Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator

63%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,060 reviews
  • graphics
  • optimization
  • gameplay
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator Game Cover
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is an incredibly authentic game that is only held back by some mild performance issues.
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"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.

  • PC
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

63%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,060 reviews
graphics86 positive mentions
optimization34 negative mentions
  • The game features beautiful graphics and a well-recreated city of Barcelona, providing an immersive driving experience.
  • Driving mechanics are enjoyable, especially with a steering wheel, making it a relaxing game for casual play.
  • The game has potential for future updates and expansions, with a solid foundation for a taxi driving simulator.
  • AI behavior is poor, with cars and pedestrians often causing accidents and traffic jams, leading to frustrating gameplay.
  • The game lacks proper wheel support for many popular steering wheels, making it difficult for players who prefer a more realistic driving experience.
  • Performance issues, including frame drops and stuttering, detract from the overall experience, making it feel unpolished.
  • graphics177 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the stunning visuals and realistic details, particularly in car models and the city environment. However, many users report significant performance issues, including lag and low frame rates even on high-end PCs, indicating poor optimization. Overall, while the graphics are considered appealing by some, the inconsistent performance and optimization problems detract from the experience for many players.

    • “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. It's really realistic with such amazing graphics of the cars and the city.”
    • “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.”
  • optimization97 mentions

    The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe stuttering, low frame rates, and performance issues even on high-end systems. While some users have managed to achieve decent performance, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, plagued by bugs and AI problems, making it frustrating and often unplayable for many. Players are hopeful for future updates to address these significant optimization shortcomings.

    • “Fun game, but poor optimization kind of ruins it.”
    • “However, optimizations for PC performance, on-screen speed limit displays, improved NPC animations and dialogue, and the integration of real-life accidents involving police would elevate this game to even greater heights.”
    • “After two patches, I can happily report the traffic problems and performance have been greatly improved.”
    • “Terrible performance optimization, which is a shame since the content is great.”
    • “Very poorly optimized, getting FPS drops every few seconds; 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.”
  • gameplay86 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is characterized by smooth driving mechanics and an immersive experience, appealing to both casual and dedicated players. However, many users report significant bugs, repetitive tasks, and a lack of content variety, which detracts from long-term enjoyment. While the graphics are praised, they often overshadow gameplay depth, leading to a mixed reception overall.

    • “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.”
    • “The overall impression is that the game is just not ready; it has never crashed, but the mechanics are as if half-ready.”
  • stability44 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues, including low frame rates and erratic 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 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.”
    • “I bought this game when it was $35 because I thought it was going to be more realistic driving than GTA V; however, the game clearly has a lot of glitches that not only make it unplayable but are better off enjoying GTA V for what it has to offer at its price point.”
    • “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.”
  • story40 mentions

    The game's story is largely absent, with many players noting it feels more like a series of repetitive missions without a cohesive narrative. While some appreciate the sandbox elements and potential for customization, the lack of engaging story content and mission variety leaves players wanting more depth and motivation. Overall, the experience is described as basic, with a need for improved mission types and interactions to enhance player investment.

    • “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.”
    • “Similar to the career mode of ETS2, there are no main storyline or gameplay goals to follow - you are free to explore the map or take on any (graciously timed) passenger transportation jobs you find from the get-go, then use the funds to customize and enhance your car.”
    • “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.”
    • “Nothing in terms of story at the moment, basic tutorial then jump right into it.”
  • music25 mentions

    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 lacking in variety, with calls for the ability to add custom playlists. Overall, the music serves as a decent background but fails to enhance the gameplay experience significantly.

    • “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.”
    • “Radio music has very little option & the music is damn lousy.”
    • “Music sucks, sounds like it's royalty free.”
  • humor13 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely derived from its quirky AI behaviors and chaotic driving mechanics, which can lead to amusing moments, such as NPCs crashing into each other and getting stuck in odd situations. While many players find the humor enjoyable and recommend the game for its comedic elements, others note that the buggy AI can detract from the experience, making it less appealing for those who prefer a polished gameplay experience. Overall, the humor is a mixed bag, with some players embracing the chaos while others find it frustrating.

    • “It's nice and funny to be able to drive across some streets of Barcelona.”
    • “Overall, I definitely recommend it for people like me who can ignore/play around the funny pathing and behaviors.”
    • “After a short period of getting used to the game, it's actually funny.”
    • “Not funny, not pretty, not polished enough.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag; while the realistic recreation of Barcelona's cityscape is commendable and certain areas, like the narrow streets, exude vibrancy, many players feel a lack of immersion and variety, particularly due to the absence of dynamic weather effects like rain. Overall, the graphics are praised, and despite some AI quirks, the game offers a relaxing experience in a beautifully rendered environment.

    • “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 at 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.”
  • grinding8 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience. While some describe it as tedious and time-consuming, particularly due to performance issues, others appreciate the balance of XP and rewards that keeps them engaged in unlocking new vehicles and cosmetics. Overall, the grinding is seen as manageable, with some players enjoying it more than others.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The 'grindy' nature of being a taxi driver is there; it seems fair with the XP/money that is granted, and it keeps you wanting to play and get those newer vehicles and cosmetics for your current ride.”
    • “Its containing FPS issues (possibly due to shadows) and is in a playable state worthy of being a game, but it becomes tedious when it suddenly starts dropping frames after a while, causing you to lose some control over the car while driving.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    Overall, while "Taxi Life" offers impressive gameplay and graphics, players feel it lacks sufficient content to maintain long-term replayability. In contrast, other games in the genre provide a more engaging experience and greater replay value, suggesting that "Taxi Life" could benefit from additional features to enhance its longevity.

    • “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 offers replay value that far surpasses 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 completely obliterates this game.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, with reviewers feeling that the developers prioritized profit over quality and community engagement. Many believe the game serves more as an advertisement for Barcelona than as a genuine gaming experience, reflecting a lack of care for both the game's content and its 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 the game talks 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 even their economy is broken; the normal salary is 700 euros monthly, even for 10 hours a day.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

54% average critic score

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Play time

5hMedian play time
9hAverage play time
3-14hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 14 analyzed playthroughs

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