The Simpsons: Hit & Run features seven levels over three separate maps, each with missions and a sub-plot.[1] The player can control one specific character in each level. The game's playable characters are Homer (played twice), Bart (played twice), Lisa, Marge, and Apu.[2] When travelling on foot, the player character can walk, jump, run, and perform three types of melee attacks: a normal kick, a jumping kick, and a smashing move.[2] To drive, the player can either hitchhike and control the driver in one of the many civilian vehicles that drive endlessly around town, or use a phone booth to select a car.[1] Several hidden vehicles are present in each level and can also be used by the player if found. The game's driving missions are also similar to those of Grand Theft Auto III.[3][4] In both games, the player races against other characters, collects items before a timer runs out, and wrecks other cars.[1][5]
The game has a sandbox-style format that emphasizes driving, and the player controls their character from a third-person view. The character can perform certain acts of violence, punching, such as attacking pedestrians, blowing up vehicles, and destroying the environment.[2] The Simpsons: Hit & Run has a warning meter that indicates when the police will retaliate for bad behavior. Located in the bottom-right corner of the screen, the circular "hit and run" meter fills up when the character runs people over or destroys objects, and decreases when they cease doing so. When full, several police cars chase the character for the duration of the hit and run.[1]
Each level contains items the player can collect, such as coins, which can be gathered by either smashing Buzz Cola vending machines, Buzz Cola boxes or wasp cameras, the latter of which become more elusive as the game progresses. The coins can be used to buy new cars and player outfits, some of which are required to progress through the game.[2] The player can also collect Itchy and Scratchy cards, with seven cards hidden in each level. When the player collects all seven cards in a level, they will unlock one of seven tracks for the 'Bonus Game' racing mini-game. When all 49 cards are collected in all the levels, the player unlocks a special The Itchy & Scratchy Show video.[1] Several events cause the player to lose coins; because the character cannot die, injuries cause the player to lose coins.[2] If the player is apprehended during a hit and run, they will be fined 50 coins.[2]
