Coming off the heels of the recent PS1-era remakes Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, publisher Activision is prepping the comeback for another classic game from the 32-bit age. Making its debut at The Game Awards 2018, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a remake of the original PS1 kart racer, originally developed by Naughty Dog. Now developed by Beenox and set for release on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled brings one of the more remarkable kart racing games that isn't called Mario Kart into the HD era, showing off more of the Crash series' brand of style and humor.
Launching on June 21, 2019, the developers wanted to give the original a modern look with the remake, while also keeping the core gameplay of drifting along tight tracks as you fire off powerful weapons against other racers intact. With all the tracks and characters from the original making a return, Nitro-Fueled also introduces some additional features including online gameplay, new character and kart customization options, and expanded co-op features. In an interview with Beenox' Co-Studio Head Thomas Wilson prior to the reveal, he talked about his respect for the Crash series, and how the developers sought to remain faithful for this remake.
Built from the ground up, the remake plans to continue the same level of vibrancy and respect that's been a constant from the previous Activision remakes. Instead of platforming, the action moves to fast-paced and hectic races across several tracks modeled after different levels from the Crash Bandicoot series. Though the original CTR was undeniably influenced by Mario Kart, it also featured a full-fledged story mode, taking your chosen character to battle against other racers and bosses--including the big bad Nitrous Oxide--across several challenging tracks.
At launch, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled will go for $40. However, there will also be a deluxe release with the Nitros Oxide Edition, going for $60. In addition to the full game, the Nitros Oxide Edition will unlock the titular boss character and his unusual kart at the beginning of the game--the standard version requires normal progression through the game to unlock. Moreover, there will be added character and kart skins for Crash, Coco, Cortex, and other characters to use.
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