Sega Nerds

Exclusive interview: Jeff Hasson, Sniper Studios

Posted by Chris. Filed under Chris, Interviews. Tagged with Crazy Taxi.

While there hasn’t been a lot of Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars talk lately, your friends at Sega Nerds don’t rest on their laurels. We tracked down Jeff Hasson, Executive Producer at Sniper Studios, and asked him a few questions about the new Crazy Taxi game that’s set to hit the PSP.

Not only did Mr. Hasson answer all our questions, the fine folks at Sniper also sent along some new and exclusive screens to wet your appetite.

Chris [Sega Nerds]: How did the deal between Sniper and Sega come about?
Jeff [Sniper Studios]: It was a really good fit for both Sega and Sniper to work together on the PSP version of Crazy Taxi. Sega liked the depth and breadth of experience of the industry vets we have amassed at Sniper. They wouldn’t have entrusted one of their best known and loved franchises to just anyone. The bottom line is that our experience translates into confidence for Sega. When we found out Sega was considering a PSP version of Crazy Taxi we were already convinced that, out of all the amazing titles in Sega’s catalog, it was a perfect match of title and console. And as far as Sniper is concerned, it was the title we were hoping for all along.

Chris: What made you so interested in developing a new Crazy Taxi game?
Jeff: I think a big part of the appeal has to do with the fact that we are all fans of the original Dreamcast versions of the game. It’s a great example of addictive gameplay coupled with simple pick-up-and-play arcade style action that’s not relying on any kind of elaborate storytelling. Also, we thought that the bright look of the Dreamcast version would translate fantastically well onto the PSP. Lastly, the PSP is a great platform for driving games in general. Just look at GTA, Ridge Racer, TOCA or Burnout on the PSP and you’ll understand why. Although it’s a fun arcade type title, Crazy Taxi at its heart is a fast-paced driving game and logically belongs on the PSP.

Chris: How involved has Sega been in helping Sniper develop Fare Wars?
Jeff: Sega has been very hands on during the development process. They are interested and concerned about the PSP version staying faithful to the original versions of the game. Sega recognizes the popularity of this property so they’ve been running many of the decisions past the original Crazy Taxi (arcade version) design team in Japan and keeping us informed of their feedback as well.

Chris: Ultimately, what do you want to accomplish with the new Crazy Taxi?
Jeff: Our primary goal is to faithfully re-create the original experience from the Dreamcast versions of Crazy Taxi. Our secondary goal is to update the title with a multiplayer mode. From a design standpoint, it’s the next logical step in moving the title forward onto a current generation platform. The combination of CT’s short burst arcady action with the ad hoc architecture of the PSP should make for some great gaming experiences.

Chris: For a long time, I’ve always thought Crazy Taxi would fare much better on a handheld due to its more simplistic and arcade-style gameplay. Do you agree that these kinds of games translate better to a handheld system, which gamers tend to use in shorter bursts than consoles?
Jeff: Absolutely. It’s one of the main reasons we were attracted to the project in the first place. The PSP is the perfect platform for Crazy Taxi. Again, driving games in general are very well suited to the PSP, but the simple fast paced action and arcade type gameplay is the perfect combination for a quick experience.

Chris: The Crazy Taxi franchise has always had a pretty great soundtrack with bands like Bad Religion and the Offspring. What can we expect to hear in Fare Wars from a soundtrack standpoint?
Jeff: Although the original soundtrack was great at its time, we felt that it was somewhat limited. We are planning to update and expand the number of bands and the type of music in the PSP version.

Chris: Lastly, for all us old-school Dreamcast fans out there, are there any plans to add in the classic VMU beep when the game boots up?
Jeff: Nope. Although, that’s a cool idea. Our goal is to create the Crazy Taxi experience on the PSP and the VMU isn’t part of the PSP experience. Besides, if we added it, then it wouldn’t be classic anymore!

Chris: Oh Jeff, you’ve crushed my dreams! Just kidding, thank you for taking the time to chat with us Sega Nerds!

So there you have it, folks. Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars is set to hit the PSP in the second quarter of 2007. Also, keep checking back at Sega Nerds for more interviews with people all over the Sega gaming community.