Futurama: Hit & Run Mod Praised by Original Simpsons Game Designer
A breathtakingly ambitious fan project years in the making has just received the ultimate seal of approval. Futurama: Hit & Run, a total conversion mod for the beloved 2003 classic The Simpsons: Hit & Run, has captured the attention of the original game's lead designer, who called the fan-made creation "awesome."
The project, a labor of love from a dedicated group known as Slurm Team, reimagines the entire Springfield open-world as the futuristic metropolis of New New York from Matt Groening's other iconic animated series, Futurama. After years of development, the team recently released the first playable demo, showcasing their incredible progress and passion. The launch was accompanied by a polished trailer that quickly went viral, and it wasn't long before it reached a very important viewer: Joe McGinn, the lead designer on the original The Simpsons: Hit & Run.
Leaving a comment on the demo's YouTube trailer, McGinn expressed his enthusiastic support for the project. "As the lead designer on the original game, I can only say... this looks awesome!" he wrote. "I want to play! Amazing work, folks."
This high praise from a key figure behind the original game serves as a powerful validation for the fan developers, who have been meticulously working on the mod since 2021.
What is Futurama: Hit & Run?
Futurama: Hit & Run is a "total conversion" mod, which means it aims to replace nearly every aspect of the original game with new content. Led by developer Thomas Donofri, Slurm Team is swapping the world, characters, vehicles, and story of The Simpsons: Hit & Run to create an entirely new experience set in the 31st century.
Based on the newly released demo and trailer, the mod includes:
- A New World: The familiar streets of Springfield have been transformed into the neon-lit, tube-filled cityscape of New New York.
- Iconic Characters: Players will take control of Planet Express delivery boy Philip J. Fry, replacing Homer Simpson. Other beloved characters like Bender and Leela are also set to feature prominently.
- Futuristic Vehicles: Forget the Family Sedan or the Canyonero. Players can now pilot the iconic Planet Express Ship and other vehicles straight from the Futurama universe.
- An Original Story: The mod promises a new narrative that captures the unique sci-fi humor and charm of the show.
The project leverages the rock-solid gameplay foundation that made The Simpsons: Hit & Run an enduring cult classic, often affectionately described as a family-friendly take on the Grand Theft Auto formula. By building on this cherished framework, Slurm Team is creating a game that many fans have dreamed of for decades.
A Perfect Match for a Cult Classic
The decision to merge Futurama with the Hit & Run engine is a natural fit. Both animated series were created by Matt Groening and share a similar visual style and satirical wit. For years, fans of The Simpsons: Hit & Run have clamored for an official remake or remaster, but a sequel or modern version has never materialized.
This fan-made project fills that void, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. The endorsement from Joe McGinn not only brings massive attention to the mod but also highlights the incredible talent and dedication within the gaming community. His desire to play the mod himself is perhaps the highest compliment the development team could receive, validating their efforts to honor the spirit of the original game while creating something entirely new.
How to Try the Demo
For those eager to take a trip to New New York, the first playable demo for Futurama: Hit & Run is now available to the public. It allows players to explore the first level of the game and get a feel for the impressive conversion.
To play, you will need a copy of the original PC version of The Simpsons: Hit & Run. The mod files and installation instructions can be found by searching for the project's official channels online. The public release and the subsequent praise from the original designer have ignited a new wave of excitement, promising a bright future for this fan-driven revival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Futurama: Hit & Run?
It is a fan-made total conversion mod for the PC version of the 2003 game The Simpsons: Hit & Run. It replaces the original game's assets with the world, characters, and vehicles of the show Futurama.
Who is making the mod?
A dedicated group of fan developers working under the name Slurm Team.
Is this an official game?
No, this is an unofficial, fan-created project made out of passion for both The Simpsons: Hit & Run and Futurama.
How did the original creators react?
Joe McGinn, the lead designer of the original The Simpsons: Hit & Run, publicly praised the mod after seeing its trailer, calling it "awesome" and expressing a desire to play it.