Best Crash Bandicoot Games, Ranked

As a long-time gamer who has spent countless hours navigating through various virtual worlds, I can confidently say that the Crash Bandicoot series holds a special place in my heart. Having played each game since their release on the original PlayStation, I’ve seen the evolution of our furry hero and the challenges he’s faced along the way.

As a child who spent countless hours on my PlayStation, there’s no denying that Crash Bandicoot holds a special place in my heart. The series is not just limited to the initial three platformers and the racing spin-off; it has ventured into various other realms as well. From multiplayer games to mobile adaptations and eventually a true successor to the original trilogy, this furry marsupial has embarked on an intriguing odyssey.

This list showcases the best Crash Bandicoot games throughout its gaming journey, highlighting both the timeless classics and the more recent releases. It offers a comparison between them, shedding light on lesser-known games that some fans might not have encountered before.

Since they only vary in minor physical aspects, graphical upgrades, and the inclusion of time trial options in the remakes of the older titles, each game in the original trilogy will be individually evaluated instead of being collectively assessed as a single game for the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.

10. Crash Bash

Does Not Liven Up The Party

Release Date: November 7, 2000
Developer: Eurocom, Cerny Entertainment
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation

As someone who has spent countless hours playing Mario Party games throughout my childhood, I must admit that this new party game falls short of capturing the excitement and variety that those classics offered. The selection of minigames is disappointingly limited, and it seems like the developers didn’t put in much effort to create fresh and unique experiences. Instead, many of the minigames are just slight variations on the same themes, which makes for a repetitive and underwhelming experience overall.

The gameplay in Crash Bash is satisfactory for a PS1 title, but the level of challenge might be too extreme for a kid-friendly game. On one hand, its redeeming quality lies in cooperative multiplayer; on the other, it’s criticized for introducing Rilla Roo into the world. Moreover, it’s significant as the first Crash Bandicoot game not produced by Naughty Dog.

9. Crash Twinsanity

3D Platformer Bogged Down By A Wonky Camera

In Twinsanity, the concept of warp rooms and linear levels has been abandoned, replacing it with a more expansive, three-dimensional platforming experience. However, the main challenge lies in managing the game’s camera system, which can make even basic jumps quite difficult.

Despite some significant issues with the gameplay, the remarkably funny script nearly compensates for these flaws. The cutscenes are brimming with jokes that seem too witty and intelligent to have originated from a 2004 game, featuring self-referential humor and even a surprise appearance by Spyro the Dragon.

8. Crash Tag Team Racing

A Fun Gimmick Prioritized Over Balanced Racing

As a die-hard cinephile of racing games, I must say that the two titles preceding Tag Team Racing were all about mastering precise driving skills. What sets Tag Team Racing apart is its innovative mechanic: merging with other racers to form a single vehicle. One racer takes the wheel while another manages a mounted weapon system. This partnership, though tenuous, can give you an edge as the one who separates first receives a speed boost.

It is a fun idea but makes for an unbalanced gameplay experience due to each racer’s unique abilities. The single-player at least spices up the racing gameplay with platforming segments in the hub world between the driving.

7. Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex

An Erzats Imitation, But Still Fun

In a simpler, more conversational style: Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex closely follows the gameplay structure set by Naughty Dog, resembling particularly Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. While this makes it feel comfortable and familiar, it doesn’t seem to bring anything new or significant to the series.

Initially, the levels are enjoyable when playing for the first time. However, as players aim for 100% completion, flaws become apparent. Moreover, the load times are incredibly sluggish, negatively impacting the overall experience. Despite Crunch Bandicoot’s introduction and the game’s debut on the PS2 being entertaining, these issues remain.

6. Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure

Fits Crash Into A Small Package

Release Date: February 26, 2002
Developer: Vicarious Visions
Publisher: Universal Interactive
Platforms: Game Boy Advance

In the early 2000s, translating console gaming experiences to handheld devices was quite a challenge, but Vicarious Visions successfully achieved this feat with the game Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure. This version of the game retained all the classic elements of the series, but were scaled down to fit seamlessly on the Game Boy Advance.

The only drawback is its lack of a distinct personality. All the aesthetics are borrowed from the original PS1 games. Coming off the Game Boy Color’s primitive visuals, the graphics for this platformer were particularly impressive.

5. Crash Bandicoot

The Debut Of Crash, And One Of The Hardest Platformers

The title that started it all is still a fantastic platformer to this day. It is, however, a little rough around the edges. The animation is not as smooth as it would become and the jumping is not as precise. Then, there is the extreme difficulty.

Initially, the game presents a challenging experience and becomes progressively tougher. Instead of jumping between different stages (warp rooms), you advance sequentially through levels situated on three islands, with each stage representing Crash’s location on the island. It adds a delightful detail that later installments forfeited when they adopted warp rooms as a gameplay mechanic.

4. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

Crash Is Back, And He’s Bigger And More Next-Gen Than Ever

In 2020, when Crash Bandicoot made a triumphant return to the gaming world with a well-crafted sequel, it did not disappoint. The latest installment, Crash Bandicoot 4, may not be the best game in the series, but it is undeniably the most extensive and expansive title that the franchise has produced thus far.

This game boasts larger levels than any before, with each one presenting more obstacles than its predecessors, making it an especially tough nut to crack for 100% completion. The gameplay is extended by the mirror mode, which flips every level, effectively doubling the length of the game. Despite moments when the difficulty seems unjustifiably high, it’s still a delightful platformer experience.

3. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled

The Definitive Crash Bandicoot Karting Experience

In this updated version of “Crash Team Racing”, the classic gameplay remains, but now it features an impressive collection of tracks from “Crash Nitro Kart” as well. Additionally, it offers a variety of original character skins and kart customization options due to its extensive roster of characters. This is why it has replaced the older title on our list.

In contrast to certain other kart racing games where power-ups and weapons are designed to balance gameplay, Crash Team Racing emphasizes mastering the drift technique for victory. Unlike some players who rely on power-ups to win, a racer who has perfected the drift boost will outshine others in Crash Team Racing’s diverse track lineup. Power-ups may not secure the race win if your opponent is adept at drifting.

2. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

Immense Gameplay Variety for Crash’s PS1 Finale

The last platform game by Naughty Dog featuring the unofficial PlayStation icon in a leading role was grand and daring. Warped offers new powers gained from defeating each boss, additional vehicle stages, and introduces relic challenges. It boasts a well-balanced difficulty level that caters to players of various abilities, making it an enjoyable experience for many.

As a devoted cinephile, I can tell you that making it to the end credits isn’t much of a hurdle, but collecting all the hidden treasures like gems and golden relics requires some genuine effort. This game doesn’t stand out for its abundance of vehicle levels compared to traditional platforming games; rather, it offers a unique blend that keeps me engaged.

1. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Crash Presents Pure Platforming Bliss

Crash Bandicoot 2 is not just the best Crash game. It is one of the best video games on the original PlayStation. The sequel beautifully encapsulates the joy of platforming. There is just enough challenge to keep players on their toes without frustrating them. No death feels cheap.

The game offers hidden rewards across different stages, encouraging exploration and discovery. Furthermore, the inclusion of secret passages that become accessible only upon reaching certain points in the level without losing health adds an extra dimension to the challenge. In essence, this results in a nearly flawless platformer experience.

2024-12-15 11:54