this is, in my opinion, the best kart racer of all time. it's not even like anything else comes close for me. it does every single thing correctly. this game's track variety, the soundtrack, the infamous hidden mechanics, character selection, post-game content -- it's all just the best the genre has to offer. it's so technically sound and feels fresh even though it's been remastered and followed by two full sequels in Crash Nitro Kart (audience gets a little excited) and Crash Tag Team Racing (audience groans).

the only -- and i mean only -- perceivable flaw it has is that a good player is completely unable to lose to a bad player. if you know what you're doing on this game and you go a few races with someone who's only ever played mario kart, you're going to dust them beyond belief. if you know what you're doing on this game, you're practically invincible to items and stage hazards... which, for me, i think it's what really emboldens my love for the whole game. it rewards mastery. there's shortcuts in this game that -- i, with thousands of hours spent on here -- still don't nail every single time. to others seeking a casual kart racer -- as the genre is intended -- they might be soured by the fact getting incredible item RNG won't completely level the playing field.

god, this game rocks