To quote Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, “Good news, everyone.” After years of anticipation for a sequel to the beloved The Simpsons: Hit & Run, fans are now treated to something potentially even more exciting. Futurama: Hit & Run has arrived, offering a fresh take on the classic game, and best of all, it’s free-to-play.
Even if you’ve forgotten how to navigate the streets with the Plow King, Futurama: Hit & Run is here to reignite that automotive adventure. The game won’t cost players more than a can of Slurm, making it accessible to a wide audience eager for a nostalgic gaming experience.
The Legacy of The Simpsons in Gaming
While The Simpsons franchise may not hold the same cultural dominance it once did, it remains a staple in American entertainment. After two decades of waiting, 2025 marked the announcement of a sequel to The Simpsons Movie, rekindling interest in the franchise’s potential. Meanwhile, Futurama: Hit & Run emerges as a new chapter in Matt Groening’s animated universe.
Historically, The Simpsons brand capitalized on major gaming trends, producing hits like the Crazy Taxi-inspired The Simpsons: Road Rage and the GTA-esque The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Despite several attempts, none matched the success of Hit & Run, which left fans yearning for more.
The Unfulfilled Promise of a Sequel
Plans for a sequel to Hit & Run were once in motion. Executive Producer John Melchoir revealed that Radical Entertainment was developing a follow-up, alongside a ‘Medieval’ themed Simpsons game. However, licensing issues led to the project’s demise. Vivendi Universal Games, unable to secure the necessary rights, left the franchise in limbo, eventually leading to Electronic Arts acquiring the IP.
Radical Entertainment was absorbed by Activision, and Vivendi was swallowed by EA, leaving the rights to Hit & Run in a tangled web of corporate ownership. This complex history explains the absence of a remaster, leaving fans to take matters into their own hands.
Futurama: Hit & Run – A Fan-Driven Revival
Enter the Slurm Team, a group of dedicated modders who have reimagined Hit & Run with a Futurama twist. The mod, now officially live, allows players to step into the shoes of Philip J. Fry, donning various costumes and racing through the streets of New New York in iconic Futurama vehicles.
The mod is available for download from the Futurama: Hit & Run site, featuring a selection of missions and vehicles. While the demo currently uses AI-generated voice lines, there are promises of full voice acting in the final version, bringing the Planet Express crew to life once more.
“As the lead designer of the original game, I can only say … this looks awesome! I want to play it.” – Joe McGinn, original Hit & Run developer
The Future of Fan Projects and Official Releases
Despite the excitement surrounding Futurama: Hit & Run, there are some prerequisites for players. They must legally own a copy of Hit & Run on PC and download Lucas’ Mod Launcher to access the game. Nonetheless, the fan project has been met with enthusiasm online, even garnering praise from original developers.
With The Simpsons Movie 2 slated for release in 2027, the question remains whether an official Hit & Run sequel will ever materialize. Until then, fans can look forward to a complete version of Futurama: Hit & Run, a testament to the enduring legacy and creativity of the fan community.
