Toy Story Racer
A kart racer based on the Toy Story franchise.
In March 2001, Activision published Toy Story Racer, a kart racing game for the PlayStation and Game Boy Color. It was built around the first Toy Story film and created by Traveller's Tales alongside Tiertex Design Studios. Critics gave the PlayStation version broadly positive reviews, as recorded by Metacritic. The game later returned to the public via emulation.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Traveller's Tales (PS), Tiertex Design Studios (GBC)
- Publisher
- Activision
- Released
- March 2, 2001 (NA); March 23, 2001 (EU) (PS), EU, March 9, 2002 (GBC)
- Genre
- Racing
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Series
- Toy Story
- Platforms
- Game Boy Color, PlayStation
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The PlayStation and Game Boy Color versions of Toy Story Racer are distinct from each other. The PlayStation version features 12 playable characters from the first film, with Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep, and RC initially unlocked. Eight of the 12 characters must be unlocked by earning the required number of 200 soldiers collectible throughout the game, gained by competing in different race types. The Game Boy Color version starts with Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep, and Mr. Potato Head unlocked, and includes two unlockable characters: a little green man and an army soldier. The Game Boy Color version has only two race modes, Quick Race and Tournament. The PlayStation version offers a wider variety: Race, Race Tournament, Knockout Race, Knockout Race Tournaments, Lap Trial, Endurance, Collection (collecting hidden clown weebles), Target (finding and destroying hidden dart boards with weapons), Countdown Mode, Survival (finishing first without being hit by a weapon), Super Survival (same but must eliminate other toys), Tag Mode (bumping other players with a car), Smash Tag (eliminating players with weapons), Smash (defeating opponents with power-ups), and Smash Tournament (knocking out racers for points).
Release
Toy Story Racer first hit shelves in the US for PlayStation and Game Boy Color back in March 2001. Nearly a decade later, in 2010, it got a digital second life on the PlayStation Store as a PS one Classic for PS3 and PSP. That re-release landed in the US on July 27, then crossed the Atlantic for Europe on August 25. By August 29, 2012, it was also playable on the PlayStation Vita. Looking ahead, both original versions are set to return in 2026 as part of the Toy Story: Retro Roundup! compilation.
Reception
The PlayStation version received generally favorable reviews according to aggregator website Metacritic, based on 8 reviews. It was generally praised for its graphics and appeal to people of all ages. IGN stated it was aimed at young kids but surprisingly adult in detail, depth, and overall design. Tim Tracy of GameSpot remarked it was no Crash Team Racing but provided plenty of challenge for young and old alike, praising the controls for their simplicity. Kevin Rice of NextGen gave a negative review, saying it was aimed at the youngest gamers and would not impress those over 10. Jon Thompson of AllGame praised the variety but considered graphics and sound average. Johnny Liu of GameRevolution criticized over-sensitive controls and endless repetition, though he found the music decent and enjoyed some tracks, but considered Crash Team Racing superior. Aaron Curtiss of the Los Angeles Times praised the PlayStation version as superior to the GBC version, criticizing the latter as tedious with reduced tracks and modes, and noted the confusion of two different versions sharing an identical title and packaging. Four-Eyed Dragon of GamePro called the PlayStation version a decent kart with enough variety for beginners, but recommended veteran racers rent first. Thompson, reviewing the GBC version, praised the 3D graphics but noted the frame rate was low enough to disorient, and stated the game had low replay value due to lack of diverse characters, modes, and tracks. IGN's Craig Harris criticized the GBC version for lack of variety, saying it was fun only for a limited period. Frank Provo of GameSpot stated the GBC version had good replay value, believing Wacky Races and Woody Woodpecker Racing were better alternatives, but wrote that the 3D graphics and cartoon-style charm made it an excellent choice for children, Disney fans, or Game Boy fanatics who enjoy visual gimmicks. In 2019, the PlayStation version was included on IGN's list of Top 25 Favourite Kart Racers.
More in Activision Games of the 2000s
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