Fortnite's latest season takes us to Springfield with a completely new map, new skins, new challenges and the opportunity for us old folks to get a taste of a Hit & Run remake.
It's the retro game remake we've all been waiting for, right? Released on GameCube and PS2 way back in 2003, it took our screens by storm, opening up a new, massive world for Simpsons fans in a way that still inspires many video games to this day.
There's been rumours of Hit & Run remakes in the past, but we're still here crying into our pillows with disappointment.
To get you off your pillow, I do recommend sinking some hours into Fortnite. I'm serious! That's not something I thought I would have to write on a retro gaming-focused website, but it's for a good cause.
Here are a few reasons why I have enjoyed jumping into Fortnite after not touching it for years.
Exploring Springfield
Fortnite's battle royal map has changed exclusively to Springfield. Featuring many of The Simpsons' most popular locations in a beautiful cel-shaded look, to match the TV show's cartoon design.
You'll be able to explore inside the family's personal home; heck, you can even take their car too. You can visit the Nuclear Power Plant to witness the leftover doughnuts around Homer's desk.
Visit Moes bar to see the lack of a female toilet, or get attacked by "Dober Man" at Burns Manor. Visit the KWIK-E mart for snacks to boost your shields and grab a burger to gain some health at Krusty Burger.
There's so much to explore, and you'll keep finding funny easter eggs, or locations that you long forgot, and even unique items that spice up the gameplay a little.
It's quite remarkable to see how deep the gaming designers went with this one; there's so much detail, and it spans across a fairly large map.
Not only did the designers have to add hundreds of points of interest, but they also had to make the map engaging to battle in. There are a few areas where you'll find yourself wandering aimlessly, but a quick sprint or hopping into a car will solve that issue very quickly.
There are 9 areas of the map to explore, with iconic characters who will offer items and challenges at each. Which again, feels like you're meeting the characters in Hit & Run.
They are somewhat automated and will just wander around until activated, but they offer a nice mini-story to keep us engaged and rewarded.
In comparison to Hit & Run there are no NPCs roaming the map to interact with at scale, or bots driving cars to make the world feel alive.
Instead, you have enemies wanting to attack you, usually unsuccessfully, because your lobby is filled with 99% bots, but that aside, it's an impressive map to explore, which has a subtle Hit & Run feeling.
Plus, it's free to play. Which is why I think you should give it a go and see it for yourself.
Mini Challenges & Characters
Admittedly, Fortnite is not going to offer an expansive storyline, nor big missions, but they do offer a bunch of mini-challenges around the map that feel like mini-missions, to scratch that Hit & Run itch.
Some even felt like challenges I remember doing in Hit & Run as a kid, such as speed challenges in cars, or finding Lisa's books at the library, for example.
Evil Homer feels like a boss battle, with him being equipped with a bunch of extra health, powerful weapons and unique skin. There are many like this around, including Krusty.
Each drops unique items and is a great way to bring the team together to score some extra loot. I do wish these were a little harder to beat, but it's fun nonetheless.
For example, once you kill Krusty, he will drop his weapon, which just so happens to shoot balloons, and will also attach a balloon to you so that you can jump higher in battle.
However, he will use this against you, firing you into the air and laughing at you while he shoots you from the ground like some kind of clay pigeon.
I won't ruin the other bosses for you, but you'll find many more around the map. Just prepare yourself and bring some friends.
There are a handful of friendly characters, too, scattered across the map, and found in locations that you'll typically see them in, in the TV show.
For example, after you've explored the Simpsons' home, head next door and you'll find Flanders, offering up some shields like any friendly neighbour would.
You'll also likely find odd items that offer challenges when picked up, such as car keys or paint cans. These offer more mini-challenges for you to complete, for example, getting air time in a car, spraying certain buildings with graffiti.
Car Battles & Grand Theft Carnage
Some of my fondest Hit & Run moments were exploring the map in a vehicle, and causing as much chaos as possible.
Jumping over the roofs of houses, smashing through phone boxes and exploring the secrets under Burns Manor, man, those were the days.
You can somewhat recreate this feeling in Fortnite. There aren't as many cars around, so you'll need to focus to find one, but once you do, you'll know exactly what I mean by it feeling like Hit & Run.
You can bash into enemies, pick up your friends, jump over buildings, speed boost through walls and cause carnage wherever you want. Many moments felt hectic, especially in the last few circles where many can see and shoot your car.
I found myself jumping into the solo que, just to find a car and drive around Springfield somewhat peacefully, and that's all due to the incredible game design.
Fortnite has come out and stated that this season has seen the biggest number of new and returning Fortnite players since last holiday season. So it's working, and I'll be honest, I am glued, and will be sad to see this leave Fortnite on the 29th of November.
It's made me want a Hit & Run remake even more, so I may have to double-stack my pillows tonight to catch all of the tears.
If you want something to scratch that itch, give the new season of Fortnite a go. It's free and it will take you back to the memories you had in the classic GC/PS2 game, you won't be disappointed.
