"Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator" is a driving game that puts you in the role of a taxi driver in Barcelona. With your car and a dream, build up your transport empire by navigating the city's busy streets, transporting customers to their destinations while dealing with road rules, changing weather conditions, and traffic. The game is compatible with popular steering wheel peripherals and game controllers.
The game features beautiful graphics and a well-designed recreation of Barcelona, making it visually appealing.
Driving mechanics can be enjoyable, especially with a steering wheel, providing a relaxing experience for players.
The game has potential for future updates and improvements, with a dedicated development team responding to community feedback.
The AI for both pedestrians and vehicles is poorly implemented, often leading to frustrating gameplay experiences with random stops and collisions.
Performance issues are prevalent, with frequent frame drops and stuttering even on high-end PCs, making the game feel unoptimized.
The controls can be clunky and unresponsive, particularly for steering wheels, which detracts from the overall driving simulation experience.
graphics
354 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
42%
9%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the realistic details and immersive environments, particularly in the city of Barcelona, while others criticize poor optimization and performance issues, leading to lag and low frame rates even on high-end PCs. Many users noted that despite the appealing visuals, the game suffers from grainy textures and inconsistent quality, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, while the graphics have potential, significant improvements in optimization and detail are needed to meet player expectations.
“The graphics are amazing and the physics are enjoyable.”
“Let me tell you this game is absolutely beautiful to play especially on a steering wheel of my Logitech G29 with my gearbox and pedals, it's really realistic game with such amazing graphics of the cars and the city, really good job on that plus it's as realistic as it gets.”
“The graphics are brilliant and so detailed.”
“Runs poorly even on a 1060 6GB graphics card.”
“Horribly blurry graphics, bad optimization, and the game runs poorly on a steering wheel.”
“The graphics seem outdated, akin to those from 2010.”
optimization
196 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
55%
35%
The game's optimization has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe stuttering, frame drops, and overall poor performance, even on high-end systems. While some users have managed to run the game smoothly, the majority express frustration over its unoptimized state, citing issues with AI behavior and graphical fidelity. Overall, players recommend waiting for significant updates and fixes before considering a purchase.
“Fun game, but poor optimization kind of ruins it.”
“Unfortunately, I think this is still the best taxi driving game right now, but it definitely could use a lot of bug fixes and optimizations.”
“I plan on making this a long-running series on my YouTube and I have loved the game already, although I think with a few quality of life changes and video changes, optimization would make this game unstoppable!”
“Terrible performance optimization, which is a shame since the content is great.”
“Very poorly optimized, getting FPS drops every few seconds. It feels frustrating... this game would be awesome to play at a stable 60 FPS... feels like an early access game; hope they will fix it.”
“This game is far from being optimized and feels like it has never been playtested before.”
gameplay
172 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
60%
9%
The gameplay of the game is characterized by smooth driving mechanics and an immersive experience, appealing to players of various skill levels. However, it suffers from bugs, repetitive tasks, and a lack of content variety, leading to a monotonous experience over time. While the graphics are praised, many players feel that the gameplay needs significant improvements, including better AI, more side quests, and enhanced car handling to increase replayability.
“The mechanics are incredibly smooth, and the driving feels authentic, yet accessible to players of all skill levels.”
“With its realistic cityscape, challenging traffic system, and diverse NPCs, it provides an immersive gameplay experience that will keep you coming back for more.”
“The driving mechanics are very smooth and enjoyable, and the interactivity of the rest of the car features is fun.”
“The gameplay is also buggy; I did not get even 30 fps with low graphics.”
“Driving and overall gameplay is bad.”
“Moreover, the lack of variety in gameplay quickly becomes monotonous.”
stability
88 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
2%
91%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues, including low frame rates and unresponsive AI behavior. While some users find the gameplay enjoyable despite these problems, many feel that the game feels unfinished and recommend waiting for patches or discounts before purchasing. Overall, the consensus is that while the game has potential, its current state is marred by significant stability issues.
“Game runs great, not one car hit me and not one pedestrian walked in front of the taxi.”
“It runs great, cars give and take damage, there is some sort of economics that exists, random events close roads and loads of real points of interest; not to mention the business progression and perks available.”
“I wouldn't mind that it's got an arcade style driving type and I think full-on sim driving mode, but I've only done the arcade driving which is a bit jerky using keyboard and mouse. Not sure if controls and wheels are supported. The scenery is very beautiful, the town is expansive and beautifully rendered. Railroad tracks and speed bumps make your car's suspension act in a predictable and smooth way. I have no glitches or known bugs that I have found as of yet.”
“Even though the game is brilliant, it is a buggy, glitchy, stuttering mess with very poor controller support that's either all or nothing, and this also happens on PS5 as well.”
“You would think this game launched in early access today with how buggy and featureless it is, but no, this is a full release asking for $30 of your hard-earned dollars.”
“Disappointed that I've waited a long time for this game to be released; too many bugs and glitches.”
story
80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
67%
23%
The game's story is largely absent, with many players noting that it lacks a meaningful narrative or engaging content, reducing the experience to repetitive missions reminiscent of older titles. While some appreciate the realistic mission feedback and potential for sandbox gameplay, the overall consensus is that the game would benefit from more diverse mission types and a deeper storyline to enhance player investment. As it stands, the game feels more like a basic delivery simulator than a fully fleshed-out experience.
“🔲 Epic story.”
“Conceptually sound, decent story progression & development, and a lot of things to keep the gameplay flowing.”
“While not crucial for the simulation experience, it's always nice to have some added story to the game.”
“This game has no story unless you count the tutorial :)”
“The missions feel repetitive, and there's a noticeable absence of depth or engaging content to keep players invested in the long term.”
“There isn't much of a storyline; it is more of a sandbox game where you pick up passengers and you can develop a small company later on.”
music
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
80%
8%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over the limited selection of tracks, often citing only a handful of songs available on the radio. While some enjoy the electronic and rock metal tracks, others find the music repetitive and monotonous, wishing for the ability to add their own playlists. Overall, the music aspect feels underdeveloped, with players hoping for future updates to enhance the experience.
“The music rocks as well, especially the electronic and rock metal ones (station 1 and 3, I think).”
“It can be immersive with features like turning on the A/C and choosing a temperature. You can turn on the radio (although it has really few songs, but okay) and passengers will often ask to turn on or off the A/C or lower the temperature, or ask to turn on or off the radio. I really enjoyed this part.”
“This is basically Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) with taxis - a casual driving game perfect to chill out while listening to your favorite songs or podcasts.”
“The radio only plays the same song that's from the main menu and I hate it with a passion.”
“The radio music is too monotonous!”
“Music sucks, sounds like it's royalty free.”
humor
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
92%
8%
The humor in the game is largely derived from its chaotic driving mechanics and the amusingly poor AI behavior, such as NPCs crashing into each other and getting stuck in awkward situations. While many players find these elements entertaining and recommend the game for its comedic value, others note that the humor can be overshadowed by bugs and a lack of polish, making it less enjoyable for some. Overall, the game offers a mix of funny moments, but it may require patience to fully appreciate its comedic aspects.
“It's nice and funny to be able to drive across some streets of Barcelona.”
“There are still some things that need to be fixed, but overall it's a funny game.”
“Expect them to smash into you when you come to a full stop (light, parked), into each other, swerve between lanes for zero reason, crash into walls, suddenly stop in the middle of the road or intersection, get stuck on nothing, get stuck on roundabouts, hilariously awfully animated pedestrians who are seemingly designed to spawn and roam around the crosswalks only... sigh.”
“Not funny, not pretty, not polished enough.”
“Not funny, not pretty, not polished enough.”
atmosphere
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
39%
17%
The game's atmosphere is a mixed bag; while the realistic recreation of Barcelona's vibrant cityscape is commendable and visually stunning, some players feel a lack of immersion and variety, particularly due to the absence of dynamic weather effects like rain. Despite these shortcomings, many appreciate the overall ambiance, especially in the narrow streets, which contribute to a relaxing driving experience. Addressing existing bugs could enhance the atmospheric experience further.
“And that atmosphere is exactly why this game got my attention.”
“I have now played for over 2 hours and am having a great time, transporting passengers is relaxing, the city is really beautiful and vibrant, especially the part with the narrow streets has a lot of atmosphere.”
“If the biggest bugs (the many collisions and the moonwalking pedestrians and the sometimes heavy ffb) are addressed, it will be a wonderfully relaxing driving simulator in a very beautiful, atmospheric city!”
“Could do with some atmosphere.”
“I didn't feel as if I was too immersed in the Barcelona cityscape, although I commend the effort to recreate the city's atmosphere and the scale of which this is achieved is admirable.”
“I think it's a shame that it never rains; that would really contribute to a more varied atmosphere.”
grinding
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience. While some describe it as tedious, particularly due to performance issues like frame drops, others appreciate the balance of XP and rewards that motivate continued play without excessive grinding. Overall, the grinding is seen as manageable and can enhance the enjoyment of unlocking new vehicles and cosmetics.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The 'grindy' nature of being a taxi driver is there; it seems fair for the XP/money that is granted, but it can become tedious.”
“It's containing FPS issues (possibly due to shadows) and while it's in a playable state, the sudden frame drops make it tedious, causing a loss of control over the car while driving.”
replayability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
60%
20%
While "Taxi Life" offers impressive gameplay and graphics, reviewers note that it lacks sufficient content to maintain long-term replayability. Suggestions for improvements include expanding the game world and enhancing controls to create a more engaging experience. In contrast, other games in the genre are highlighted as having significantly higher replay value.
“Grab a copy for like $5 used, have a much larger map, with better controls, more engaging experience, better looking game, that - while it isn't perfect - is miles (or kilometers) better, with replay value that just obliterates this game.”
“☑️ infinitely replayable”
“Overall, Taxi Life is an amazing simulator with great gameplay, graphics, details, models, and features, but the game needs additions to make it replayable even after months or years of playing.”
“Grab a copy for like $5 used; it has a much larger map, better controls, a more engaging experience, and better graphics. While it isn't perfect, it is miles (or kilometers) better, with replay value that just obliterates this game.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, with developers seemingly prioritizing profit over quality and community engagement. Many users feel that the game serves primarily as an advertisement for Barcelona, rather than offering a genuine gaming experience, leading to disappointment and frustration among players.
“Game devs were forced to make this game; they don't care about the game nor the community. Honestly, just avoid the cash grab.”
“I came to the conclusion that they made this 'game' just as an advertisement for the city of Barcelona, because tourism has stopped there and almost no one goes anymore. People were going because of Messi and the cathedral, which is still a work in progress, so that's why even in the game they talk so much about how 'good' Barcelona is.”
“As I said, the 'game' is nothing else than just an advertisement for the city of Barcelona, but the city is not even good or beautiful. I've worked there for 2 years and their economy is broken; the normal salary is 700 euros monthly, even for 10 hours a day...”