Crash Bandicoot Warped
a game by | Naughty Dog, Inc. |
Platform: | Playstation |
Editor Rating: | 8.5/10, based on 3 reviews |
User Rating: | 7.5/10 - 15 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | 3D Platformer Games, Crash Bandicoot Games |
Crash is back with some wacky time-traveling mayhem in this third installment of the Bandicoot series. Warped has something for every type of gamer, including race freaks and competitive-score junkies.
Warped Sense of Humor
In addition to Crash's tried-and-true box-whacking gameplay, Warped offers some gorgeous visual effects. The water-racing levels are particularly arresting, rivalling Wave Race on the N64 for sheer beauty and technical accomplishment.
Furthermore, a few levels venture off the beaten Crash-path: You'll cruise through time and explore ancient pyramids, take a stroll through some lush Arabian levels, or dash past some dinosaurs in the Jurassic level Any way you look at it, our favorite Bandicoot has left his jungle home for some very inventive levels.
The Good, The Bad, and The Naughty
Naughty Dog, the development house behind previous Crash games, worked hard to make sure that Warped doesn't turn into just another sequel. Instead, the company layered in several technological achievements that shine in the gorgeous revision we saw. Split-plane water levels (which show a clear reflection of Crash above and below the waterline), millions of polygons per level, and no fogging or clipping in the backgrounds were just some of the improvements.
Crash Is Back
New elements that gamers will enjoy include time-trial levels that test Crash's speed, new power-ups such as a bazooka and a speed burst, and, of course, complex, fun level designs. If you've never played Crash before, you'll certainly do yourself a favor by checking out this one when it debuts in late October. Hopefully, Naughty Dog will just keep adding more and more cool touches until the game is ready to review in an upcoming issue.
Download Crash Bandicoot Warped
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
Game Reviews
People say:
Jason Rubin, president of Naughty Dog, once said Crash: WARPED (or Crash 3) is the game Naughty Dog set out to do four and a half years ago--that it's the ultimate Crash Bandicoot product. After playing the game, I believe him. If you want a game with tons of character, a load of gameplay and some of the best PlayStation visuals ever seen, then get this game. It's overall the tightest, most solid action game of this sort on the PlayStation. I had more fun playing Crash 3 than I did making my way through Spyro the Dragon, and I liked Spyro quite a bit. Sure, the majority of Crash 3 may not be free-roaming but I don't care. The game is a hell of a lot of fun, totally free-roaming or not. And that's what it comes down to in my opinion. Besides, the new levels that are totally 3D (including the motorcycle, jet ski and bi-plane levels) kick major arse. Also, there aren't too many games on the PlayStation that give you as many elements of gameplay: You have to find boxes, fruit, gems, more gems, power-ups and relics (through an insanely difficult time-trial mode) to truly finish the game. In addition, you have the gorgeous and fun levels themselves to experience. The only problems I have with the game are its easy bosses and a couple of instances of cheap "fall off of the ledge" deaths. Great game.
Crash teaches the already twice-learned rule that it really is impossible to not like a Crash game. While the levels are built from only a few old-school, clearly Miyamoto-inspired themes, the control, graphics and overall presentation are so slick and refined that the game is amazingly addictive to watch as well as play. Heck, Crash 3 is just plain ol' fun, and its secrets lend it replay of nearly Super Mario World proportions.
Without a doubt one of the finest examples of this style of game. What it lacks in innovation, it more than makes up for in graphical flair and beautiful but simple level design. There aren't really any genuine gameplay surprises--it's mostly tried and tested stuff here, but the new "open" levels are welcome additions to the Crash formula. Ultimately, it's the slickness of the whole thing that'll suck you in. A gorgeous game.
I don't know what else to say--Crash: WARPED is awesome. The first Crash was "OK," and Crash 2 was excellent, but WARPED is easily the best of the bunch. The gameplay has been polished to near-perfection, and the graphics are incredible. The new free-roaming levels are very well-done, and the game has the same kooky atmosphere that made the first two games so enjoyable. It's classic plat form action, but it's done right.
Undoubtedly the coolest platform game for the PlayStation, Crash Bandicoot Warped spins out of control with insanely addictive gameplay, stunning graphics, and some of the baddest Bandicoot moves and vehicles ever. If you own a PlayStation, you're a fool if you don't buy this game!
Crash! Bam! Boom!
In the previous two Crash Bandicoot games, Dr. Cortex failed to collect all the energy gems and crystals he needed to rule the world, and now his boss, Uka Uka, is pissed. So Uka Uka, with the help of one of his henchmen, Dr. N.Tropy, has devised a plan to use a time machine to travel through the past, present, and future in order to steal all the gems and crystals from their various hidden locations. Crash (our hero!) and his sister, Coco, find out about the plan and now must warp through time to stop the sinister trio's diabolical deeds.
Crash's frantic gameplay blazes by as you speed from level to level collecting the valuable gems and crystals, tornado-spinning enemies, and batding menacing bosses at the end of each Warp Chamber. What makes this game so much more fun than its predecessors is its unbelievable variety of levels and special attacks. Automatically switching between Coco and Crash (depending on the level), you fly planes, ride jet skis, race a motorcycle, and even jump on the back of a tiger to bullet across the Great Wall of China. And every time you defeat a boss, you learn a new move like the Super Body Slam or gain a special power such as the ability to shoot a laser-guided Fruit Bazooka.
Time Keeps on Tickin'
Crash's creators, Naughty Dog, have also included a new Time Trial mode to make Warped more of a party game. After completing a level, you can now reenter the stage and race through it as quickly as possible to achieve your fastest time. Your time is then saved on the memory card. If you beat the time established by the game, you receive a Sapphire Relic. After you trounce the Sapphire time, a Gold time is displayed to further test your skills. If you beat all the Gold times in the game, a new Platinum time will be shown. But good luck--the folks at Naughty Dog established the Platinum times, so only the greatest players will beat them.
The time trials are outrageously fun as you and your friends will spend hours passing around the controller to see who will have the best result The mode also serves a gaming purpose--every five phire times you beat will unlock a new hidden level--and you can't finish the game at 100 percent complete without beating these worlds.
Dino Might!
Whether you're swimming through Atlantis, running away from a giant dinosaur in the Jurassic era, or shooting down bombers in a biplane, you'll be amazed by Crash's incredibly clean, detailed graphics. The water in the jet ski levels has the most realistic-looking waves of any PlayStation game we've seen so far, while the colorful backgrounds and spicy enemies will keep your eyes bugged out for hours. (For more technical info on Warped, # check out "The Cutting Edge" in our November '98 issue.)
The sound also gets you pumped to play, especially the wicked drum beats that blare when you're charging through a level with the invincibility mask Other audio effects--from the boiling lava and the roaring pterodactyls to the zany movie voice-overs--keep you entranced and entertained throughout.
Coo-Coo for Coco
Crash Bandicoot:Warped gives gamers the total package: great graphics, super sounds, and hours of fun gameplay. You're a warped PlayStation owner if you don't immediately add Crash to your library.
Defeating Cortex: Mine Your Own Business
To beat Cortex, first run counterclockwise behind the laser beam to avoid being hit Wait for Cortex to start throwing mines at you, then jump next to him. After he throws the last mine, his force field disappears. Spin dash him into the hole in the middle of the room.
In Cortex's second phase of attacks, you must first avoid the giant whirlwind. Wait for him to drop the mines again, then after he drops the last mine, spin dash him back into the hole.
Cortex's final attack phase begins with two giant masks that attempt to smash you. Jump away from their attacks. After Cortex throws his last mine on the ground, spin dash him into the hole for the victory.
ProTips:
- After defeating at least five time trials, run to the middle of the Warp Room and Jump on the platform in the center. This will take you to a room with five hidden levels. For every five time trials you defeat, one new hidden level will be accessible.
- If you collect three Aku Aku masks in a level without being hit, you'll become temporarily invincible.
- Once you acquire the Fruit Bazooka, use your new firepower to blast enemies from a safe distance.
- When you're speeding through the Orient Express Time Trial, press Turbo the entire time and Jump as little as possible. When using turbo, you can even crash through the barrels rolling at you.
- To defeat the first boss, Tiny, avoid his jumping attacks until he jams his weapon into the ground. As Tiny struggles to pull it free, spin dash him. Watch out for the lions!
- During the Doubleheader Time Trial, run along the walls on the side of the level to blast right past enemies and obstacles.
- In Road Crash, drive your motorcyde into the yellow alien sign on the left side of the road to warp to a hidden level.
- You don't lose any lives if you die in a bonus area, so take big chances to get what you want
Graphics
Crash's smooth, energetic graphics explode from every angle. You feel like you're playing in a cartoon.
Control
Featuring over 13 moves from the Death Tornado Spin to the Double Jump, Warped sports the most responsive Crash controls yet.
Sound
When the invincibility drums start pounding as you're crashing full speed through everything in your way, the adrenaline really starts to flow.
Fun Factor
A definite must-buy. Crash Bandicoot: Warped is a very strong contender for PlayStation game of the year. Its "rowdy rowdy" gameplay will keep your head spinning for days.