Crash Team Racing (1999)

by Christopher September 30, 1999

written by Christopher September 30, 1999 4 minutes read

Summary

A kart racing classic, Crash Team Racing seamlessly blends fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and the charming Crash Bandicoot universe into an unforgettable experience.

Release Year: 1999
Genres: Racing
Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable
Developers: Naughty Dog
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

Crash Team Racing brought the thrill of kart racing to the Crash Bandicoot universe, offering a unique blend of speed, strategy, and story.

Synopsis

The game’s story focuses on the efforts of Crash Bandicoot, Doctor Neo Cortex, and other characters in the Crash Bandicoot series, who must race against the egomaniacal Nitros Oxide to save the Earth from destruction. Nitros Oxide, an alien from far out space, comes to Earth and challenges Crash Bandicoot, his friends, and foes to a racing competition. He threatens to turn the world into a concrete parking lot if he wins.

In the game, players can take control of one of fifteen Crash Bandicoot series characters, though only eight are available at first. During the races, offensive and speed boosting power-ups can be used to gain an advantage. Two distinct forms of crates are scattered throughout the tracks and arenas of Crash Team Racing. Crates with question marks on them hold power-ups and weapons, which can be obtained by driving through and breaking apart said crates.

A crucial maneuver in Crash Team Racing is the power slide; the player executes the slide by holding down one of the shoulder buttons to perform a hop, and steering before the kart lands. While sliding, the “Turbo Boost Meter” on the lower-right corner of the screen fills up and goes from green to red.

Characters

Crash, Coco, Cortex, and others, each offering different racing styles and abilities.

Gameplay

Combines traditional kart racing with unique power-ups, diverse tracks, and a strategic boost system.

Conclusion

Crash Team Racing stands as a testament to Naughty Dog’s ability to innovate, creating a kart racer that is beloved by fans and critically acclaimed.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.