Summary
Crash Bandicoot: Warped revolutionized the platformer genre with its introduction of time travel, expansive levels, and engaging gameplay. As one of the best video games of all time, it holds a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide.
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Adventure, Platform
- Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
- Developers: Naughty Dog
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
Introduction
Crash Bandicoot: Warped is not just a game; it’s a vibrant journey through time and space. Building upon the success of its predecessors, Warped offers an innovative twist with its time-traveling theme, expanding the universe of Crash Bandicoot in creative and engaging ways.
Synopsis
The game’s story takes place immediately after the events of the second game. When the ruins of Doctor Neo Cortex’s space station crash-land on Earth, they unleash an evil entity known as Uka Uka, Aku Aku’s evil twin brother, who joins with Cortex and the time-obsessed Doctor Nefarious Tropy as they plan to gather powerful crystals that lay scattered across time, and use their energy to enslave the Earth. The game follows the main characters Crash and Coco Bandicoot as they travel through time and prevent the villains from gathering the crystals by collecting them themselves.
As you’ve probably guessed by now, “Warped’s” story centers around time travel. It so happens that our hyperactive hero and his little sister have been caught in a time warp and must not only battle the returning Dr. Neo Cortex, but his boss Uka Uka as well.
The gameplay of “Crash Bandicoot: Warped” is set in the daytime and later levels are set in the evening. “Warped” is a platform game in which the player controls Crash and Coco Bandicoot, who must travel through time and gather 25 crystals scattered across time before Doctor Neo Cortex and Uka Uka do so. Much of the game takes place in the Time-Twisting Machine, which acts as the hub area of the game. The Time-Twisting Machine is split up into five chambers; only the first chamber is initially available. Each chamber has five buttons that open portals to different levels.
The goal in each level is to find and obtain the crystal hidden in the area. In some levels, the crystal will be located at the end of a level or must be earned by completing a specific challenge. Some levels contain a “Bonus Platform” that leads to a special bonus area, where the player must navigate through a separate area and collect everything in sight.
Characters
The game stars Crash Bandicoot, the series’ protagonist, and introduces Coco Bandicoot as a playable character. Villains include Uka Uka, a new antagonist, and the recurring villain Doctor Neo Cortex.
Gameplay
Warped is renowned for its polished platforming mechanics, diverse levels, and innovative use of vehicles and time-traveling elements. Each level presents unique obstacles, enemies, and puzzles, with the primary goal of collecting crystals.
Conclusion
Crash Bandicoot: Warped stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Crash Bandicoot series. With its memorable characters, inventive gameplay, and captivating worlds, Warped is a timeless classic that continues to delight players.
Review Score
9/10