Crazy Taxi Is Back And It’s Coming With… Lore?
Crazy Taxi: World Tour brings back the iconic 1999 arcade game with a major evolution rather than a simple remake. Announced at Xbox Games Showcase, the new entry in the Crazy Taxi franchise maintains the core gameplay loop of picking up fares and delivering them recklessly around Bay City, but expands significantly with world-building elements and new features.
The game introduces a broader scope than the original, with Axel—the franchise’s protagonist—traveling to multiple cities around the world while gaining access to an expanded set of “Crazy” driving moves. Customers now have diverse special requests beyond the original destinations like Tower Records and Pizza Hut, driving more varied gameplay scenarios. The game also adds unexpected features such as fishing mechanics alongside the traditional taxi gameplay.
The new Crazy Taxi is being developed in collaboration with Kenji Kanno, the original series creator, ensuring a respectful evolution of the franchise. It maintains the classic arcade feel while incorporating modern sensibilities and graphics.
The game features real-world brand partnerships, continuing the original’s tradition. Updates to store locations reflect contemporary brands like Five Guys replacing or joining the retro pizza and music store references.
Sega’s Steam page disclosure revealed that the development used generative AI support tools, though the publisher clarified that no AI was used for reference to the game’s performers. Crazy Taxi: World Tour is scheduled to release in 2027.