Status:
Complete and Play Tested
----------------------------------
Crash Tag Team Racing Platinum (PS2) Review
🏁 Gameplay & Mechanics
Crash Tag Team Racing blends traditional kart racing with platforming and combat elements. The unique mechanic that sets it apart is the "clashing" system, where players can merge vehicles mid-race with AI or other players to form a heavily armed super-kart, allowing one player to drive while the other mans a turret.
Racing is decent but not as tight or skill-based as traditional kart racers like Mario Kart or even earlier Crash Team Racing entries. The platforming sectionsused for unlocking new areas, collecting coins, and finding secretsoffer variety, though controls feel a bit stiff during these segments.
🌍 Modes & Features
The game includes a story-driven Adventure mode, allowing players to explore large hub worlds, complete platforming challenges, and unlock new characters and karts. There's also split-screen multiplayer, time trials, and various mini-games. While the variety is appreciated, not all modes feel fully fleshed out.
🎭 Humor & Style
The humor is distinctly Crash Bandicootoffbeat, slapstick, and filled with absurd one-liners. Cutscenes and interactions with characters like Cortex and Nina are entertaining and often the highlight of the game. The game embraces a zany cartoon vibe that leans heavily into self-aware comedy.
🎨 Graphics & Presentation
Visually, the game uses a bright, colorful palette with chunky character models and exaggerated environments. The animation is expressive, and the hub worlds have their own quirky charm. However, on the PS2, some textures look muddy, and frame rate dips are noticeable during busier sequences.
🔊 Sound & Music
The soundtrack is lively and fits the chaotic tone of the game, with each track matching the theme of its environment. Voice acting is energetic and contributes to the games comedic feel, although repeated dialogue during races can become annoying.
Pros
-
Creative vehicle-clashing mechanic
-
Engaging hub worlds and platforming sections
-
Humorous character interactions
-
Variety of game modes and unlockables
-
Family-friendly tone
Cons
Racing mechanics lack precision and depth
Platforming controls feel loose
Frame rate issues in dense scenes
Repetitive audio cues and sound bites
Not as competitive or polished as other kart racers
🏁 Final Verdict
Crash Tag Team Racing offers a creative twist on the kart racing genre by merging exploration, humor, and chaotic combat. It doesn't reach the heights of Crash Team Racing or genre leaders, but it delivers a fun and quirky ride for fans of the Crash universe, especially younger players or those looking for a more laid-back racing experience.
Score: 7 / 10
Recommendation:
Worth playing for Crash fans and families
Skip if you're looking for tight, competitive kart racing
