The first thing we should point out is that the PSP version is a direct port of the PlayStation 2 version that we reviewed in October. Whilst some people may be disappointed to hear this, the fact that the developers could squeeze the entire game onto the PSP is an impressive feat in itself.
In the game Cortex challenges Crash to a race at a theme park, with the intention of destroying Crash once and for all. It's a very straightforward storyline that takes Crash through worlds like a fairytale land and a world of roaming dinosaurs. The game also isn't strictly a kart racing game, and about 30% of the game consists of platforming segments to collect coins and gems. It just feels like the developer (Radical Entertainment, who developed The Simpsons: Hit and Run) didn't think the kart racing was deep enough; the game actually does benefit from two gameplay modes but it can be about half an hour into the game before you race.
Just crate hey?
The adventure mode is where most of the single player aspect of the game lies. The adventure mode is broken up into five worlds and there are a variety of race modes in each world. In total there are five different game modes including race, crashinator, rolling thunder, fast lap and run and gun. There are also special tracks littered around the adventure mode that have special events. In addition to this there are also mini games scattered around the adventure mode, so there is plenty to do and a lot of variety in the game overall.
Aside from gems and coins which are collected in the adventure mode, one of the more trivial additions to the adventure mode are the Die-A-Ramas. There over thirty five Die-A-Ramas in the game. When Crash dies creatively a small cut-scene will play showing his death; this is called a Die-A-Rama, and one of the aims for the player is to "unlock" all the Die-A-Ramas. One such example is when Crash falls into the water, and sharks begin to circle him and eat him.
One of the main advantages of getting the PSP version over the console versions is that the PSP version supports wireless multiplayer for up to eight players. This is a really good addition and the game is definitely more exciting in multiplayer. If you own the PlayStation 2 version of the game as well then you can link the PSP up to the console with the PSP USB cable and this will unlock some battle arenas and new vehicles. Once again this is a rather trivial addition but it's a good bonus because it wasn't something we were expecting.
When did Crash start collecting coins?
The game also doesn't play out like a traditional cart racer and you have the ability to "clash" with another vehicle. At any stage during a race you're able to press a button to clash with another vehicle and when this happens both you and your opponants cars merge together into one car, when this is done you take control of weapons such as cannons, rocket launchers and shotguns to eliminate the other characters. You can also switch so you're doing the driving while your opponant shoots at the other drivers.
The clashing feature works surprisingly well, and is a great addition to the game that seperates it from its spiritual predecessor. However, sometimes the clashing can be a bit advantageous and it is often much more beneficial to clash with another opponant than to race. There is no limit to the amount of times you can clash, so sometimes it is simply a case of clashing from one vehicle to another.
Radical Entertainment have done a good job in ensuring the races are fun and the platforming segments are entertaining. If there is one complaint we'd have it is that the game is a little linear. There is only really one way to complete the game, and sometimes it can be a bit confusing where you're expected to go, even though the game tries to direct you. Make no mistakes, the gameplay isn't that challenging and it isn't deep, but it is genuinely good fun.
However, the shallow gameplay can be a disadvantage as well, because once the game is complete there isn't too much motivation to come back to it. Unlocking everything the game offers will take a fair while, but once it is done it is done. The main adventure game is over extremely quickly, which is a huge disappointment and after this there is only the multiplayer to come back to.
Ready, aim, fire
The PSP port does have a few problems though that bring the quality of the game down a little. The loading in the game is simply ridiculous; and some of the worst we've encountered in a PSP game yet. Just getting into the game can take a couple of minutes and then you have to wait for the race menu to load and then finally the actual race, we're disappointed by how long we had to wait to get into the game and this definitely takes away from the pick up and playability of the game. The camera will also sometimes get in the way and it isn't as easy to rotate the camera, we don't remember having many camera problems with the console versions; so this is disappointing.
Graphically the game looks fairly good. Radical have done a good job in making the characters look detailed enough to suffice, but the graphics never feel amazing. The track design is clever, but not absurd like some of the tracks in Crash Nitro Kart. All of the tracks look good as well and are bright and colourful. There are a few problems with the visuals at times though; sometimes the environments will look flat but overall the game looks very good.
The sound in the game is fairly formulaic, and is all sounds we've heard before. At times the game can throw some humour at you, although it quickly becomes repetitive. The sound effects have never been memorable in Crash Bandicoot games, and the tradition has stayed alive with this game.
The adventure mode isn't very lengthy either and can be completed within six hours if you're just breezing through the game. There are a few mini games in the adventure mode but it's unlikely you'll return to these after you've collected all the gems in the game. The multiplayer is the part of the game that will have you playing after the adventure mode ends.
Crash Tag Team Racing just isn't as enjoyable on the PSP. The loading and camera issues really do detract from the overall quality of the game and as such the game just isn't as impressive. However, after a few rather average Crash Bandicoot titles we can honestly say this game is a step in the right direction. If you enjoyed the game on the consoles but would rather take this game portable then the adventure mode is enjoyable, but it won't last nearly as long as you'd hope, even with all the loading.
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