Crash Bandicoot HD
Release Date: June 30, 2017
Arcade, TPP, 3D platformers, remaster/remake, PlayStation exclusive, singleplayer
Developed by Vicarious Visions studio from the USA, a remake of the first installment of the Crash Bandicoot franchise. Compared to the original production, this title features brand new graphics along with a fresh soundtrack. Even though there are a few minor improvements in mechanics, the backbone of the game stays the same.
Crash Bandicoot HD published on PS4 is a major remake of the first instalment of the legendary Crash Bandicoot series. The franchise is created by Naughty Dog, the studio known for series like Uncharted, Jak and Daxter, and The Last of Us. The bandicoot named Crash is the series’ main protagonist. The titles were firstly released on PlayStation and PlayStation 2, and for a period of time served as the flagship products of both platforms. Crash Bandicoot from 1996 was one of the first platform productions that made use of full 3D visuals. The new version of the game is developed by American studio Vicarious Vision that in 2011 focused exclusively on improving the Skylanders series.
Plot
The action takes place on the fictional Wumpa Islands situated near Australia. The archipelago serves as a test area for doctor Neo Cortex who conducts experiments with a special laser which transforms animals into intelligent humanoid hybrids. The mad scientist plans to raise an army of those obedient creatures and to invade the world. However, Crash – one of Cortex’s unfortunate victims – stands in his way. The brave bandicoot decides to fight him and his minions, and to free the animal hostages.
Mechanics
Crash Bandicoot HD is a classic 3D platform game. Still, as the original version was one of the first of its kind, completely-remastered visuals and a brand new engine do not cover the title’s roots completely, which can be seen in the untouched gameplay model. Players cannot control the camera directly – it follows Crash in a pre-defined manner. Moreover, given the modern standards, most of the locations are extremely linear. Also, in some of them the camera switches to the 2.5D perspective.
During gameplay, Crash goes through different levels which represent different places of the Wumpa Islands. The protagonist faces not only dangerous traps, but also enemies that can be beaten with the spin attack or, simply, by jumping on their heads. The number of the protagonist’s lives is limited and if you lose all of them, you will have to start the level from the beginning or from a checkpoint. Chests scattered around the locations contain different kinds of secrets and power-ups, such as Aku Aku mask that grants time-limited invincibility, or special crystals which unlock a level’s completion.
Technical aspects
Drawing inspiration from Naughty Dog’s original concepts, models, and projects, the developers of the remake recreated the original title virtually from the scratch. Apart from new graphics, the authors introduced improvements to gameplay and the interface. The title also features a new soundtrack and cut-scenes.
Last updated on January 16, 2017
21
GAMES
in Crash Game Series
Game Series
Crash Series
A series of 3D platformers starring a lovable striped dachshund. The series was created by the Naughty Dog studio, but over the years has passed into the hands of many developers (including Radical Entertainment or High Impact Games). Currently, the rights to the brand are held by Activision-Blizzard, and King (the creators of Candy Crush).
21 video games
Crash Bandicoot HD Summary
Platforms:
PlayStation 4
Developer: Blizzard Albany / Vicarious Visions
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
