Summary

A departure from traditional platforming, Crash Bash offers a collection of mini-games that bring the Crash Bandicoot series into the party game genre. With multiplayer compatibility and a variety of game modes, it provides a fun and competitive experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Release Year: 2000
Genres: Puzzle
Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable
Developers: Eurocom Entertainment Software
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

Crash Bash stands as a unique entry in the Crash Bandicoot series, transitioning from platforming adventures to a party game that focuses on multiplayer fun. This title offers a variety of mini-games that test skill, strategy, and luck, providing endless entertainment for players of all ages.

Synopsis

“Crash Bash” is a party video game released in 2000 for the PlayStation. Developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software in association with Cerny Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, it is the fifth title in the Crash Bandicoot series and the first in the party genre.

The game begins in a temple located in Hyperspace, where Aku Aku and Uka Uka, two ancient masks representing good and evil respectively, are arguing over which one of them is stronger. Since they cannot fight each other, they instead create a contest of mini-games to decide whether good or evil is the strongest.

The game features eight playable characters with differing powers and skills: Crash, Coco, Tiny, Dingodile, Cortex, Brio, Koala Kong, and newcomer Rilla Roo. Aku Aku summons Crash Bandicoot and Coco Bandicoot, while Uka Uka summons Neo Cortex, Tiny Tiger, N. Brio, Rilla Roo, Dingodile, and Koala Kong. To ensure fairness, Uka Uka allows Aku Aku to choose two of his team; Aku Aku chooses Tiny and Dingodile.

The gameplay consists of 28 different mini-games divided into seven categories with multiple variations each. The categories consist of “Ballistix”, where players pilot hovercraft to deflect steel balls away from their goal; “Polar Push”, where players riding polar bear cubs must knock opponents off of an icy arena; “Pogo Pandemonium”, where players navigate a grid on pogo sticks to paint squares with their color; “Crate Crush”, where players throw or kick stone crates at their opponents to deplete their health and eliminate them from play; “Tank Wars”, a tank battle involving mines and missiles; “Crash Dash”, a multi-lap race on a circular track; and “Medieval Mayhem”, a variety of challenges played within a circular arena.

“Crash Bash” includes multiplayer compatibility for up to four human players with the use of the PlayStation Multitap. The game features three distinct modes of play: “Adventure”, “Battle”, and “Tournament”. In the Adventure mode, one or two human players must win all 28 mini-games and retrieve trophies, gems, and crystals by accomplishing certain challenges presented for each mini-game.

The ending of the game is determinant on which side the chosen character is competing for. If a member of Aku Aku’s team wins, Aku Aku reveals that he knew his evil brother had a plan to steal the crystals and hides them away for safety. Uka Uka loses his temper and attacks Cortex and Brio for failing him. Suddenly, a hole in the temple opens up and a swirling vortex sucks Uka Uka out, with Aku Aku stating it as the penalty for disturbing the crystals. If a member of Uka Uka’s team wins, a sinister storm passes through the galaxy. Uka Uka reveals he planned to steal the crystals all along and harnesses their energy. Aku Aku pleads to Crash and Coco to run and save themselves, but Uka Uka proclaims that there is nowhere to hide from his wrath.

Despite its similarity to Mario Party, “Crash Bash” was regarded as an enjoyable multiplayer experience despite a perceived lack of depth and originality. The mini-games were determined to be varied but repetitive, and the graphics were appreciated for replicating the look and feel of previous Crash Bandicoot titles.

Characters

The game features a roster of characters from the Crash Bandicoot series, including Crash, Coco, Cortex, and Dingodile, each with their unique abilities that influence gameplay in the various mini-games.

Gameplay

Crash Bash’s gameplay is centered around its mini-games, which vary in objective and style. Players can engage in tank battles, pogo stick contests, and polar bear rides, among others. The Adventure mode offers a structured progression through the mini-games, while Battle and Tournament modes provide more flexible, competitive play.

Conclusion

Crash Bash serves as an entertaining detour from the mainline Crash Bandicoot games, offering a fun multiplayer experience. While it may not have reached the heights of its platforming predecessors, its charm and array of mini-games make it a memorable addition to the Crash Bandicoot legacy.