Topic: Crash Races onto Store Shelves

[WindyMan]

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.

[Plugabugz]

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

[Pale]

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.

[vudu]

i was actually coming here to post the exact same thing as palezer0, minus the insight on other consoles' sales.

[Koopa Troopa]

I wonder if they'll blame poor GCN sales on the GCN or Mario Kart...