I 
feel like a powerful force is trying to show
us, the lowly gamer, the stark difference
between two driving-based games from 1999
and their subsequent re-release on the iOS
platform.
Where Re-Volt may be the subject of fond memories,
its gameplay (though not its level design)
was ultimately average.
However, Crazy Taxi by SEGA remains just as
balls-to-the-wall madcap as ever, placing
you in control of an out-of-control taxi driver
around a virtual homage of San Francisco.
Whether you play in the default time-earning
mode or take a more relaxed approached in
the fixed-time modes, your goal is to find,
pick up and deposit customers at their destination
as fast as possible.
This comes with a few caveats though, notably
'stunts' in the form of slamming in to cars,
drifting and high-flying jumps while having
a passenger on board will earn you more money,
so it's in your interest to take a route that's
more 'interesting' than 'direct'.
In order to assist you in your journey the
game equips you with a variety of tricks such
as bursts of acceleration; shuddering stops;
and 180 degree spins (which are ever-so useful
to master).
Unfortunately unlike the Arcade and Console
versions, there's a bit of a problem - there's
not enough buttons.
Instead of being able to switch gears (forward
and reverse) and accelerate or decelerate
separately, these maneuvers are condensed
down to only two buttons - forward and reverse.
To get around this issue the game implements
a 'double tap' system for initiating boosts
or drifts, however this is far from optimal
as you'll need to let go of buttons you're
holding down, making life challenging if you
choose to tackle the special missions for
their unlockable rewards.
On the plus side there is a tilt based option
that eliminates the issue from drifting, but
boosts still remain problematic.
What's amazing is that even despite the control
issues, Crazy Taxi is as fun as ever - whether
you play in the smaller 'Arcade' world or
the extended 'Original' one, you'll be sliding
and colliding without a care in the world
aside from the clock that constantly runs
down.
Whether underwater or sailing through the
air, Crazy Taxi is a one of a kind game and
definitely worth taking for a spin.
