All Crash Team Racing Games, Ranked

If I asked you to name the top iconic kart racers of all time, you probably wouldn’t get too far before blurting out Crash Team Racing. Over the years, the series has received remasters and spin-offs that have altered and added new features to a sweet kart racing recipe. But which Crash Team Racing games deserve the top crown? Let's find out in our all Crash Team Racing games, ranked.

5. Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2 (2010)

Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2 is an iOS racing game that punches the gas on its predecessor, Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D. It does so by maintaining all that works well in the prequel, including the same zany gameplay. However, it shifts gears, introducing a new adventure across 12 unique tracks. Players take to the tracks using power-ups and weapons to outmanoeuvre opponents in explosive multiplayer action. 

You enjoy tight and solid controls despite the defamed reputation of racing on mobile games. You can even call it near-perfect for its time. However, you do have limited characters, some of whom are tossed behind difficult challenges to get through. But for the joy of racing against up to four online players in three different modes, any fault you spot quickly melts away into oblivion.

4. Crash Tag Team Racing (2005)

Alternatively, kart racing fans can also consider Crash Tag Team Racing, instead, albeit a little far back in time. It casts the perfect nostalgic shadow on how far kart racing has come, showcasing a similar calibre of entertainment the game offered back in the day. Crash Tag Team Racing is most memorable for introducing the unique twist of mixing traditional racing and vehicular combat. It makes it so that taking to the tracks isn’t just about who is the fastest to cross the finish line but also the meanest player. 

Additionally, you can tag teams as well to up the ante further. Specifically, it involves merging two karts into one to gain more racing power. While underrated, Crash Tag Team Racing has immense potential for intense, exciting gameplay. Its visuals and sound design don’t lag behind either, delivering top-notch experiences through and through. Overall, coming out of this game without letting out a gag or two is as impossible as traveling back in time.

3. Crash Nitro Kart (2003)

With full-motion videos introduced to the series for the first time ever, Crash Nitro Kart easily paves the way for kart racing fun. It features the playable characters in the Crash Bandicoot series whom you choose to race in karts. Different unique tracks keep the experience feeling fresh and fun. Moreover, you work your way up a variety of unlockables that open up new possibilities to gain more speed while racing.

Unfortunately, Crash Nitro Kart misses a mark or two in speed, innovation and value. It looks and feels sluggish, which is not a word you want to hear in a racing game. Still, it has lots to offer in the way of fun game modes and silly, action-packed racing. It’s also challenging enough to keep playing, if only to realize the best version of yourself you can be. Furthermore, it features the power-slide mechanic that pulls you in to want to execute it again and again. Overall, though, its mixed reviews don’t help it along on this list.

2. Crash Team Racing (1999)

The OG, Crash Team Racing, deserves props just for ushering in Crash and his goons into the world of kart racing. With nine local game modes at the start, fans have lots to keep them busy, even by themselves. Notably, the adventure mode packs an immersive, decently lengthy story mode that keeps you engaged. You can have friends and family join in the fun as well in multiplayer, even transcending online competitions. 

From Time Trial, Arcade, Versus, and Battle, each mode, in addition to Adventure mode, has something special to offer. You select from eight charming characters and guide them across memorable stages. Visuals don’t disappoint, either, with stunning graphics for their time. Controls as well heed your command to a T, responding with precision and intuitively. 

Racing isn’t the only objective. You grab weapons and items to boost your speed while racing. Meanwhile, you crank up the Turbo Boost Meter as much as you can by performing slick slide manoeuvres. Fill it up, and you can take advantage of cruising past opponents (or catching up to them) at breakneck speed. 

With each character showing off different skills on the track, a lot of thought goes into the ‘before’ and ‘during’ of racing quests. Crash Team Racing features plenty of innovation for its time, so it’s no surprise a remaster was released recently. Yet despite the remaster, the original still remains a classic, even today. 

1. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (2019)

Among all Crash Team Racing games, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled takes the top spot. True, it’s a remaster of 1999’s Crash Team Racing, but it does well to add lots of new content. You’ll still find most of the original’s characters, tracks, power-ups, weapons, game modes, and controls. However, you also enjoy new karts and tracks revamped for the modern day.

It’s challenging, constantly pushing you to race faster and faster. It’s also incredibly responsive, with deep drift mechanics to awe over. Yet even with every top-notch gameplay element it presents, it stays true to its remaster roots. You do feel like a child again, racing a remaster that embodies the spirit and charming foundations of classic Crash Team Racing. 

So, if you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane but hate to fumble with outdated hardware, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled has got you covered. And while at it, you’ll enjoy extra content in brand-new cutscenes, more difficulty settings, and customizable karts to dash your way to victory.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our ranking of all Crash Team Racing games of all time? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.