Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator
- March 7, 2024
- Simteract
- 4h median play time
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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Get on Epic Games Store"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.
Reviews
- The game features amazing graphics and a realistic recreation of Barcelona, making it visually appealing.
- Driving with a steering wheel, particularly models like the Logitech G29, provides an enjoyable experience, enhancing immersion.
- The game offers a fun and relaxing gameplay loop, allowing players to explore the city while completing taxi fares.
- The AI for both traffic and pedestrians is poorly designed, often leading to frustrating collisions and unpredictable behavior.
- There are significant performance issues, including frame drops and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, making it feel unpolished.
- The game lacks sufficient customization options for vehicles and characters, and many players report issues with steering wheel compatibility.
- graphics121 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the immersive and realistic visuals, particularly in car and city design, while others criticize the poor optimization and frequent frame drops, even on high-end systems. Many users report issues such as blurriness, grainy textures, and stuttering, which detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the aesthetic appeal is acknowledged, significant performance and optimization problems hinder the game's graphical potential.
“The graphics of this game are very immersive and it feels real; even on high, it still looks beautiful.”
“Let me tell you, this game is absolutely beautiful to play, especially on a steering wheel. The graphics of the cars and the city are really good.”
“The graphics are brilliant and so detailed.”
“Horribly blurry graphics, bad optimization and the game runs like **** on a steering wheel.”
“The graphics seem outdated, akin to those from 2010.”
“The overall presentation is fine, graphics are ok, with the usual Unreal Engine issues where cars and objects look like they are grainy and very low detail when you get pretty close.”
- optimization73 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received widespread criticism, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including frame drops, stuttering, and poor graphics quality. While some users with high-end PCs have managed to achieve decent performance, the overall consensus is that the game requires significant improvements in optimization and bug fixes to enhance the gaming experience. Many players express hope for future updates to address these issues, as the game's potential is overshadowed by its current performance shortcomings.
“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.”
“I have no performance issues with settings at epic and I have an old RTX 1060 Ti, only shadow is set to medium.”
“One issue I have with the game is that it feels poorly optimized.”
“Fun game, but poor optimization kind of ruins it.”
“The game has severe frame drops in certain areas, and optimization is mediocre!”
- gameplay58 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the driving mechanics and immersive city environment, while others criticize it for being repetitive, clunky, and plagued by glitches. Players appreciate the realistic car control and NPC interactions but express disappointment over the lack of content and variety, leading to a monotonous experience. Overall, while there are enjoyable aspects, many feel the game is unfinished and in need of significant improvements to enhance the gameplay experience.
“Nice chilled game doing taxi runs in a scenic and bustling city with many features and gameplay aspects that are excellent.”
“Despite the driving mechanics being more arcade-like, it feels realistic thanks to the well-implemented shock absorber immersion during braking and the unique steering wheel acceleration—something I haven’t experienced in any other driving game.”
“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 AI is from the Stone Age; the NPCs on foot glitch, and you are forced to hit them. The map has way too narrow roads, and you get bored after 30 minutes because you drive the same road. They spent more time on the graphics than the mechanics, and all that waste of money needs improvement.”
“Other than that, repetitive gameplay and a shallow management component are by far the biggest problems.”
“Everything in this so-called simulator feels unfinished and unpolished, from the actual gameplay to the UI.”
- stability33 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent glitches, bugs, and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. While some users find the gameplay enjoyable despite these problems, others describe the game as feeling unfinished and unplayable at times due to AI and control issues. Overall, while there are signs of improvement, significant stability concerns remain, leading to a cautious recommendation for potential buyers.
“Game runs great; not one car hit me and not one pedestrian walked in front of the taxi.”
“I wouldn't mind that it's got an arcade style driving type, and I think a full-on sim driving mode would be great. 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.”
“If you like chill driving games and aren't expecting a bug-free experience, it's worth the price tag.”
“Too buggy, glitchy, and laggy in some parts; not worth it.”
“The game feels unfinished; the pedestrian AI and car AI are all so buggy.”
“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.”
- story28 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many players noting that it feels more like a tutorial than a fully developed narrative. While some appreciate the realistic mission structure and traffic interactions, the overall experience is described as repetitive and lacking in meaningful content, leading to a sandbox feel rather than a cohesive storyline. Players express a desire for more varied missions, dynamic elements, and character interactions to enhance the storytelling experience.
“Epic story.”
“Conceptually sound, decent story progression and 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 can develop a small company later on.”
- music20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a limited selection of only a few tracks, leading to a repetitive listening experience. While some enjoy the electronic and rock metal tracks available, others express a strong desire for the ability to add custom music, similar to other games like GTA. Overall, the music is seen as a weak point, detracting from the immersive experience of the game.
“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.”
“There is a radio in the game where you can listen to music as you drive, but I think there are only about 6 tracks, and I am not sure if you can add your own music like you can in something like GTA.”
“The radio only plays the same song that's from the main menu, and I hate it with a passion.”
“The music feels like it's on loop; there's not much variation, and I've already had repeat conversations.”
- humor7 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
Overall, the humor in the game is appreciated, with players finding amusement in the chaotic and often absurd behavior of NPCs and vehicles. While there are notable shortcomings and areas needing improvement, many users still find the gameplay entertaining and funny after acclimating to its quirks. However, some players feel that the humor can be inconsistent, ranging from genuinely funny moments to frustrating experiences.
“Overall, it's a funny game.”
“Gameplay was really funny.”
“The NPCs hit each other, which is quite funny!”
“Not funny, not pretty, not polished enough.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game receives mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the effort to recreate Barcelona's vibrant cityscape and find it immersive, others feel it lacks depth and immersion. The graphics are praised, and the game's relaxing nature is highlighted, particularly in areas with narrow streets that enhance the overall ambiance. However, technical issues like AI quirks and collisions detract from the experience, suggesting that improvements could elevate the atmospheric quality further.
“And that atmosphere is exactly why this game got my attention.”
“Graphics are fantastic, AI has quirks that will likely be resolved, but overall it's a good delivery of atmosphere.”
“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 which has a lot of atmosphere.”
“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.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while some players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious due to occasional frame drops affecting gameplay, others appreciate the balance of XP and money rewards that make the grind feel fair and enjoyable. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as manageable and contributes to the motivation to unlock new vehicles and cosmetics.
“The 'grindy' nature of being a taxi driver is there; it seems fair in terms of the XP and money that is granted, and it keeps you wanting to play to unlock 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 slight distance loading and making you lose some control over the car while driving.”
“Until then, I will keep grinding away and enjoy this game.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight the game's replayability as exceptionally high, with many describing it as "infinitely replayable," indicating a strong incentive to return to the game multiple times.
“The game is infinitely replayable, offering new experiences with each playthrough.”
“Every decision you make leads to different outcomes, making it a game you can return to time and again.”
“With multiple paths and endings, the replayability factor is off the charts!”
Critic Reviews
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator | UNITING PLAYER VOICES
Taxi Life stands out as a compelling fusion of simulator and arcade driving game, with fun challenges that feel right out of Crazy Taxi or Midtown Madness, providing players with a unique and immersive journey through the streets of Barcelona while managing their taxi empire, I just wish it had slightly better controls, as this is the main focal point of the game, and takes away from the experience greatly. The game’s price tag at $30 USD is also a bit more than I’d pay for a game like this, and to me feels like it would do better in the $14.99-$19.99 range. And don’t get me started on the overpriced DLC packs.
55%Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator (PS5) Review
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is an incredibly authentic game that is only held back by some mild performance issues.
70%Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator Review
Taxi LIfe: A City Driving Simulator is a really good idea for a game ruined by a lack of goals, bad area design, optimisation issues, and awful controls.
40%
