10 Hidden Mechanics That Totally Change Video Games

Racing games tend to be full of hidden exploits that separate the casual players from the pros, who turn the game into a crazy battle royale for timekeeping. Mario Kart has scores of these kinds of techniques, but there is another racing game that deserves recognition for implementing one of the best in the genre: Crash Team Racing.

Since release, the game quickly built a strong community of speedrunners, who searched CTR for new exploits to beat it as fast as possible. The most powerful mechanic they found was the infinite boost technique - also called Blue Flame or Blue Fire.

The name is pretty self-explanatory visually, but the execution requires a deeper dive into gameplay. See, CTR uses a hidden reserve bar for boost, which is filled by powersliding, allowing the player to use turbo more consistently.

However, by using one of the game's items, the Super Engine, and then rapidly tapping the acceleration button before its effect ends, you can fill up the reserves bar to a near infinite extent and boost yourself indefinitely. Chaining together timed boosts around corners also maxes out the hidden bar, but its effects will only stay if your timing remains EXACT for the whole race.