SEGA Dreamcast revival goes free-to-play for a limited time, here’s how to sign up

You can play the beloved new release of a SEGA Dreamcast classic early and for free, but it’s only for a limited time.

Despite its very short life spanning from 1998 to 2001, the SEGA Dreamcast continues to be cherished by millions of gamers across the world.

From Resident Evil Code: Veronica, Sonic Adventure, Shenmue, Jet Set Radio and many more, titles like those are some of the many reasons why gamers continue to love the SEGA Dreamcast today. One other game that is the topic of today’s discussion is Crazy Taxi, which replicated the arcade experience on the home console to near perfection.

READ MORE: The 11 best SEGA Dreamcast games of all time

The first Crazy Taxi was released in arcades in 1999, before arriving on the SEGA Dreamcast the following year. It would later spawn two sequels, the last being Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller on the original Xbox and PC in 2004. The third numbered game failed to reach the critical heights of its predecessors.

So, given the shortcomings of the series with the most recent entries, it’s understandable that SEGA would be hesitant to revive this series. However, SEGA announced Crazy Taxi: World Tour in December 2023, along with a Jet Set Radio revival.

Crazy Taxi: World Tour isn't officially released until 2027, but you can have the opportunity to play it early. All you have to do is sign up for the Closed Network Test. However, it should be stated that registering does not guarantee access. But by signing up ASAP, it shouldn't hurt your chances of being selected.

Here’s what you need to know about the Crazy Taxi: World Tour CNT

Crazy Taxi: World Tour, SEGA

You must sign up by August 31, 2026, at the latest to be in with a chance of being selected. If selected, the Closed Network Test will take place from September 11 to September 13.

The Crazy Taxi: World Tour test will be available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. It’s worth noting that only the multiplayer will be accessible during the test and not the single-player mode.

The multiplayer test will include two modes, ‘Pickup Race’ and ‘Cops ‘n’ Cabbies’. Players can choose from four drivers, six cars, and there will be two maps. We know that one of those maps will be the San Francisco - West Coast.

“In Pickup Race, up to six players will compete with each other to drop off as many passengers as possible within a set time limit, earning as much crazy money as possible,” reads the official description.

“In Cops ‘N’ Cabbies, players will be split into two teams competing against each other. For either mode, they can be played in a Ranked Match, where players will be matchmade with each other, or in a Custom Match, where custom lobbies and rules can be set.”

Crazy Taxi: World Tour doesn't have a concrete release date other than the tentative 2027 launch window. However, considering that the Closed Network Test is nearly underway, hopefully, we won’t be waiting too deeply into 2027. After all, we hate waiting for a late taxi pickup.

READ MORE: Crazy Taxi World Tour's AI Excuses Ruin This Retro Return