L.A. Riders |publisher=Sega Enterprises, Inc. |access-date=August 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061021075158/http://www.segaarcade.com/archive/harleydavidson.aspx |archive-date=October 21, 2006}} but also describe the arrow navigation system and pedestrian avoidance aspects that were used in Crazy Taxi.

In 2001, Electronic Arts and Fox Interactive released The Simpsons: Road Rage, which reviews identified as being clearly inspired by the gameplay of Crazy Taxi.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/driving/simpsonsroadrage/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews |title=The Simpsons Road Rage |publisher=Gamespot |date=December 3, 2001 |access-date=October 5, 2007 |first=Amer |last=Ameji |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525162639/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/driving/simpsonsroadrage/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews |archive-date=May 25, 2011}}{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/166/166782p1.html | title = The Simpsons Road Rage | publisher = IGN | date = November 27, 2001 | access-date = October 5, 2007 | first = David | last = Zdyrko | archive-date = October 13, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013175819/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/166/166782p1.html | url-status = live}} In this game, the player controlled one of The Simpsons characters as they drive around Springfield, bringing passengers to these destinations in a way like in Crazy Taxi. In December 2001, Sega brought Fox Entertainment, Electronic Arts, and developer Radical Games Ltd. to court over this infringement of the 138 patent.{{cite web | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/445/445010p1.html | title = SEGA Sues Fox and EA | publisher = IGN | first = David | last = Adams | date = December 5, 2003 | access-date = August 14, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070827182048/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/445/445010p1.html | archive-date = August 27, 2007 | url-status = dead}} The case, Sega of America, Inc. v. Fox Interactive, et al., was settled in private for an unknown amount.{{cite web | url = http://www.carrferrell.com/attorneys/robert-j-yorio | title = Profile of Robert J. Yorio | publisher = Carr & Ferrell LLC | access-date = August 14, 2007 | archive-date = December 25, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141225132516/http://www.carrferrell.com/attorneys/robert-j-yorio | url-status = live}} The 138 patent is considered to be one of the most important patents in video game development.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070119/dannenberg_01.shtml | title = The Ten Most Important Video Game Patents | publisher = Gamasutra | author = Ross Dannenberg and Steve Chang | date = January 19, 2007 | access-date = August 14, 2007 | archive-date = October 13, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013152215/http://gamasutra.com/features/20070119/dannenberg_01.shtml | url-status = live}}

{{Main|Crazy Taxi (video game)}}

File:Crazy-taxi-cabinet.jpg

The arcade version of Crazy Taxi was released in February 1999, and featured only the San Francisco-inspired map (known as "Arcade" in the first console game, and later as "West Coast" in sequels).{{cite web | url = http://www.segaarcade.com/archive/crazytaxi.aspx | title = Crazy Taxi | publisher = Sega Amusements U.S.A., Inc. | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215640/http://www.segaarcade.com/archive/crazytaxi.aspx|archive-date=September 27, 2007}} The "Standard Version" arcade cabinet included a cockpit seat, steering wheel, a gear shift lever (for forward and reverse gear) and a brake and acceleration pedal; a more compact "Naomi Cabinet Version" also existed without the cockpit seat.{{cite web | url = http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7433 | title = Crazy Taxi | publisher = Killer List of Video Games | access-date = August 19, 2007 | archive-date = October 1, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001000236/http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7433 | url-status = live}} The arcade game was one of the first to use the Sega NAOMI hardware processor, which is based on the Sega Dreamcast and was unveiled as part of Sega's exhibition at the 1999 Amusement Operators Union exposition in Japan.{{cite web | url = http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/066/066800p1.html | title = Naomi Ready for AOU Debut | publisher = IGN | author = IGN Staff | date = February 8, 1999 | access-date = August 17, 2007 | archive-date = August 31, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070831183400/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/066/066800p1.html | url-status = live}}{{cite web | url = http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/066/066945p1.html | title = Naomi Rocks AOU – A Full Report | publisher = IGN | author = IGN Staff | date = February 17, 1999 | access-date = August 17, 2007 | archive-date = February 8, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070208225645/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/066/066945p1.html | url-status = live}}

The console/home version of Crazy Taxi was released for the Dreamcast on January 24, 2000. The Dreamcast and the cabinet arcade version share nearly identical processing hardware, and porting the game to the home console was only made difficult due to the limited internal memory size on the Dreamcast. Sega used Crazy Taxi to show the power of the Dreamcast's graphical processor, capable of maintaining 60 frame/s throughout play. In addition to the arcade map, this version included the San Francisco-themed city (entitled "Original"), as well as additional mini-games ("Crazy Box") that can be used to hone the player's taxi handling skills. The new map, much larger than the arcade version, was designed to let the player experience the feeling of "being lost" and allow for exploration, something that could not be done on the arcade version, as well as letting "the player enjoy all 3 dimensions".

Once Sega left the hardware market, other companies began to take up some of the franchises, including Crazy Taxi. Acclaim brought the game to the PlayStation 2 on May 17, 2001,{{cite web |date=May 17, 2001 |url=http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/CrazyTaxiShips.html |title=Crazy Taxi Ships |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803194936/http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/CrazyTaxiShips.html |archive-date=August 3, 2004 |url-status=dead}} and GameCube on November 18, while Activision and Strangelite ported the game to the PC in 2002; only the PlayStation 2 port was more successful than the Dreamcast version, and the rest didn't do as well. The Dreamcast version of Crazy Taxi was also playable through emulation via GameTap on PC systems.{{cite web|url=http://www.gametap.com/home/play/gameDetails/130000150 |title=Crazy Taxi |publisher=Gametap |access-date=August 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911204928/http://www.gametap.com/home/play/gameDetails/130000150 |archive-date=September 11, 2007}}

{{Main|Crazy Taxi 2}}

Crazy Taxi 2 was released for the Dreamcast on May 28, 2001. The game introduced four cab drivers as well as two new maps based on NYC (called "Around Apple" and "Small Apple"), and added two gameplay features: the mechanics of collecting multiple passengers from a single spot, and the "Crazy Hop", allowing the taxi to clear traffic and certain obstacles with short jumps.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi2/review.html?sid=2766530 | title = Crazy Taxi 2 | publisher = Gamespot | date = May 29, 2001 | first = Jeff | last = Gerstmann | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930101004/http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi2/review.html?sid=2766530 | url-status = live}}{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi2/news.html?sid=2652280&mode=all | title = Sega Gamer's Day 2000: Sega Announces Crazy Taxi 2 | publisher = Gamespot | date = November 9, 2000 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | last = Stahl | first = Ben | archive-date = September 29, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929222512/http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi2/news.html?sid=2652280&mode=all | url-status = live}} Additionally, the "Crazy Box" mode in the first game was expanded into a "Crazy Pyramid" mode.

{{Main|Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller}}

Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller was released for the Xbox on July 23, 2002, and later released as a PC title in 2004. The game reuses the original arcade map modified to allow the use of the "Crazy Hop" introduced in Crazy Taxi 2,{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crazy-taxi-3/1900-2875363/ | title = Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller | date = July 23, 2002 | first = Andrew Seyoon | last = Park | publisher = Gamespot | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = March 6, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140306081947/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/crazy-taxi-3/1900-2875363/ | url-status = live}} one of the maps from Crazy Taxi 2, and a new map based on Las Vegas ("Glitter Oasis"). The game adds an additional four characters to select from.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/driving/crazytaxi3highroller/news.html?sid=2855639&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;1 | title = Crazy Taxi 3 for the Xbox unveiled | publisher = Gamespot | author = Gamespot Staff | date = March 15, 2002 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930011840/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/driving/crazytaxi3highroller/news.html?sid=2855639&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;1 | url-status = live}} The game allows the player to unlock other modes of transport besides the taxi, including a stroller, a pedal bike and a carriage. The mini-games in Crazy Taxi 3 are featured in a "Crazy X" arrangement. An arcade version, entitled Crazy Taxi: High Roller was created in 2003 using the same three maps as the home console version.{{cite web | url = http://www.segaarcade.com/archive/crazytaxihigh.aspx | title = Crazy Taxi: High Roller | publisher = Sega Amusements U.S., Inc. | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070822191910/http://www.segaarcade.com/archive/crazytaxihigh.aspx | archive-date = August 22, 2007}}

{{Main|Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride}}

Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride was ported to the Game Boy Advance by Graphics State and distributed by THQ,{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/gba/driving/crazytaxicatcharide/news.html?sid=2910127&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;4 | title = Hands-on: Crazy Taxi | publisher = Gamespot | date = February 3, 2003 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | first = Ricardo | last = Torres | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930233803/http://www.gamespot.com/gba/driving/crazytaxicatcharide/news.html?sid=2910127&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;4 | url-status = live}} and released on April 8, 2003. This version is fundamentally the same as the Crazy Taxi console versions, featuring the San Francisco and Los Angeles-themed maps but with a smaller selection of mini-games, adapted to play on the portable device using the Graphics State "Rush" engine. Specifically, while the city and streets are rendered using 3D graphics, the taxi, passengers, and other traffic are represented by sprites to work on the limited GBA hardware.{{cite web | url = http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/392/392905p1.html | title = Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride | publisher = IGN | author = IGN Staff | date = April 8, 2003 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = August 8, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070808200013/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/392/392905p1.html | url-status = live}} Richard Whittall, creative director for Graphics State, noted that Catch A Ride was "about the most technically challenging game you could do on a handheld machine" at the time of its release.

{{Main|Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars}}

Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars was developed by Sniper Studios with support from members of the original Hitmaker Crazy Taxi design team in Japan{{cite web | url = http://www.seganerds.com/2007/02/23/exclusive-interview-jeff-hasson-sniper-studios/ | title = Exclusive interview: Jeff Hasson, Sniper Studios | date = February 23, 2007 | publisher = Sega Nerds | access-date =August 19, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116015926/http://www.seganerds.com/2007/02/23/exclusive-interview-jeff-hasson-sniper-studios/|archive-date=January 16, 2009}} and released for the PlayStation Portable on August 7, 2007. The game effectively is a port of both Crazy Taxi and Crazy Taxi 2 to this system without any changes to the gameplay, but lacking the in-game advertising and the original soundtracks. While the game includes its own soundtrack, the player can use their own music stored on the PSP; as noted by Jeff Hasson of Sniper Studios, "for those hard core fans that must have The Offspring playing, they have that option with the Custom Music Player".{{cite web | url = http://psp.ign.com/articles/811/811286p1.html | title = Crazy Taxi Talk | publisher = IGN | author = IGN Cars | date = August 7, 2007 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = May 27, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110527201700/http://psp.ign.com/articles/811/811286p1.html | url-status = live}} The player can also record up to a minute of gameplay footage that can then be shared with friends. The game includes a multiplayer feature over the PSP's ad-hoc wireless system, allowing players to vie for fares within the same map, including the ability to steal passengers from another player.{{cite press release | title = The Fare Frenzy Returns With SEGA's Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars For The PSP System | publisher = Games Press | date = January 11, 2007 | url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22164 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930160123/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22164 | url-status = live}} Multiplayer games such as time trials or "C-R-A-Z-Y" runs (a variation of the game "Horse") can also be played sharing a common PSP, with each player taking turns within the game.

{{Main|Crazy Taxi: City Rush}}

Crazy Taxi: City Rush was announced by Sega in March 2014 as a free-to-play mobile title for iOS and Android systems. City Rush is a mission-based runner similar in concept to Temple Run, where the player does not have direct control of the speed of the taxi but can use touch motions to swerve in traffic and make turns.{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2014/03/14/crazy-taxi-city-rush-is-segas-take-on-temple-run/ | title = Crazy Taxi: City Rush is Sega's take on Temple Run | publisher = Venture Beat | date = March 14, 2014 | access-date = March 14, 2014 | first = Jeffrey | last = Grubb | archive-date = March 14, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140314191334/http://venturebeat.com/2014/03/14/crazy-taxi-city-rush-is-segas-take-on-temple-run/ | url-status = live}}

Crazy Taxi Tycoon, previously known as Crazy Taxi Gazillionaire, was another mobile spin-off game developed by Demiurge Studios and released in 2017 for iOS and Android. Unlike other games, this is a top-down endless business management simulator and idle clicker where players run a taxi business and hire drivers to defeat a ridesharing megacorporation called Prestige Mega Corp. The game was delisted from both app stores in April 2020, with servers going offline the following month.

During The Game Awards 2023, Sega released a trailer featuring many upcoming games based on dormant franchises, one of which being a work-in-progress Crazy Taxi game.{{Cite web |author1=Joe Donnelly |date=2023-12-08 |title=New versions of Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio and my absolute favorite beat 'em up from 34 years ago could make 2024 and beyond very special indeed |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/new-versions-of-crazy-taxi-jet-set-radio-and-my-absolute-favorite-beat-em-up-from-34-years-ago-could-make-2024-and-beyond-very-special-indeed/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=gamesradar |language=en}} It is set to be the first major game since 2002's Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller. Series producer Kenji Kanno referred to it as a “large-scale, open-world, massively multiplayer driving game." Sega is building the game in Unreal Engine.{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-07-01 |title=Crazy Taxi Reboot an Open-World, Massively Multiplayer AAA Game, Sega Says |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/crazy-taxi-reboot-an-open-world-massively-multiplayer-aaa-game-sega-says |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=IGN |language=en}}

The original Dreamcast version of Crazy Taxi was one of the best-selling games for the console. The game was the second largest selling Dreamcast game in the United States in 2000, selling nearly 750,000 units,{{cite web | url = http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSellUS.shtml | title = US Top 10 Best Selling Console Games in 2000 | publisher = The Magicbox | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = October 17, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121017061323/http://the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSellUS.shtml | url-status = live}} and is the third bestselling Dreamcast game in the United States with over a million units sold.{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |title=US Platinum Videogame Chart |publisher=The Magicbox |date=December 27, 2007 |access-date=December 5, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=April 21, 2007}} The game was praised for capturing the arcade flavor, and possibly exceeding it by making the controls and execution of the crazy stunts easier to perform. The game did suffer from "pop-up" due to limited draw distances, and loss of frame rate when a large number of cars were on the screen. Critics noted the lack of depth given that it was a port of an arcade game, some difficulties with the destination arrow, and the poor "Wolfman Jack" impersonation of the in-game announcer.{{cite web | url = http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/crazytaxi/ | title = Crazy Taxi review | author = Fragmaster | publisher = Planet Dreamcast | access-date =October 3, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012100855/http://planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/crazytaxi/ | archive-date = October 12, 2007}}

Crazy Taxi 2 was well received by reviewers with the new features helping to expand play from the original game, though some thought that more drastic changes could have been made in the sequel.{{cite web | url = http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/166/166110p1.html | title = Crazy Taxi 2 | publisher = IGN | author = IGN Staff | date = May 29, 2001 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = August 25, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070825031922/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/166/166110p1.html | url-status = live}} Despite the addition of new maps, the lack of new gameplay elements caused Crazy Taxi 3 to be panned by reviewers. IGN noted in its review for Crazy Taxi 3 that "it's clear that the creative vibrancy that first imagined the Taxi series has waned considerably".{{cite web | url = http://xbox.ign.com/articles/365/365542p1.html | title = Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller Review | publisher = IGN | date = July 22, 2002 | first = Hilary | last = Goldstein | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = May 9, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070509074129/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/365/365542p1.html | url-status = dead}}

The ports of the original game to the PS2 and GameCube platforms are not considered as strong as the Dreamcast game. Both were noted to suffer from more "pop-up" than the Dreamcast version, as well as poorer controls, despite having the same gameplay features.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/driving/crazytaxi/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review | title = Crazy Taxi PS2 Review | publisher = Gamespot | first = Jeff | last = Gerstmann | date = May 8, 2001 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930160323/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/driving/crazytaxi/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review | url-status = live}}{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/crazytaxi/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review | title = Crazy Taxi GameCube Review | publisher = Gamespot | first = Jeff | last = Gerstmann | date = November 20, 2001 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930163550/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/crazytaxi/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review | url-status = live}} Graphic problems plagued the Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride port to the Game Boy Advance; as IGN stated, "it's painfully obvious that the hardware just was never meant to push so much". Both PC ports for Crazy Taxi and Crazy Taxi 3 also suffered from graphics problems.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/pc/driving/crazytaxi/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review | title = Crazy Taxi PC Review | publisher = Gamespot | last = Park | first = Andrew | date = October 14, 2002 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930172927/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/driving/crazytaxi/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;review | url-status = live}}{{cite web | url = http://www.actiontrip.com/reviews/crazytaxi3highroller.phtml | title = Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller Review (PC) | publisher = Action Trip | access-date = August 15, 2007 | url-status = usurped | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070905182752/http://www.actiontrip.com/reviews/crazytaxi3highroller.phtml | archive-date = September 5, 2007}}

The PSP ports of Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars have had a somewhat better reception than other ports. Reviews have complimented the game on the multiplayer additions and the ability to add a custom soundtrack – which led IGN to comment that "including this should be a no-brainer, but many PSP titles don't" – but have noted some graphical glitches, the long loading times, and the lack of the original soundtracks for the games.{{cite web | url = http://psp.ign.com/articles/811/811969p2.html | title = Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars Review | publisher = IGN | date = August 7, 2007 | first = Greg | last = Miller | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = October 18, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071018062828/http://psp.ign.com/articles/811/811969p2.html | url-status = live}}{{cite web | url = http://www.gamer20.com/gamehub/crazy-taxi-fare-wars-psp/review/1051 | title = Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars | publisher = Gamer 2.0 | first = Chris | last = Selogy | date = August 8, 2007 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927032338/http://www.gamer20.com/gamehub/crazy-taxi-fare-wars-psp/review/1051 | archive-date = September 27, 2007}} The reviews of the controls of the game have mixed, with some praising the scheme on the PSP, while others have stated that the controls feel stiff and inconsistent. GameSpot's review noted that the gameplay in Crazy Taxi does not hold up well compared to more recent racing games across various platforms.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/crazytaxifarewars/review.html | title = Crazy Taxi; Fare Wars review | publisher = Gamespot | first = Alex | last = Navarro | date = August 22, 2007 | access-date = August 29, 2007 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930220022/http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/crazytaxifarewars/review.html | url-status = live}}

A Crazy Taxi segment is featured in the "Sega Carnival" track in Sonic Riders, including a hidden shortcut allowing racers to receive a ride from taxi driver Axel; a Crazy Taxi extreme gear can be unlocked as well. There is also a minigame based on Crazy Taxi in the EyeToy game, Sega Superstars, in which players move around and shout to call one of the taxi drivers. B.D. Joe, who has appeared in most games in the series, appears as a playable character in the cross-series racing game, Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing.{{cite web | url = http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14353433/sonic-sega-all-stars-racing-/videos/sonicsegarace_trl_vehicletrailer_11110.html | title = Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing Nintendo Wii Trailer – Vehicle Trailer | date = January 11, 2010 | access-date = January 11, 2010 | publisher = IGN | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100114204525/http://wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14353433/sonic-sega-all-stars-racing-/videos/sonicsegarace_trl_vehicletrailer_11110.html | archive-date = January 14, 2010 | url-status = dead}} Sumo Digital's Steve "S0L" Lycett had to get approval from SEGA AM3 to use B.D. Joe in the game.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2010/01/07/sonic-sega-all-stars-racing-dev-diary-2/|title=SEGA Blog - Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing Dev Diary #2|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230230525/http://blogs.sega.com/2010/01/07/sonic-sega-all-stars-racing-dev-diary-2/|url-status=live}} He also appeared in the sequel, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.

File:Crazy Taxi-A Redemption Game.jpg

Sega has attempted to branch the Crazy Taxi franchise beyond the realm of video games, with mixed results.

In addition to the video arcade games, Sega Enterprises, Inc. (USA) created a Crazy Taxi themed redemption game which was released in 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.segaarcade.com/archive/crazytaxiredemption.aspx |title=Crazy Taxi Redemption Game |publisher=Sega Enterprises, Inc. |access-date=August 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215415/http://www.segaarcade.com/archive/crazytaxiredemption.aspx |archive-date=September 27, 2007}} The player had to roll their coin or token down the sloped playing surface past a moving taxi model in the center of the playing field to hit one of eight targets (representing passengers) at the far end. Passengers were worth different points, from which the operator would then set the number of tickets to be won. The game incorporated music and sounds from the video games.{{cite web | url = http://www.segaarcade.com/pdfs/crazytaxiredemption/ctr-brochure.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060517095052/http://www.segaarcade.com/pdfs/crazytaxiredemption/ctr-brochure.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = May 17, 2006 | title = Crazy Taxi Redemption Brochure | access-date = August 15, 2007 | publisher = Sega Enterprises, Inc.}}

File:Crazy Taxi remote control car3.jpg

There have been two attempts to create a movie based on the Crazy Taxi franchise. In 2001, Goodman-Rosen Productions acquired the rights for the movie, with Richard Donner lined up to direct the film.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi2/news.html?sid=2781980&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;2 | title = Richard Donner to direct Crazy Taxi film | publisher = Gamespot | date = July 2, 2001 | first = Shahed | last = Ahmed | access-date = July 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930233032/http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi2/news.html?sid=2781980&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;2 | url-status = live}} Donner said that he loved playing Crazy Taxi and thought it had the potential to be a big summer event movie.{{cite web | url = http://www.thestandard.com/article/0,1902,27684,00.html | title = 'Crazy Taxi' Deal Marks Another Turn for Sega | publisher = The Industry Standard | date = July 3, 2001 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | last = Li | first = Kenneth | archive-date = September 27, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927045523/http://www.thestandard.com/article/0,1902,27684,00.html | url-status = live }} The movie would have been tied with other merchandise items such as T-shirts and toys, according to Jane Thompson, director of licensing for Sega of America.{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi2/news.html?sid=2782908&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;1 | title = Sega provides perspective on the upcoming Crazy Taxi film | date = July 5, 2001 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | first = Shahed | last = Ahmed | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930223126/http://www.gamespot.com/dreamcast/driving/crazytaxi2/news.html?sid=2782908&om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates;title;1 | url-status = live }} However, this initial attempt stalled due to an "absence of plot elements" according to Movie Insider.{{cite web | url = http://www.themovieinsider.com/n92-crazy-taxi-gets-budget-and-production-schedule.html | title = 'Crazy Taxi' Gets Budget and Production Schedule | publisher = Movie Insider | date = August 10, 2002 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = September 27, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927035502/http://www.themovieinsider.com/n92-crazy-taxi-gets-budget-and-production-schedule.html | url-status = live}} After this option expired, Mindfire Entertainment acquired the rights to a Crazy Taxi movie based on the game franchise in 2002,{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/driving/crazytaxi3highroller/news_2876646.html | title = Crazy Taxi movie in the works | publisher = Gamespot | date = August 6, 2002 | access-date = August 14, 2007 | first = Jeff | last = Gerstmann | archive-date = September 26, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070926215337/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/driving/crazytaxi3highroller/news_2876646.html | url-status = live}} with an then-expected release date in mid-2003. No further news on the film has been forthcoming afterwards.{{cite web | url = http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/crazytaxi/crazytaxi.htm | title = Hardcore Gaming 101: Crazy Taxi | author = Paul G. | work = Hardcore Gaming 101 | access-date = February 4, 2010 | archive-date = September 12, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170912103129/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/crazytaxi/crazytaxi.htm | url-status = live}}

In 2003, Sega entered a contract with DSI Toys to produce a remote controlled car in their "GearHead" line based on the Crazy Taxi franchise,{{cite web | url = http://sec.edgar-online.com/dsi-toys-inc/10-k-annual-report/2003/03/28/section2.aspx | title = DSI Toys SEC Filing for 2002 | publisher = Edgar Online | date = March 28, 2003 | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = August 18, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170818012403/http://sec.edgar-online.com/dsi-toys-inc/10-k-annual-report/2003/03/28/section2.aspx | url-status = live}} but DSI filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy later that year.{{cite web | url = http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2003/11/03/story3.html | title = Fun ends as DSI Toys liquidates assets | publisher = Houston Business Journal | date = October 31, 2003 | last = Wollam | first = Allison | access-date = August 15, 2007 | archive-date = December 5, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071205201610/http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2003/11/03/story3.html | url-status = live}}

Sega has formed the production company Stories International and teamed up with Evan Cholfin for film and TV projects based on their Crazy Taxi games.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/sega-taps-evan-cholfin-to-adapt-its-videogames-for-films-tv-digital-platforms-exclusive-1201377268/|title=Sega Taps Evan Cholfin to Adapt its Videogames for Films, TV, Digital Platforms (EXCLUSIVE)|author=Marc Graser|date=December 11, 2014|work=Variety|access-date=December 11, 2014|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216044851/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/sega-taps-evan-cholfin-to-adapt-its-videogames-for-films-tv-digital-platforms-exclusive-1201377268/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/altered-beast-streets-of-rage-sega-movies-shows-1201933661/|title=Sega's 'Altered Beast', 'Streets of Rage' Games to Be Adapted for Film, TV|author=Dave McNary|date=December 5, 2016|work=Variety|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=May 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518235110/https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/altered-beast-streets-of-rage-sega-movies-shows-1201933661/|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• {{moby game|id=-group/crazy-taxi-series|name=Crazy Taxi series}}

{{Crazy Taxi series}}

{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}

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Category:Sega video game franchises

Category:Video games about taxis

Category:Video game law

Category:Video game franchises

Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1999