Crash Twinsanity

"Fully 3-D Crash game...with a side order of humor!"

For those of you out there who think that Crash Bandicoot hasn't seen a decent release since Naughty Dog lost control of the series, Twinsanity might just be the game that turns that all around. Crash is finally thrown into a fully 3-D, free-roaming environment and it really makes the bandicoot shine to be able to move around without the confines of being on a track. And not only does Twinsanity really step up the gameplay, it also adds some of the most offbeat, silly humor seen in a video game. Think Conker's Bad Fur day only more cheesy and a little less harsh. This game is not only a lot of fun, it's also extremely funny as well.

(Graphics: 8/10) Let's face it, Crash's first leap into the world of PS2 graphics wasn't a good one. The game just didn't have that flashy look that fans of the series had come to expect from it. Obviously Traveller's Tales listened to the fans on this one because the flash is back. Easily the best looking Crash Bandicoot game to date and the 3-D worlds really have that crisp look this time around. Even Crash himself looks like he belongs on the PS2. My only gripe is that the framerate of the game does dip in some areas of the game but I didn't find it terribly annoying as most of the game runs at least at 30 fps. It's just so nice to see Crash in such a vibrant world again. It's where the furry little guy belongs people.

(Sound/Music: 9/10) The first thing about Twinsanity that really impressed me was the music and the voice acting. Although Clancy Brown isn't doing the voice of Cortex anymore, the new actor does a SUPERB job in voicing the evil doctor and manages to do it in a very funny and offbeat manner. In fact all of the voice acting in this game is top shelf. But for fans of the series that miss the music of the PS1 releases, fear not. The music in Twinsanity is some of the best Crash Bandicoot music released yet. It's still got that tribal feel to it, only this time in a more silly tone that fits the humorous mood of the game. Trust me they really nailed the sound fx and music in this game. You'll be humming the tunes in your head long after you've finished playing the game.

(Gameplay: 8/10) Let me start by saying that I love the gameplay this free-roaming environment involves. But with that freedome of movement comes a price to pay. That price is the camera system. There will come quite a number of times in this game where you must be able to jump and maneauver with a terrible camera angle. And you will die. And then you will probably die again. It doesn't happen a lot, but when it does it will invoke profanity. Throughout most of the game you have the power to control and move the camera, which really works well, but in certain spots in certain levels, the camera will become uncontrollable and the pre-set camara angle just doesn't work sometimes. It's a minor flaw but one worth pointing out just the same. But having the power to roam around freely in a Crash game is worth the few flaws that come with it. Overall the control was solid and fresh feeling for a change.

(Fun: 9/10) Twinsanity may not be the best looking game ever, or may not have the most playability but what this game does have is fun. It's an absolutely hilarious game that has such an offbeat storyline that it really hooks you from the start and keeps you hooked until the credits roll. For those of you who felt the Crash series was all but lost, give this game a try. You might find yourself feeling at times like you're playing through the Crash games of old. Definately the best Crash game since Warped.

(Overall: 9/10) I had to give the game a 9 because this game has more personality than just about any game I've ever played. Traveller's Tales has finally been able to re-invent the Crash series with a fresh feeling title that finally lives up to the Crash name. And for those who have always dreamed of what it would be like to control Crash in a fully 3-D, free-roaming world, you're time has come. Enjoy!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/10/04