Anyone with a fondness for video games in the late 90’s is very likely familiar with Crash Bandicoot. This animal of jeans and big sneakers who loved to run, break boxes and pick apples has starred in a series of platform titles that have earned him the affection of many fans. So many years later, Crash is living a second golden age either by jumping all over the place or getting behind the wheel of a car.
On June 21, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled hits the market, a remastering of the racing games Crash Team Racing (1999) and Crash Nitro Kart (2003) that not only updates the original material, but also expands and enriches it . Activision and Beenox have come up with a product that will satisfy both Crash nostalgic and first-time acquaintances and promises hours of fun, heart-stopping drifts and frenzied competition for the podium.
After testing it (a little look, nothing more) we were able to interview Beenox co-director, Thomas Wilson , to answer some of the questions and curiosities that we were left with. We start engines!
Was it difficult to work with such a beloved and well-known character as Crash Bandicoot?
Yes, it is always a challenge, but we like it. It is a challenge because it is a game that people love , but working in the same vein as the original game they have the opportunity to play again with the same characters as before and also in the same game, since we bring together characters of different titles and give them we provide personality and much more animation .
Could anything be salvaged from the development of the original games or were they rebuilt from start to finish?
Our main goal has been authenticity. We needed to make sure that the tracks would stay the same, with the same measurements and the same controls , which is why it is played exactly the same as in the original game. We compare both games with engineers to achieve the same feeling for the user. That said, we have had the opportunity to add points to the original experience so we are adding other content from Crash Nitro Cars , both in tracks, battles or characters . Now you can customize your car, bodies and wheels, and many more details that can perform different tasks within the game. This is something new within Crash Team Racing , we are also adding seasonal content that we just presented at E3, the Grand Prix , which will be released after the launch of the title. So we are doing a lot of new things, but on top of the remastered original game .
In this type of karting game, is it difficult to find the balance between the fidelity in the driving experience and the crazy competition with sabotage and explosive items?
It is true that we have included a lot of animation and customization of the characters, as well as details to achieve the “Adventure mode”, but it is precisely what we are looking for with this is that the user enjoy the race, but also be able to pay attention to around you and notice the details adding much more humor and fun to the game .
Will the player find the same things as in the original titles or have you reserved any surprises?
Yes, there are many things, starting with the Adventure mode . We knew that fans would probably want to play the adventure mode as it was before, so there are two options: the classic version, where you can select a character and simply race with the base car you select and on the other, a new version, where You can customize the character or vehicle at any time , customizing, for example, the car when you unlock game items. We have created, for this, a new progressive system in which players have a large number of customization elements each time they complete something so that when they win a trophy they get a reward, collect a relic, etc.
In this way, it is necessary for the user to understand the “cut” mechanisms that are essential in Crash Team Racing , for this, we have added what we call the natural wheels that will make the wheels become “sad” when it is time to press the ” booze ” button. Thus, players will understand when, or how, they have to use the “cut” mechanic.
One of the most popular novelties is the possibility of customizing both the car and the character, but how important is this element in the game?
It’s so much fun! Users will have many opportunities to express themselves . It is important to mention that all customization is purely aesthetic, it does not affect the performance of the character when you are competing. We have beginner characters, intermediate characters, advanced characters, but apart from that, it does not matter what type of clothes you wear, or the color of your car, everything is purely aesthetic , so it is much easier and fun for players to express themselves. without affecting your competition. Already, during the race, the user can unlock items by playing in Adventure mode, or you can also get unique items through the “pit stop”, which is the same as a virtual store, where you can unlock items. So everything can be improved in the game and you get it while you are racing.
For example, if you play a battle or if you go to the adventure mode, you will be rewarded with ” wombocoins “, the ” wombocoins ” are a virtual currency to unlock objects in the “pit stop” . You collect them and then you can unlock things as you play.
One of the details that most caught our attention when we tested the demo is that the AI (the competitors managed by the console) is a very good driver and does not make it easy for the player. How was the design of these challenging rivals?
We classify Crash Team Racing as an easy game to learn, but difficult to master . Anyway, in the “adventure mode”, we have added the “easy mode” for those who found the original game difficult, or even for players who want to have an easier experience so that you can just play and have fun. .
We give everyone a chance to win, but the moment they start to increase the difficulty or if they compete online, that is where the skill of the most expert players will be seen. Here would come into play how they use the mechanics of “cutting” powers, but this requires skills and a lot of practice. It’s a game that the more you practice, the better you will be!
Does the game use an ‘Unreal’ engine or your own?
Crash Team Racing was built with the same engine as “its predecessor” , so our goal was to find the right balance between the amount of detail that we could add to achieve maximum performance and that could be enjoyed without problems in each of the races. platforms. It’s a great engine as we’ve made sure the game looks good in the end .
