Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has recently been added as a playable character in the popular late-90s video game Crazy Taxi, much to the delight of fans and gamers alike. Known for his love of the game, Walz now has the opportunity to drift a taxi around corners and deliver passengers to their destinations in record time, all in a virtual world created by modder Edward La Barbera.
Creating a Character in the Game
Sporting an unbuttoned red-and-black flannel with a white undershirt, the virtual Governor Tim Walz hops into a taxi to begin his shift in the Crazy Taxi game. While this may seem like a surreal experience, it is actually a 3D rendering added to the game, based on rumors that Crazy Taxi is one of Walz’s favorite video games to play.
For those unfamiliar with Crazy Taxi, the objective of the game is simple – players take on the role of a taxi driver and must deliver their passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible. The catch is that players can earn extra cash by driving recklessly and performing crazy stunts, all while avoiding collisions with other vehicles and obstacles along the way.
Crazy Taxi was originally released in 1999 by Hitmaker, a division of Sega, and later made available on the Dreamcast console for home play. Even before becoming the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz was reportedly a fan of the game, playing it so frequently that his wife had to intervene and confiscate the console.
In fact, when Walz finally gave away the Dreamcast in 2007, Crazy Taxi was still in the disc drive, a testament to his enduring love for the game. This passion for Crazy Taxi caught the attention of California-based musician and video game developer Edward La Barbera, who saw an opportunity to pay homage to the Governor by adding him as a playable character in the game.
Modding the Game
Inspired by Walz’s reported fondness for Crazy Taxi, La Barbera embarked on a week-long journey to create the mod that would bring the Governor’s character to life in the game. Opting for a more casual Minnesota-inspired outfit for Walz, La Barbera chose a flannel look over a suit, as it was easier to recreate within the game’s constraints.
In addition to adding Walz as a playable character, La Barbera also incorporated some Minnesota landmarks into the game’s map redesign. This included swapping out palm trees for snow-covered pines, replacing the stadium with Target Field, and transforming the mall into the iconic Mall of America. These changes not only added a touch of local flair but also created a unique gaming experience for players.
Furthermore, La Barbera added a new stop in the game where players can use Walz to deliver people to a polling precinct, showcasing the Governor’s commitment to civic engagement and community involvement. The mod also features Vice President Kamala Harris as a playable character, complete with lines pulled from her Democratic National Convention speech.
The mod is currently available for play through emulator software and can be downloaded with or without a free-will donation. While this may be La Barbera’s first foray into creating game mods, he has previously published another game with similar pop-culture vibes, such as Frasier Fantasy, where players can live out an evening as Dr. Frasier Crane.
A Unique Gaming Experience
The addition of Governor Tim Walz as a playable character in Crazy Taxi adds a unique and unexpected twist to the classic game, giving players the chance to experience the thrill of navigating the streets of Minnesota in a taxi driven by the Governor himself. La Barbera’s creative modding efforts have not only brought a sense of humor and nostalgia to the game but have also highlighted Walz’s passion for gaming and his connection to the local community.
As players drift around corners and race against the clock in the wintry Minnesota environment created by La Barbera, they are not only enjoying a fun and entertaining gaming experience but also gaining a deeper appreciation for the Governor’s love of Crazy Taxi. With the addition of iconic Minnesota landmarks and a nod to civic engagement, the mod offers a fresh and engaging take on the beloved classic game.
Overall, the inclusion of Governor Tim Walz as a playable character in Crazy Taxi is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the world of gaming. By combining elements of pop culture, local flavor, and political engagement, La Barbera has succeeded in creating a mod that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and immersive for players of all ages. So, hop into the virtual taxi and join Governor Walz on a wild ride through the streets of Minnesota in this one-of-a-kind gaming experience.