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Episode 233:

Get in, Sit Down, and Hang On

The Wild Ride of Crazy Taxi

Runtime: 53 minutes

History Topics (At-A Glance):

Crazy Taxi (1999)

Originally Released on February 12, 1999

Episode Summary:

Today, we’re taking a high-speed ride through the chaotic world of *Crazy Taxi*, Sega’s arcade classic first released in 1999. We start by exploring its origins at Sega AM3, where developers set out to break arcade conventions by rewarding skillful players with more game time. Then, we’ll dive into its fast-paced gameplay, iconic punk-rock soundtrack, and unique brand integration that made it an unforgettable experience. Finally, we’ll reflect on *Crazy Taxi’s* lasting legacy, from its sequels and home console ports to its influence on open-world driving games. So, buckle up and join us as we race through the history of *Crazy Taxi* on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane!


Video Games and Consoles Discussed in this Episode:

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 3). Crazy Taxi (video game). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi_(video_game)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi_(video_game)

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 1). Crazy Taxi 2. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi_2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi_2

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, November 28). Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi_3:_High_Roller

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi_3:_High_Roller

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 2). Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi:_Fare_Wars

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi:_Fare_Wars

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 4). Crazy Taxi: Catch a Ride. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi:_Catch_a_Ride

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi:_Catch_a_Ride

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 6). Crazy Taxi: City Rush. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi:_City_Rush

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Taxi:_City_Rush

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 5). The Simpsons: Road Rage. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simpsons:_Road_Rage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simpsons:_Road_Rage

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, November 10). Daytona USA. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_USA

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_USA

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 30). Top Skater. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Skater

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Skater

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 29). Jurassic Park (1994 arcade game). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_Park_(1994_arcade_game)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_Park_(1994_arcade_game)

Additional Sources:

Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 5). Sega AM3. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_AM3

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_AM3

Kenji Kanno - Video Game Credits - MobyGames. (n.d.). MobyGames. https://www.mobygames.com/person/44115/kenji-kanno/credits/

https://www.mobygames.com/person/44115/kenji-kanno/credits/

The Sega Arcade Revolution. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?id=xT1jDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA210#v=onepage&q&f=false

https://books.google.com/books?id=xT1jDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA210#v=onepage&q&f=false

Arcadehero. (2024, September 18). Celebrating 26 years of Sega’s NAOMI. Arcade Heroes. https://arcadeheroes.com/2024/09/17/celebrating-26-years-of-segas-naomi/

https://arcadeheroes.com/2024/09/17/celebrating-26-years-of-segas-naomi/

System 16 - Sega Naomi Hardware (SEGA). (n.d.). https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=721

https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=721

Staff, I. (2012, June 22). The “Crazy” Interview with SoJ’s Kenji Kanno - IGN. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/05/the-crazy-interview-with-sojs-kenji-kanno

https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/05/the-crazy-interview-with-sojs-kenji-kanno

In the Hot Seat with Kenji Kanno of AM3 - Interview from Official Dreamcast Magazine UK Issue 6 - April 2000. https://www.reddit.com/r/retrogamingmagazines/comments/15hb5oa/in_the_hot_seat_with_kenji_kanno_of_am3_interview/

https://www.reddit.com/r/retrogamingmagazines/comments/15hb5oa/in_the_hot_seat_with_kenji_kanno_of_am3_interview/

Audio Sources:
Cold Open Music

Bleeping Demo by Kevin MacLeod

Link: Free Download

Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Podcast Intro Music

Open Those Bright Eyes by Kevin MacLeod

Link: Free Download

Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license