We aren’t sure why Activision held Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled reviews back until launch day – critics are smitten by Beenox’s latest retro revamp.
The consensus is that it’s the best kart racer to grace the PS4 and Xbox One in aeons, even though it’s not without fault – a few examples of dated track design hold it back. Thankfully, the new online modes and customisations options go a long way to make it feel modern in other areas.
IGN notes the Switch version is a “bit more jagged†but was ultimately impressed with its overall performance, claiming that “this fast kart racer still runs well.â€
We’ve rounded up a smattering of reviews below:
5/5 – GamesRadar: This faithful recreation of the once king of kart racers means Crash Team Racing has seized the throne once more, with enough content and a high skill ceiling to keep players returning for years.
9/10 – TheSixthAxis: First there was the N. Sane Trilogy and now there’s Nitro-Fuelled. Activision’s Crash Team Racing rebirth is more than a quick cash grab – Beenox has modernised an all-time classic with such evident passion, making this the best kart racing game we’ve seen on PlayStation or Xbox for many, many years.
88% – Xbox Achievements: If you already hold the original CTR in high regard, then you’ll see Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled for what it is – a gorgeous and lovingly made update that serves as a welcome reminder of when Crash was the kart racing king.
8.2 – IGN: Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled’s difficulty, memorable track design, and addictive power-slide mechanic make it a kart racer worth playing but it’s not without its frustrations.
8/10 – GameInformer: Crash Team Racing is every bit as good now as it was back in the day. Naughty Dog created something special with the boosting system, and I urge everyone who enjoys arcade racers of this variety to give it a shot. Beenox’s enhancements only make it better.
7/10 – Push Square: A jam-packed remake that looks and sounds brilliant, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a lovingly crafted remake of a much beloved kart racer. Online play and customisation bring it kicking and screaming into the 21st century, but for as fun as the zippy racing is, it sticks perhaps a little too closely to the original model.
Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled is out now on PS4, Xbox One and Switch.