Crash Nitro Kart

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Game Information
Name: Crash Nitro Kart
Genre: Racing
Release Date: November 11, 2003
Developers: Vicarious Arts
Publishers: Konami
Age rating: Everyone
Modes: Single-player, Multi-player
Console(s):
Plot
The game begins with both Crash Bandicoot and his friends, as well as Cortex and his evil team being teleported from their homes to a giant coliseum somewhere in the universe. An alien who rules the galaxy tells them that he needs them to race to amuse the natives or he will destroy Earth, however, the winning team will be returned to Earth if they agree to race. They all accept and begin racing over multiple planets against professional racers who they defeat until they also defeat the galaxy racing champion who is the ruler of the galaxy. He demands a re-match and when he is defeated again, the racers are finally permitted back to Earth.

Gameplay
This basic objective of this game is to race against eight opponents and win the race by crossing the finish line first, however, this is not always the case as there are seven different game modes which the player can choose from. There is obviously the adventure mode where the player plays through the storyline. As well as this there are two different types of time trial modes where the player can practise on all of the games different tracks which they have unlocked. There is also a quick race mode which pretty much explains itself, this allows the player to pick a track, character and the rules of the race to suit his/her own preferences. The other three game modes are called relic race, team race and cup tournament. Relic race is a variety of different mini-games, whereas team race is where the player selects a character from a team to control and his computer controlled team works together to reach the finish line before the other team. Finally there is cup tournament where the player earns points through finishing in high places throughout a selection of maps to earn enough points by the end to earn a place on the podium. There are also a variety of battle modes which allow the player to play free-for-all objective based games. This game features a wide variety of racing moves a player can complete in a race such as drifting, jumping, accelerating and using special power-ups to enhance the players performance. During races, players can crash through wooden crates which can provide the player with bonuses, weapons to deter the enemies, power-ups to help the player and his team as well as speed boosts.

Graphics
When this game was released in 2003, the graphics were considered to be typically great like every other Crash game released in the past. As always, the game is very bright and colourful with attention drawing actions everywhere the player looks. This animated game has a steady frame-rate and a clean texture which helps the game run as smoothly as it does. The games graphics are very impressive during cut-scenes which look even better than the in-game graphics. Unlike older games, there are no real issues with camera angles in this instalment which is a very big plus. Overall, great graphics, as usual for games in this series.


Controls
This game has very good controls which will suit a completely inexperienced gamer as well as a veteran player. The game is simple to play with easy controls to simple accelerate, turn and use power-ups, however it takes a lot of skill to be able to perfect some of the features in the game such as hopping, drifting and speed boosts. To master the controls and play the game at its full potential, it will take a very knowledgeable gamer or a lot of time and effort put into learning the controls.

Ratings (Personal)
Plot: 4/10
Game play: 6/10
Graphics: 8/10
Controls: 8/10
Overall: 7/10