The Simpsons make like Tommy Vercetti and head out on a GTA-style adventure

If you were beginning to despair that there would ever be a Simpsons game that could do the series justice, then you'll be pleased to hear that Hit & Run has broken the habit of the license's lifetime and come up with an absolute corker of a game.

Taking the winning Rockstar formula and giving Hit & Run a Grand Theft Auto-style makeover, Radical Entertainment has managed to create a Simpsons title which is fun to play, contains solid gameplay, and features all the wry humor of the TV show. The gameplay is essentially the same as GTA (drive about on missions, collect items, 'requisition' cars) and, whilst it isn't as gritty, there's still plenty of socially acceptable cartoon style violence to wince at. Setting out as Homer, you'll start the game investigating the appearance of dark vans, mechanized bees and a strangely addictive cola in Springfield, and go on to commandeer various vehicles in your mission to unravel the mystery.

Structured in much the same way as Grand Theft Auto, Simpsons Hit & Run is a mission-based adventure, with seven levels containing seven primary missions in each, which are assigned to a set character (you can play as Homer, Bart, Lisa and Marge, and Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu gets a mission too). The tasks usually involve picking something up, or collecting items by driving around in the day-glo world of Springfield. The characteristic humor of the animated series has been given free reign here, making Hit & Run great fun to play.

There are a total of 56 driving and on-foot missions to complete, and bonus missions unlock extras such as new vehicles and outfits for the characters. Hit & Run has some neat little gags written in too, such as stumbling on Krusty looking at 'adult' magazines when you walk into the Kwik-E-Mart. It's got all the hallmarks of a great game - and it's a Simpsons title too. Woo hoo!

• Complete missions to unlock new vehicles and bonus stuff
• Dialogue provided by all of the show's voice actors
• Play as the Simpsons family (Homer, Marge, Bart or Lisa) and Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu