Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator by Simteract offers a different kind of video game simulation. Instead of the usual thrilling activities like flying planes or transporting cargo across countries, this game focuses on making the routine work of a taxi driver interesting. It’s a big sell, but apparently, the developers think they have the formula.
According to an Epic Games blog post, the creators achieve their goal of a fun game by turning odd events into challenges. From the traffic AI to the passengers to the business, they make sure to keep things interesting. They’ve chosen Barcelona as the setting, recreating it with impressive accuracy at a 1:1 scale.
This encompasses well-known landmarks, a range of neighborhoods, and a detailed road network. Including dynamic events such as parades and accidents adds an element of unpredictability to the city, ensuring that players consistently encounter new experiences. This is helped through the AI.
Traffic AI in Simteract’s driving simulators plays a significant role, utilizing a system commonly found in professional driving simulators. This system aims to emulate realistic and challenging on-road behavior, where cars may perform abrupt lane changes, cut off players, and even trigger accidents. As a result, players are compelled to swiftly react and modify their driving strategies in response.
Passengers interacting with the game can converse about various topics, such as the city, the taxi experience, or the car itself. How players respond to these conversations can impact their tips and passenger patience. Additionally, special passengers in the game may instruct players to break the rules and reach their destination quickly without facing consequences (at least for a short time).
So, while there are some aspects of Crazy Taxi, the game mainly aims for realistic simulation. Taxi Life also provides accessibility for casual players. Players can adjust the difficulty settings to match their preferences, choosing between an authentic simulation or a more arcade-like experience.
Finally, the game lets you create your own taxi business. When you get a second car, you can hire or dismiss more drivers to grow your fleet and make more money. This business management feature brings a strategic element to the main driving experience. The tycoon aspect is normally very loved.
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