Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled will finally have cart and character customization for the first time in the series. The remastered version of Crash Team Racing for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch was announced at the 2018 Game Awards.
The original Crash Team Racing took place in the universe of Crash Bandicoot, with characters from that franchise racing against the villainous Nitros Oxide to save the planet from destruction. The game allowed players to choose one of 15 Crash Bandicoot characters to race carts on a variety of tracks, which also included power-ups and speed boosters. Crash Bandicoot remains a popular video game franchise, with the first three titles already having been remastered for PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One as the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. The remastered trilogy proved so popular on the Nintendo Switch that it was one of the fastest-selling games on that console.
Now Crash Team Racing returns as Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, which is a remaster of the original 1999 title. However, this time, the game looks a little different: Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled will feature both cart and character customization for the first time. Players will now be able to change out their cart bodies, wheels and paint jobs, as well as add stickers and decals. Carts from Crash Tag Team Racing will also be available, furthering the range of options for fans of the series.
Players will be able to customize their racers through character skins from Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. There will also be new podium animations to celebrate victories. To earn customization items, characters can play through the game’s Adventure Mode, as well as collect in-game Wumpa coins. Character stats will also return, and the game will allow players to access beginner, intermediate and advanced racing classes.
Crash Bandicoot is seeing a bit of a resurgence, particularly after its developer, Naughty Dog, had characters in Uncharted 4 playing the game. It’s true that Crash never actually went away, and fans are happy about seeing the characters from its universe returning to the spotlight with these remasters. However, these are just a warm-up for the main event: Activision has plans to release new Crash Bandicoot games within the next five years. There is no better time to be a Crash Bandicoot, or more specifically a Crash Team Racing, fan.
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