“CTR: Crash Team Racing” is a kart racing video game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the Sony PlayStation (PSX). It was released in 1999 and quickly gained popularity for being one of the best kart racing games of its time. CTR was the first Crash Bandicoot game to feature multiplayer racing and marked the entrance of the beloved Crash Bandicoot franchise into the racing genre.
Gameplay: “CTR: Crash Team Racing” follows the kart racing formula popularized by games like Mario Kart. Players control characters from the Crash Bandicoot universe, each with their own unique attributes and abilities, as they race through various tracks filled with obstacles, power-ups, and shortcuts. The game features a story mode where players must race against the nefarious Nitros Oxide to save the world, as well as an arcade mode for quick races.
One of the standout features of CTR is the “Adventure Mode,” where players can explore a hub world, race in different areas, and challenge bosses to progress through the game. Winning races and completing challenges earn players collectible letters that eventually spell out “CTR,” unlocking additional challenges and races.
The game’s power-up system, known as “Wumpa Fruit,” allows players to gather items like missiles, bombs, and shields to gain an advantage or hinder opponents. The well-designed tracks, filled with twists, turns, and shortcuts, contribute to the game’s strategic and competitive nature.
Characters: “CTR” features a roster of iconic Crash Bandicoot characters, each with their own set of stats affecting attributes such as speed and turning ability. Players can choose from characters like Crash Bandicoot, Coco Bandicoot, Dr. Neo Cortex, Tiny Tiger, and more.
Graphics and Sound: For its time, CTR showcased impressive graphics on the PlayStation hardware. The colorful and vibrant visuals, combined with smooth animation and detailed character models, contributed to the game’s appeal. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Josh Mancell, features catchy tunes that complement the fast-paced racing action.
Legacy: “CTR: Crash Team Racing” is often regarded as one of the best kart racing games on the original PlayStation. It achieved critical acclaim for its engaging gameplay, robust multiplayer options, and the successful integration of the Crash Bandicoot universe into a different genre. The game’s success led to the creation of the “Crash Nitro Kart” series and, eventually, a highly anticipated remake titled “Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled,” released in 2019 for modern platforms, showcasing the enduring legacy and popularity of the original CTR.
