First thing I would like to say is that people have
been complaining about this game being 2d and
belonging on a 16 bit machine. Well, first, I doubt
these people have played the game at all, and
second is that the game's core, the code that
contains the information on how you control the
movement of Crash remains the same throughout
the game, meaning the control you have over Crash
is as 3d as Mario64 or say Fade to Black. The
things that make it looks familiar to a 2d platformer
is the camera angle. On certain levels, it takes the
position of side on, but although it looks as though
the game has suddenly become 2d, you still have
total 360 degree control over Crash. The levels that
take the camera angle of side on don't use the 360
freedom very much, because limitations on
movement are put in place to ensure the game has a
more conventional platformer feel.
Anyhow, the game is a platformer where the camera
angles change at every level, making it a very
original and fun experience. Crash's design is good,
he is a likeable guy, but still retains a sense of
seriousness unlike other platform games. The levels
take a jungle look through the first set of levels, and
as the game progresses, it takes more of an
industrial look. Every memory I have of enjoying
platformers in the past have been relighted by this
game. The skill of timing, the exploration and, of
course, the frustration (not in a bad way though).
The game is fairly long, a lot longer than say
Jumping Flash or its sequel. It lasts as long as Mario
64, but maybe the replay value is not quite as good,
although the hidden places and levels are a good
incentive to keep coming back. The game's difficulty
is good, it is tough in places and a little easy in
others, but everything is done well to even out
frustration. The graphics are the most striking thing
about this game. The scrolling is smooth, the
animation is brilliant and it has to be said that the
detail of textures is unmatched by any other game.
Obviously, this is only possible because of the
restrictions on the freedom of the player, but works
verywell because the game is brilliant designed. The
sound is good, the effects are brilliant and the music
suits the game well, and so does the presentation, a
polygon intro is a nice touch for building a feel for
the game style.
Anyhow, I don't know if I would have a huge party
in New York to celebrate this game's launch, but
one thing is for sure: as much as I don't really like
this style of games, you cannot take away its fun
factors and spotless looks.
Summary: I'd rather buy this game than dish out 400
on another machine just for one game.
SCORE: 8.5
