Pushsquare's preview writer got early hands-on time with Crazy Taxi: World Tour at Gamescom and spoke to series creator Kenji Kanno, ahead of a closed multiplayer beta due later this month. The game marks a significant evolution for the beloved SEGA franchise, moving beyond a single arcade-style setting into an internationally structured sandbox with no countdown timer forcing players to stop, letting them explore freely between fares.

The demo featured a newly announced Germany map, playable as returning driver Axel, complete with landmarks such as Cologne Cathedral and real-world brand tie-ins like Puma. Kanno confirmed the finished game will include five locations in total, with the original's San Francisco map returning alongside four others yet to be revealed. New features include optional side quests with unique objectives, such as launching a wingsuit-wearing passenger for distance, alongside modernised controls that remove manual reverse gear while retaining boost and slide mechanics. Kanno also teased that "there'll be a surprising announcement soon," though further details remain unconfirmed.