Revving Up Retro Fun: A Look Back at Crash Team Racing's Iconic Kart Models on PS1

The late '90s were a time of great change for the gaming industry. As 3D graphics began to become more mainstream, developers like Naughty Dog and Electronic Arts (EA) were quick to jump on the bandwagon with innovative titles that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

Among these groundbreaking releases was Crash Team Racing (CTR), an adrenaline-fueled kart racing game that would go down in history as one of Sony's most beloved PS1 exclusives. Released in October 1999, CTR offered a fresh take on the popular Mario Kart formula, transplanting it to the wacky world of crashy cartoon chaos.

But beyond its addictive gameplay and charming graphics lies another aspect of Crash Team Racing that still holds up today: its diverse cast of lovable kart models. From the titular hero himself to his motley crew of eccentric co-racers, each character brings a unique personality to the track.

For die-hard fans of retro gaming or anyone looking for a nostalgic blast from the past, here's an in-depth look at some of Crash Team Racing's most iconic and beloved kart models that still rev up nostalgia today:

1. Crash Bandicoot

The face (literally) of both Crash Team Racing and its series namesake, this marsupial menace is easily one of the game's most recognizable characters. With his signature orange furdoctored into a pair of shades and an equally cool attitude to match, Crash speeds around tracks with ease - as long as he doesn't crash into anything first.

2. Cortex

The main antagonist behind Naughty Dog's beloved platformer series, Doctor Neo Cortex is back in all his villainous glory on wheels (literly). With a wicked grin plastered across his face and an army of robots at his disposal, don't underestimate this mad scientist when he gets behind the wheel - especially not if you're driving one of those pesky hover karts.

3. Nitros Oxide

A former rival turned ally in Crash Bandicoh's adventures through space-time (long story), Oxide brings an alien twist to CTR with his sleek, purple-and-silver ride that can reach speeds faster than light itself - well almost but you get the idea! He may not be as famous as some other characters on this list yet he remains one heck of a fun guy to race against!

4. Doctor N. 'Nitros'

5. Nitro Kart's own Polar Bear

6. Crunch Bandicoot

Crash team racing ps1 kart models