Crazy Taxi Gets a Political Twist: Play as Tim Walz and Kamala Harris in the Dreamcast Classic

This year's US presidential election has undoubtedly shined a spotlight on many political figures, but few have captured the public's imagination quite like Tim Walz. The Minnesota governor and Democratic Vice Presidential nominee has charmed many with his down-to-earth nature and dedication to public service. However, one particularly delightful detail about Walz has caught the attention of gamers everywhere: his love for the Sega Dreamcast, specifically the iconic game Crazy Taxi.

When news broke that Tim Walz was a fan of the Sega Dreamcast and especially Crazy Taxi, it set off a chain reaction among gaming enthusiasts. The nostalgic affection Walz had for his console, complete with a memorable anecdote about his wife hiding it from him, was endearing. But what really sparked excitement in the community was the revelation that a Resetera user had once owned Walz's Dreamcast, complete with a copy of Crazy Taxi. The story resonated with many and prompted one creative modder, Edward La Barbera, to take action.

La Barbera, inspired by the charming connection between Walz and Crazy Taxi, decided to pay homage to the governor in the most fitting way possible: by modding him into the game. The result is a delightful and hilarious addition to the Dreamcast classic. Drawing inspiration from arcade classics like NBA Jam, which famously featured Bill Clinton, La Barbera incorporated voice lines from Walz's Democratic National Convention speech, bringing a unique and humorous touch to the game.

But the fun doesn't stop there. La Barbera went the extra mile to give the game a Minnesota twist, transforming the map with a wintery overhaul. Snow-covered pines replace palm trees, Target Field stands where the stadium once was, and the Mall of America takes over the shopping mall location. In addition, La Barbera included current Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in the mix. She, too, has her voice lines from the DNC, adding another layer of political fun to this modded version of Crazy Taxi.

Gamers interested in trying out this mod will need some knowledge of Dreamcast emulators to get it running. However, there's also footage available online for those who want to see Tim Walz and Kamala Harris in action without diving into emulator setups. The Crazy Taxi mod brings a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and political satire, perfectly capturing the fun of making some "kerrr-aazzzy money" on the streets of a wintery Minnesota. Now, thanks to La Barbera's creativity, players can experience this unexpected political twist in one of the most beloved racing games of all time.