Crazy Taxi: World Tour Hands-On Review: The Most Fun You Can Have in 30 Minutes

A Return to Form After 24 Years

For the first time since Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller, Sega has returned to the series with a completely new title developed internally. The game is set to launch in 2027 across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The core premise remains unchanged: drive an open-top car, pick up passengers, and race them to their destinations as fast as possible.

The gameplay philosophy is explicitly anti-realist. Standard driving rules do not apply here; in fact, they are actively discouraged. Speeding increases fares, while performing drifts, jumps, and near-misses earns bonus tips. The game even encourages players to smash into street furniture like telephone booths and benches, treating them as obstacles meant to be destroyed rather than avoided.

Brain-Stimulating Gameplay Mechanics

The driving mechanics are designed to trigger a dopamine rush from the moment the player starts moving. The game operates on the opposite end of the spectrum from realistic racing simulators. There is no need to brake for corners; instead, players are expected to maintain high speeds through turns using "Crazy Drift" and launch into rocket-like starts with "Crazy Dash".

To keep the player engaged, the game introduces a continuous stream of missions that must be completed in under a minute. The loop involves picking up a passenger, racing to the destination, and dropping them off before immediately grabbing the next fare. This rapid-fire structure ensures that the sense of achievement is constant and never lulls the player into boredom.

Further enhancing this feeling of momentum is the new "Nitro Gauge." By repeatedly drifting, players fill the gauge and can trigger a burst of speed using the Y button. Timing the nitro boost perfectly while drifting cancels out inertia, allowing for even higher velocities. This technical depth rewards skillful execution with immediate physical feedback.

A Modern Classic

For fans of the original titles, there is a significant concern that the game might have become too polished or lost its chaotic charm. However, the preview confirmed that the original spirit has been preserved. The classic controls, the bright and silly aesthetic, and the "crazy" driving style have all returned, now wrapped in modern graphics and flashy presentation.

Crucially, the game is being led by Kenji Kaneko, the original director and game designer of the first Crazy Taxi. His return as Creative Producer ensures that the soul of the franchise remains intact. The development team has successfully recreated the specific feeling of the original games while updating them for a modern audience.

Music and Atmosphere

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring high-energy rock tracks that perfectly match the frantic pace of the gameplay. Notably, the iconic song "Yah Yah Yah" by The Offspring returns, a track that defined the experience for many players in their youth. The music is not just background noise; it is an integral part of the driving loop, designed to be played loudly with headphones to fully immerse the player in the chaos.

Story and Multiplayer

This new installment introduces a story mode that takes players on a world tour across five different cities. At gamescom 2026, Sega revealed a map set in Germany featuring landmarks like Cologne Cathedral, alongside mountainous routes to explore. The narrative is driven by a variety of eccentric passengers, each with their own unique reactions and requests.

Additionally, the game will feature a multiplayer mode. To allow players to test this new functionality before the official release, Sega has launched a Closed Network Test (CNT). Registration for this beta test was open until September 1, 2026, allowing fans to experience the multiplayer aspects ahead of the general public.

Verdict

Crazy Taxi: World Tour is a triumph of "feel-good" gaming. It successfully combines the raw joy of driving with tight mission structures and an unforgettable soundtrack. While it may not appeal to racing simulation enthusiasts, it delivers exactly what fans have waited for: a chaotic, fast-paced, and incredibly fun experience that feels like a true return to form.