Programmer Reuben Ward is re-creating the beloved old-school PS2 classic Simpsons Hit and Run in Unreal Engine 5.
SEE GALLERY – 5 IMAGES
What would a remake of Simpsons Hit and Run look like on current consoles? Probably something like the ambitious remake project Reubs is currently working on.
The encoder is currently preparing an impressive recreation of Simpsons Hit and Run complete with modern Unreal Engine features and effects, such as RTX lighting, revamped textures and shading, and improved real-time physical effects. The result is absolutely glorious … but you will never be able to play it. Ward has no plans to post the files to viewers or fans.
Ward was able to import files from the world of Simpsons Hit and Run directly to Unreal Engine, matching the textures also to give Springfield its characteristic shops, stores and premises: Kwik-E-Mart, Lard Lad Donuts, Power Plant, etc. Ward was then able to use AI scaling to all textures in the game (there are about 1400), sharpening everything from signals to buildings and roads. Lots of custom shadows later, Reubs was able to pop the world more than it ever had in the PS2 and Xbox versions.
Then came the vehicles and a GTA-style character change system that allows you to switch directly to another Simpsons character, from Marge to Homer and Apu, for example.
The remake project extends to 2021 … and we definitely recommend watching the full videos.