Summary
With its engaging gameplay, memorable characters, and the introduction of multiplatform availability, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex stands as an essential chapter in the Crash Bandicoot saga.
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360
- Developers: Traveller’s Tales
- Publishers: Konami, Universal Interactive Studios
Introduction
Join Crash and his sister Coco in a quest to thwart Doctor Neo Cortex’s nefarious plans in Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex. This action-packed platformer continues the legacy of the beloved series, introducing new challenges and adventures.
Synopsis
“Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex” is a platform game developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Universal Interactive. It was first released for the PlayStation 2, later ported to the Xbox, and GameCube. This game marks the fourth main installment and the sixth overall in the Crash Bandicoot video game series.
The plot centers on the appearance of Crunch Bandicoot, a genetically advanced bandicoot created by the main antagonist of the series, Doctor Neo Cortex. Cortex, a beaten genius, creates something so devious and underhanded that the entire world will fall to its feet in fear. By harnessing the destructive energies of earth, fire, air, and water, he creates Crunch, a Super-Bandicoot that is ready to demolish all that lies before him.
Cortex has harnessed the power of a group of destructive mask spirits known as the Elementals. These Elementals are a group of malevolent masks bent on causing global chaos. The kindhearted Aku Aku quickly finds out and confronts Uka Uka. Luckily, each Elemental can be placed back into their hibernation state with a total of five ancient crystals.
Crash Bandicoot and his sister Coco must travel the world and gather special Crystals that will return the Elementals to a hibernated state, and thwart Cortex’s plans to use Crunch as a weapon for world domination. Much of the game takes place in a “Virtual Reality (VR) Hub System” created by Coco to help Crash gather the Crystals.
The player controls Crash and Coco Bandicoot, who must gather 25 Crystals and defeat the main antagonists of the story: Doctor Neo Cortex, his new superweapon Crunch Bandicoot, and Crunch’s power sources, the renegade Elementals. The game’s story focuses on defeating Crash Bandicoot, the talk of Cortex’s secret superweapon comes up, and the doctor reveals that he has created a strong warrior of unbelievable power.
The game received mixed critical reception, with many reviewers opining that the game recycled elements from its PlayStation predecessors with minimal innovation. Despite this, the PlayStation 2 edition sold 1.56 million copies in North America, and the game qualified for various best-seller ranges, including the Platinum Range for PlayStation 2, Xbox Classics, and Player’s Choice on GameCube.
Characters
Key characters include Crash Bandicoot, the game’s fearless protagonist; Coco Bandicoot, Crash’s tech-savvy younger sister; Doctor Neo Cortex, the game’s main antagonist; and Crunch Bandicoot, Cortex’s super weapon designed to defeat Crash.
Gameplay
The gameplay retains the series’ classic platforming elements, requiring players to navigate through diverse environments, avoid obstacles, and defeat enemies. The introduction of the Virtual Reality Hub System offers a novel approach to level selection, adding depth to the gaming experience.
Conclusion
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex is a worthy continuation of Crash’s adventures, offering hours of entertainment across multiple platforms. Despite some flaws, it remains a beloved entry in the series.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
Fan Art
Fan Art Style: Normal
Fan Art Style: Retro
Fan Art Style: Modern
