XBox Solution

Mascot games fall under two types: really fun to play and don’t bother playing. While this sounds harsh, it’s the truth. At one time a game starring Crash Bandicoot was a blast to play and enjoyable. The problem is that most mascot games tend to make a mistake or the developers think the character alone sells the game and the game begins to suffer. The last game featuring Crash lacked anything new for fans of the platformer genre. Read the full review of Crash of the Titans and see if this one breaks the cycle.

Gameplay

Crash is a likable character and one that has an attitude perfect for the platformer genre. “Titans” takes his attitude and adds a new twist that gives the title something different. The story is simple and predictable placing DR. Cortex against Crash and his friends once again when Cortex kidnaps Coco and Aku-Aku. While you see the angle a mile away, it’s done decently and fits the gameplay. So Crash must now go after his arch enemy and rescue his friends. The game is more battle-geared and now Crash can Jack a Monster, meaning when he weakens a monster enough he can now ride on top of them and use their powers. Think of the Jack as a mech feature in Mech Assault 2 and you have the idea.

The world is huge and the new feature is fun, but just like in Mech Assault 2, the new feature gets old and at times works against the game. Platformers are fun, but you play enough of them and you know the tricks way ahead of time. Keeping the game full of surprises and new things is difficult. Crash’s new game tries to keep the surprises coming. In fact it’s a fun game and certainly the most solid game to be released in a long time featuring the Ex-Sony mascot. They tried to change things up with the new Jack feature and the Mojo orbs. They also introduce a variety of new monsters to battle. It helps keep the game from getting old, but there still is that feeling of it being a bit too familiar.

I will give the developers credit at trying to make it look fresh and adding some humorous things. The levels are different and for the most part well designed. They also made use of the Jack feature making it impossible to Jack a huge monster by Crash’s efforts alone. He will need to Jack a monster, weaken the bigger one and then Jack that one. While the concept is interesting, younger gamers may have some trouble with this at first. It also seems combat is more the theme but in a way that makes it fun for all ages. They also added a ton of thing to find and unlock. Overall, this is a solid platformer, but may grow old after a few hours depending on the person playing.

Control

All the combo moves and attacks are shown on a help screen which I thought was a great idea. As the game progresses, you earn more move and attacks. Jacking a monster is not hard. You just need to weaken them and then push the B button when it lights up on the screen. The rest of the controls work well. The only trouble area is when you need to aim a blast at a target to trigger an event or something needed to advance. It may take younger players more time or the help of an older gamer.

There is no XBL mode but they added a Co-Op type mode offline. For younger players to get the hang of the game, this would be a great way to learn and enjoy the game. The basic controls can be learned in about 15 minutes and then mastering the rest is all about timing and practice. I will say they improved the controls over the last title and the games camera is solid and helpful.

Graphics

Crash of the Titians is a bright and colorful game that has some neat graphics. The monsters are neat looking and made in a way so they are appropriate for all ages. The levels change and offer some variety which is what is mostly lacking in the Platformers out there now.

The only thing I will say they could have done without or less of is the blur effect. It looks cool the first few times but then can grow old. A solid job in the graphics area and a great job with the game’s camera but could have used something more to stand out from the rest of the titles out there.

Audio

The voice-over actors do a great job and help make the game interesting although at times they lay it on a bit too thick. This is not a knock as most games in this genre have the same problems. The sound effects are well done and they added some neat effects to surprise you while playing. Overall a solid job in this department.

Replay Value

The game has replay value if you want to find all the hidden objects and art work. Most gamers will probably want to just finish the game once and then go back later. For the style of game, the levels seem long enough and offer some of the older things like surfing and older Crash tactics that made the series popular.

Bottom Line

Overall Score: 7.2/10.0

Additional Comments

I like what they attempted with this Crash game. You can see they tried to make it look and play differently than the past few games. It still has a few issues that makes it have that been there done that before angle. I am not going to say the game is groundbreaking, but it is enjoyable for those who enjoy Platformers. I also saw enough new things that I think if the series continues we will see a game that will set a new standard in the genre but for now it’s certainly a fun game.

Links

• Crash of the Titans Official Website

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