Vivendi Universal is about to Crash out with a Bandicoot...

We've had Mario Kart and so many other racing games without much innovation, but now all that seems to be about to change as VU powers towards a big Crash with an all too familiar Bandicoot, yes, Crash Tag-Team Racing is going to hit our consoles with a blistering mix of action and white-knuckle insanity.

The full story below:

Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced the development of Crash Tag Team Racing for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube and Nintendo DS. Developed by Radical Entertainment, creators of the critically-acclaimed The Simpsons: Hit & Run, and Sensory Sweep (Nintendo DS version,) the newest addition to the best-selling video game franchise will give players a unique racing experience and allow them to continue the adventure on foot with out-of-car action. For the first time ever in a racing game, players will be able to fuse two cars together on the fly to form a super vehicle with the all-new "clashing" technology.

In Crash Tag Team Racing, players can combine their car with an opponent's mid-race to make a super-car equipped with a powerful turret gun. When clashed, players can either get behind the wheel and drive or fire an onboard weapon. Each character has his or her own uniquely deadly 360˚ rotating turret. Players can continue the action out of the car where they can explore the entire world on foot and collect upgrades for their cars and unlock bonus tracks.

Crash Tag Team Racing features split-screen multiplayer for up to eight players with system link on all consoles, and wirelessly supports up to four on the Nintendo DS.

"We're thrilled to give Crash Bandicoot fans another hilarious adventure with the irrepressible marsupial," said Ian Wilkinson, President, Radical Entertainment. "The development team showed off its ability to create a break-out vehicle-based game with The Simpsons: Hit & Run and is set to deliver another innovative and wildly fun title in Crash Tag Team Racing."

Penned by Crash Twinsanity writer Jordan Reicheck, best known for his work on Ren & Stimpy, Crash Tag Team Racing brings the trademark Crash Bandicoot humor to new levels. After being humiliated yet again by Crash Bandicoot at the end of Twinsanity, Dr. Neo Cortex returns to his evil scheming in his dilapidated Iceberg Lair. He hatches a sinister plan to challenge Crash to a seemingly friendly race competition...with plans of crushing the hapless bandicoot under the ruins of the hazardous racetrack!

Crash Tag Team Racing will be available at retail in Autumn 2005.