Before Crazy Taxi Officially Revives, You Can Practice in Sonic Racing

Summary

The Crazy Taxi series debuted in Sega arcades in 1999, known for its unique gameplay of ferrying passengers through open cities, minimalist controls, and punk rock soundtrack. It became a hit, selling over a million copies after its Dreamcast port in 2000, followed by sequels in 2001 and 2002 before a long silence. At this year's Summer Game Fest, Sega officially announced a revival of the classic IP, with the new Crazy Taxi: Extreme Circuit scheduled for next year. To let players experience the franchise's return ahead of time, a crossover update with Sonic Racing introduces the new protagonist Axel and a new speed-based car, the Devolada Yellow. This collaboration serves as a warm-up for the revival, drawing back veteran fans while introducing new players to the series. It offers an opportunity to revisit a classic and get hands-on with a new character, while also highlighting the commercial potential of reviving old IPs through nostalgia and cross-promotion, setting a precedent for future reboots.