Crash Nitro Kart (July 29, 2003 prototype) - Exploring Boss Races

Recently, user Shadowluigi figured out how to make this prototype run on Xemu by completely disabling the audio and cutscenes from the game, as this build has issues with video files and audio playback. Since I've been waiting to research this build since it was released almost two years ago, I decided to edit the files too and explore everything. Of course, this is far from being the proper way to play, but hey at least it's playable somehow.
Even though this build might not look too early at first sight, it actually has a multitude of differences (and bugs) - early tracks, early cutscenes, early mechanics, etc. For example, it was one of the earliest prototypes to implement the Team Frenzy feature, which now replaces the Voodoo Doll. The meter takes 10 seconds to charge and also discharges if your teammate gets too far away from you, so you can basically abuse it and get unlimited power-ups throughout the races. It's also one of the first builds with Hyper Spaceway, which looks very rough here compared to the other tracks. And speaking of tracks, the majority of them have quite a lot of layout differences, which is one of the highlights here.
I'll get around the TCRF article eventually, but for now I'm prioritizing another thing first that's going to be very interesting.
Furthermore, online mode is a thing here, and it does work, surprisingly enough. You can see a quick demonstration of a LAN game via Xemu:
• (Xemu/Read Description...
0:00 - Krunk
2:33 - Nash
5:54 - Norm
9:28 - Geary
13:30 - Velo

[@markB.Heffner91]

This is really cool, I definitely think that they should’ve kept some of the prototypes in the game.
I’m honestly surprised that Velo doesn’t attack you in this version.
Overall, It looks really good, Hard to Believe that it’s been released over 20 Years Ago.

[@Josef654]

Cnk is one my favourite games of all time thank you for releasing this!

[@thebroskis6364]

This is so cool, seeing tracks that still needed work like Hyper Spaceway

[@Ninetails2000]

I kinda like the white Boss Karts more than the final versions. Most likely a remnant of each boss having their own associated kart color like the GBA version.

[@sebastianaliandkulche]

In the proto Big Norm has a boss icon. Seems that some of the CNK proto. shares a few similarities with the GBA version for some reason.
What i always wondered is, does in the final game it counts as a lose if Big Norm (or another boss minion) reach first place, the player second and the "real boss" in third place?

[@Darkaiser]

Nope, the game doesn't consider them as part of the ranking system, so they cannot win a race

[@TheSupremeKingOfCalamity]

Ok first this looks really cool it's interesting to see all the different boss race portal placements.
Second are the songs used in the video early versions of the final songs or just covers made by someone?

[@Darkaiser]

They come from the official soundtrack CD, which contains extended and custom segments by Todd Masten.

[@TheSupremeKingOfCalamity]

@@Darkaiser ok thanks. 😁

[@GigaLem]

Played this game for the first time in a few years, playing the PS2 version too. Goodness that 6th Generational jank. Though, I was thinking about getting a modded xbox to run these prototypes

[@Blockah]

15:17 How does another Velo spawn on the character/racer list on the left?

[@larrymantic2635]

It’s technically not another Velo, it’s one of those minions who races alongside in the final.

[@JamezP]

why are the bosses' icons multiplying? :o

[@EstelaBandicoott]

Pls more gameplays of this Prototype!

[@Blockah]

4:40 Hits fan, shield stays on what the eff lol
Realized you have no collision! But can still hit boxes?

[@BoredMan0]

Man the last two tracks have different minor design that where cool with android have crossroad trap rather than cleaners and velo track have flamethrower in the middle instead corners and also minions whom support at every lap
It seems they had the passion in the spirit but unfortunately never came to fruition 💔💔
CNK was my most kart crash I play as child because I lost ps1 had no access to CTR until PS3

[@JVSemLimites]

In the description you said that you had to edit files to be able to play this even if it isn't the proper way.
But do you think that we will be able to play it "the proper way" some day?

[@Darkaiser]

Yeah it's just a matter of time before the Xbox emulation solves these issues. And Xemu has been progressing well lately

[@gustavochavarria8161]

@@DarkaiserAre you here dude?

[@Legomacgamer]

what's that counter next to the coordinates

[@DCxDemo]

framerate probably

[@Legomacgamer]

@@DCxDemocnk NEVER ran that well on any platform

[@sebastianaliandkulche]

@@Legomacgamer Even though it could ran better due to emulator, i dont think there is a way to uncap the framerate.

[@BandicootWarrioR12]

👀👀👀👀👀👌🏼🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯