The 2003 game The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a cult classic. Sure, it’s a bit buggy. But it includes all the regular cast voices. Not to mention that its Grand Theft Auto-like gameplay of driving and side missions remains a favorite among Simpsons fans. One of those dedicated fans is creating a game modification to tweak the animation style. Though 3D was in vogue at the time, the gamer is switching it back to 2D to more closely match the TV show. Based on the comments, and the fact that it has over 1.3 million views, it seems that lots of other fans are excited to see the results!
The video above shares some side by side comparisons. And also some horrifying mistakes made during the mod process that turned the classic characters into horror movie monsters. There’s more videos of the remaster on the El Gato del Tejado YouTube channel. Part one included getting Homer Simpson just right, butt-scratching and all.
The latest video covers issues like shadows and perspective. But also whatever is going on with Lisa Simpson. During the so-called upgrade, the character ends up either armless or with arms so long and skinny, it’s disturbing. And then there’s the hair. Lisa’s locks has always been a bit of a head-scratcher, perfectly pointed from every angle. But apparently swapping this back into 2D gameplay isn’t as simple as you might think. Lisa looks more like she’s bald and wearing some weird sun-shaped crown. The animator is still plugging away at this volunteer project, dedicating countless hours to getting it right.
The Simpsons has long inspired the fandom to play in Springfield’s sandbox. Other creative fans have made everything from a line of Simpsons shoes to a Marge Simpson wig.
Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth.
