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Crash Tag Team Racing Mini Review
Chris Leyton
25/11/2005
TVG gets dizzy with Crash in this looney karting adventure title...
Crash the crazed and loony marsupial that refuses to go away is back for more racing action, however to describe Crash Tag Team Racing as merely a racer would be doing the game a massive injustice.
Crash Tag Team Racing finds Crash and the team at Ebenezer Von Clutchâs racing park, recently described as the most hazardous place on Earth. Since losing the parkâs power gems and his own Black Heart Power Gem, Von Clutch has slowly been loosing his composure and ability to control the park slipping into disrepair and decay. Desperate for the gems return, Von Clutch proposes the deeds to the park to whoever can collect the missing gemsâ¦
Wrongly believing Crash Tag Team Racing to be no more then a kart racer, itâs fair to say the marsupialâs return got overlooked with the recent release of Mario Kart DS. Thankfully the recent PSP release has provided the opportunity to check out the game, which surprisingly provides a fun and compelling experience.
The theme park acts as a HUB to the game, split into different themed stages with a variety of challenges in each to successfully complete. A large part of the game revolves around traditional Crash platforming action; smashing crates, collecting coins, power crystals and cars along with unlocking more goodies then a kid in a sweetshop. Fun mini-games such as bowling, duck shooting and many more provide a constant source of variation, whilst 34 Die-O-Ramas are scattered across the park to collect, each depicting Crashâs many amusing demises with a quick cut-scene. Admittedly the traditional camera/control issues that typically thwart the Crash series make a return; however Crash Tag Team Racing is very much a game that's very much well-rounded.
A number of race gates are located in the various themed stages, each offering a wide number of racing challenges, from traditional races, crashing into as many obstacles as possible, shooting trackside objects and moving cars. The most innovative feature to be found within the game makes an appearance during the racing sections in the form of clashing; here two vehicles close to one another will merge into one at the touch of a button, putting players in control of a powerful target whilst the computer character drives â“ although this order can always be swapped around. Each character has an individual clashed weapon such as Crashâs Wumpa Gun or Neo Cortexâs Chargeable Energy Beam, whilst the staple ingredients such as power-ups, speed boosts and powerslides all feature within the game. Unsurprisingly it is a little rough around the edges compared to the likes of Mario Kart DS, lacking refinement and is perhaps a little bit too easy for even the target audience itâs trying to attract.
So despite the individual misgivings itâs surprising to find Crash Tag Team Racing very much a game whose sum is far greater then its parts. The platforming and racing action combines to create an enthralling blend, with plenty of challenges, diversity and fun. The loose structure between the two aspects creates a very fluid experience, which in turn creates a very accessible and forgiving gameplay dynamic; as a result at times the game can leave players feeling slightly bewildered, unsure exactly what has been done and what hasnât, however the basic premise remains to collect as many crystals as possible along with coins to unlock everything the game has to offer.
Crash Tag Team Racing invariably attempts to be a funny videogame, however this is very much down to individual taste. Itâs a really crazy game, in fact Crash is bordering on deranged this time around, however that doesnât always equate to amusing and itâs likely that many of the Die-O-Ramas and other such features will begin to grate after awhile. The game however is packed full of smart little touches; civilians walk around the park often with strange things to say, whilst the ninja penguins squaring up for a fight is always an entertaining sight to see. Ultimately if youâre a fan of the Tex Avery style youâll appreciate the style that runs throughout Crash Tag Team Racing, otherwise collecting every one of the Die-O-Ramas may become more of a hindrance above all else.
One particular issue of the PSP version not featured in the home consoles is the intrusive load times that inhibit the pickup-and-play nature of the game, almost detracting from the seamless blend between both aspects of the game. That said Crash Tag Team Racing does seem to suit the handhelds and comes as a worthwhile title to those desperately looking for games this Christmas.
Crash Tag Team Racing is hardly likely to set the videogame world alight, however it does prove to be far more entertaining prospect then we originally thought. Admittedly broken down into its individual aspects Crash Tag Team Racing comes up a little short, however the overall game gels the pieces together to create an entertaining experience for young and old alike. Donât ask me why but I actually found myself coming back to this game and playing for far longer then I should have.
