Gen-AI controversy aside, Crazy Taxi: World Tour feels like classic arcade Sega - and it's an absolute blast

Crazy Taxi: World Tour has fans buzzing, evoking the classic arcade magic of Sega's Dreamcast era. As you soar over San-Francisco-esque hills, cruising towards the ocean to the upbeat tune of The Offspring's "All I Want," a wave of nostalgia hits. The game brings back Axel, the iconic taxi driver with his trademark Hawaiian shirt and green hair, now with a more subdued appearance. The Offspring and Bad Religion's music remains, maintaining the same energetic vibe.

The taxi is as agile as ever, boasting the Crazy Dash, Crazy Stop, and Crazy Drift. These features ensure that the free-roaming driving action remains as carefree and unserious as the original. Crazy Rush mode, the focus of Sega's Gamescom demo, retains the fast-paced, sandbox-like solo taxiing, while also introducing multiplayer and closed beta. Completing pickups and drop-offs within the time limit is crucial, with trick combos serving as a final fare multiplier.

The Germany map in World Tour is an exciting addition. It starts with a high-speed rocket out of an airport underpass, followed by a thrilling drift as you navigate the airport and its surrounding areas. Various destinations like clock towers, pastel houses, and bustling plazas await. The map is colorful, lively, and full of environmental surprises that add to the chaotic life of the city. Mini-games and Odd Jobs like time attacks and cleaning tasks add new distractions to the already intense arcade loops.

The demo ends back on the runway, with the satisfying symmetry of a high-speed chase leading you back to where you began. It's a perfect embodiment of Sega's attempt to expand upon the exhilarating arcade core of the original Crazy Taxi, while staying true to its chaotic and undeniably fun spirit.