First look: Crazy Taxi 2

Sega of America has released the first screenshots from and information on Crazy Taxi 2 for the Sega Dreamcast. The sequel will feature several enhancements including new crazy moves, new characters and rides, and enhanced graphics and soundtrack. Hitmaker has added the so-called crazy hop, where players can jump their cars over other vehicles and onto roofs and overhangs. The developers have also added the option of picking up several customers at one time. Of course, each of these customers will want to travel to different locations, so one group may provide multiple fares. Offspring will make a return to lend its talents to the game's soundtrack, but there will also be several new groups featured in the game. Specifics regarding the new songs have not been revealed at this time.

Additionally, there will be several new drivers in the game, along with the returning cabbies. The new drivers are Slash, Iceman, Cinnamon, and Hot-D. Sega promises that Crazy Taxi 2 will be more mission-based than the original, but exactly what that entails isn't clear. Finally, the game will take place in a virtual city that will share its look and feel with New York City--complete with skyscrapers, pedestrians, and other crazy cabbies.

Crazy Taxi 2 will be released for the Sega Dreamcast this summer. The game is being developed with the US audience in mind, so it may be released in that territory before its Japanese release.