Crash Races onto Store Shelves

November 11, 2003, 12:24 pm EST
Total comments: 4

It's like Mario Kart, only with less Mario and more Nitro.

ON YOUR MARK...GET SET...GO...TO RETAIL STORES FOR CRASH NITRO KART

Top character-based video game franchise returns to the racetrack in latest installment from Vivendi Universal Games

LOS ANGELES (November 11, 2003) - Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced that Crash Bandicoot(r), one of the top character-based franchises in video game history has returned to the racetrack, as its newest title, Crash Nitro Kart(tm), ships to retail stores today. Showcasing beautiful next generation graphics, Crash Nitro Kart combines the best elements of classic kart-racing games by offering an excellent combination of gameplay, speed, characters, weapons and story. Developed by Albany, NY-based studio, Vicarious Visions, Crash Nitro Kart is available on PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(r) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(tm) and Game Boy(r) Advance video game system.

"With Crash Nitro Kart, our development team has created new gameplay dynamics, while maintaining the quality and innovation that has made this $700 million franchise* a huge success," said Luc Vanhal, President & COO, North America, Vivendi Universal Games. "The new Crash title introduces team play to the kart racing genre, along with injecting more strategy into the Adventure Mode, providing gamers with a truly invigorating racing experience."

In Crash Nitro Kart, the irrepressible marsupial is kidnapped by the ruthless Emperor Velo and forced to race in his galactic coliseum. Crash must race his way to victory in order to save the Earth from destruction. This won't be an easy task, as Crash must compete against foes, both new and old, before a final showdown with Velo himself.

Product Features:

Speed over 18 incredible, high-speed raceways throughout four unique worlds including jungles, volcanoes, futuristic cities, space stations and more

Multiple modes of intense multi-player action allows up to four gamers to race against each other

Arena Editor function lets gamers create fully customized Battle Arenas for action-packed multi-player battle

Awesome single player action over Adventure, Arcade and Time Trial modes offer hours of rousing game play

Devastating weapons including Homing Missiles, Mines, Tornados and more allow gamers to turn enemies into dust

Play as virtually any character in the Crash universe

Transforming karts that adapt to their environment

Rated "E" for Everyone, Crash Nitro Kart is currently available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube for a suggested retail price of $49.99; and on the Game Boy Advance for a suggested retail price of $29.99. For sales and ordering information, customers can visit www.vugames.com.

Talkback

PlugabugzNovember 11, 2003

I can cancel my Mario Kart pre-order now: I'll get this instead!

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorNovember 11, 2003

You'd think they would pick a better time to release this game. I guess mario kart could increase its sales on other consoles though, because people who don't have a gamecube but see mario kart will prolly look for an alternative..who knows.