Sega is bringing back its classic arcade driving game Crazy Taxi as a new big-budget “triple-A” title. The revival was announced by Sapporo Studio, Sega’s new developer located outside Tokyo.
According to studio president Takaya Segawa, Sapporo is participating in the development of AAA games including the new Crazy Taxi. This suggests Sega is aiming higher for the Crazy Taxi reboot compared to previous quick cash-grab revivals.
The original Crazy Taxi was a fast-paced cab driving game known for its addictive gameplay and punk rock soundtrack. First released in 1999, it became a hit in arcades and on Dreamcast.
Now Sega hopes to recapture that magic with a fully-fledged triple-A take on the classic racer. The new Crazy Taxi will join other planned Sega revival projects like Golden Axe and Streets of Rage.
With Sapporo Studio leading development, Sega seems set on doing Crazy Taxi justice this time around. The series has languished over the years, but may finally get the high-end revival treatment it deserves.