Publisher: Sierra Entertainment
Developer: Radical Entertainment
System: Xbox 360
Genre: Action adventure
Release date: Available now
Review by: Michael Moody

Crash Bandicoot’s mascot status has always seemed like the old dog in the lot. Everyone admires and knows it’s there, but it’s never been adopted. Originally developed by Naughty Dog in 1996 for the PlayStation, Crash introduced himself with style, challenges and a unique platform. However, something got lost in the translation when Crash was abandoned by Naughty Dog. After various developers and cross platform efforts, Crash has lost his identity. Radical Entertainment has picked up the franchise with Crash of the Titans, hoping to bring it to its former glory.

Surprise! A damsel is in distress. Crash’s sister, Coco, has been snatched by the masochistic Dr. Neo Cortex and Uka Uka, Aka Aka’s evil brother. This isn’t Cortex’s only motive. By utilizing Wumpa Island’s mojo, Cortex has created various mutants, with which he plans to infest the island. Crash’s only defense against the dejected beings is possessing them with the assistance of Aka Aka and using their powers.

Between Crash’s dimwitted nature and mumbled language, there lies a bona fide tough guy. Now, Crash not only sports a tattoo but also possesses a functional combat system. The basic light and heavy attacks are there, but after acquiring the needed Mojo Orbs, new combos and abilities become available. Such abilities enable Crash to surf and use a spinning move to not only glide across areas but also attack. Each of these abilities plays an essential role in progressing across Wumpa Island.

Crash of the Titans is the right title for this game, as the mutants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. When Crash successfully attacks a mutant, a star meter appears to indicate how much damage is needed to jack the creature. Once the meter fills, the “B” button will appear. Then the real battle begins! Each mutant has its own set of abilities. Some can project objects while others just use brute strength. In some cases, Crash can’t just use his own abilities to jack a mutant. In those cases, you have to use one mutant to jack another. The mutants also help Crash solve puzzles. For example, the projectile mutants can hit targets necessary for advancement, while the stronger mutants are needed to knock down barriers. While the mutants are the stars of the game, there are other inhabitants called Minions. These servants of Cortex’s cause serve no other purpose except to act as cannon fodder for your amusement.