Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled A Legend Reborn

Back in its heyday the developer Naughty Dog’s Crash Team Racing, often referred to by fans via the acronym CTR, was a paragon of the racing genre. Unlike sports simulation games such as Gran Turismo which focused more on realism, Crash Team Racing placed the onus on fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled, pedal to the metal action.

 

At the time of release, Naughty Dog’s killer-karting game was competing for the top spot against Nintendo’s very own jewel in the crown: Mario Kart 64. Both of which achieved cult status. This clash of personalities went some lengths to further stretching the divide amidst the ongoing battle for supremacy in the PlayStation vs. Nintendo head-to-head. Which one picked up the crown is a matter of debate, and still divides opinion today.

So, having garnered immense adoration worldwide, the breaking news that CTR was to receive a ravishing remake has since sent fans into a rabid frenzy. Perhaps the motivations that spearheaded this project relate to the success of similar remakes in recent years. Most notably, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy developed by Vicarious Visions. Notwithstanding Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Both of which exceeded expectations at launch and went some way to revitalizing the glory days of platform gaming.

 

Crash Team racing Nitro Kart is out June 21, 2019, yet already, there’s so much content to digest. Here’s what we do know ahead of its much-anticipated summer-time release. The game, though originally a Sony exclusive title, makes its way to the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. So, win, win for all then.

According to the official Crash Bandicoot website players can expect an “authentic CTR experience plus a whole lot more,” the statement says.

 

Another segment of the text describes the oncoming CTR as “Fully Remastered” and “revved up to the max.”

 

So then, this seems to suggest that the game will be a high-fidelity tribute. But with bonus added content, at least that’s my take on it. Furthermore, the aforementioned promotional piece eludes to “additional karts and “tracks from beyond the original game.” That’s bound to get the fan-base off their feet.

Thankfully, it looks as though all the game modes, playable characters, and tracks will mimic those of the original. Plus, players can expect all the wacky weapons from the first entry. That said, red and green potions, explosive TNT crates and backward bombs are set to mark their return in the reboot. Not to mention that damn clock that sends you spinning off the race-track. A real pain while trying to execute a tight chicane with a power-up.

 

As a fanboy, I can categorically state that the exclusion of Nitros Oxide from the original game hurt me to the core. I was a wounded animal after that game. To this day I’m dumbfounded as to why the developers didn’t include him as a reward for total completion. Looking back, it’s more likely due to hardware limitations or technical issues of the time. In contrast, to a deliberate dagger to the heart. However, that’s what it felt like during the moment!

 

Thankfully, it appears my childhood dream is going to become a reality.

More recently, the PSN Store unveiled the “Nitros Oxide Edition.” (hallelujah). Hence, players can finally strap into that alien hovercraft and glide their way to victory. God bless your souls Beenox, your generosity knows no bounds.

 

Final disclaimer: The original Crash Team Racing is a game that boasts mega-tight controls, and player responsiveness. Better still, each three-stage turbo boost, lip jump, and shortcut require precise timing to execute effectively. With that in mind, I hope that the remake emulates these high standards. Visuals are essential of course, but for me, handling remains the number one priority.

 

What are your thoughts on the original? Did it give Mario Kart 64 a run for its money? Do you like the way the remake is shaping up? Which tracks have the best shortcuts? Please get in touch with your views in the comments below.