Crash Bandicoot

"Not as good as the two Playstation sequels due to a stupid save system, small moveset and a lack of level variety - still good fun though"

Crash Bandicoot was a game released by Naughty Dog on the Playstation as the first of a series of games. It's a 3D platformer that often delves in to the 2.5D realm.

The story of the game goes that Dr Neo Cortex is experimenting on various animals with his Evolo-Ray. He tries experimenting on Crash, but things go wrong. Crash escapes and ends up being washed up on to a beach, only to find out he has to travel back to Dr N's hideout to save his girlfriend Tawna, shut down Dr. N's factories and stop Dr N. On the way he has to defeat Dr N's other experiments which include the insane Ripper Roo and hyper-muscular Koala Kong, as well as the chief of a local tribe Papu Papu and some of Dr. N's underlings.

The gameplay consists of two different types of levels. One type is a very linear 3D platforming level which usually consists of you walking forwards along a thin strip of platform. Another type of level is a side on 2.5D-ish level where, although at times you can move in and out, for the most part you'll be moving much like in a traditional 2D platormer.

Levels consist mainly of hazards that you must get past whether these be platforms that fall if you're on them too long, pits that you must jump over, numerous timed traps that you must only go near when they're off or obstacles that you must avoid at all costs. In fact though there are a lot of enemies, usually they're the least of your concerns as you try to time getting past numerous different traps in without getting hit.

The gameplay is generally quite fun and very challenging, though I do have a few problems with it. One problem is the controls. The game is operated by the D-pad which works well for the 2.5D levels, but could be improved on for the 3D levels as sometimes the D-pad holds back accuracy on some of the more tricky jumps. Another thing I would have liked to see is more complexity in the moveset – Crash can run, jump and perform a spin attack…and that's it. Considering the VERY linear gameplay it would have been nice to have a more complex moveset.

The save mechanic, though rather unique, is unique for all the wrong reasons. How it works is that every three levels or so there are 3 tokens hidden in the level – if you collect all three then you enter a short bonus level. You have one opportunity to complete the bonus level and you only get to save if you complete it. Should you fail then you must make it through a few more levels to reach another opportunity to save. This save system is more than ridiculous and will be the reason that you'll end up repeating some levels quite a few times.

The level design is far from perfect though is still quite good. There's a bit of variety in what you do, though more variety would be appreciated. Levels include normal platforming, running from a rolling boulder, travelling along thin planks which regularly fall, avoiding traps whilst travelling on moving platforms, riding a running hog and running fast through a dark level due to your portable light getting weaker – a nice variety but more would have been appreciated. The themes of the level definitely don't vary enough – the only non-boss level themes are forests, a stream, bridges, a castle, a cave and the inside of a machinery plant…this doesn't sound TOO bad until you remember that over half the levels are the forest theme.

The graphics are fantastic if you consider that this game was released early on in the Playstation's lifetime. The only thing that could really be a lot better is Crashes character model which looks quite blocky at the moment. The music isn't particularly good. The main musical theme consists of a tune with bongos in the background and is bland and very repetitive – two features that apply to most of the in game music. The sound is also rather unimpressive as the grunts and squeals will get on your nerves and the voice acting is stupid and hard to make-out.

The game will only take you a couple days to complete as it is very short. I don't think most people will return to collect everything as it is both difficult and frustrating to do, but the option is there for the highly skilled.

Crash Bandicoot is certainly a good game, but isn't as good as its two PSX sequels. If you enjoy platformers you should definitely give it a look, but be aware that various things are mildly archaic (like the controls) and the variety is sometimes lacking.

Gameplay = 7/10
Graphics = 9/10
Music/Sound = 3.5/10
Final Score = 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 04/07/08

Game Release: Crash Bandicoot (EU, November 1996)