Summary

Crash: Mind Over Mutant is a vibrant, adventure-packed game that combines traditional platforming with open-world exploration. Its engaging story, character-driven gameplay, and innovative use of mutant abilities make it a noteworthy chapter in the Crash Bandicoot saga.

Release Year: 2008
Genres: Platform
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360
Developers: Radical Entertainment
Publishers: Activision, Sierra Entertainment

Introduction

In 2008, the Crash Bandicoot series saw the addition of a new chapter, Crash: Mind Over Mutant, which brought back the nostalgia of the franchise with a modern twist. This game stands as a testament to the series’ ability to innovate within its established gameplay framework, offering players a blend of exploration, combat, and platforming.

Synopsis

“Crash: Mind Over Mutant” is the fifteenth installment in the Crash Bandicoot video game series, and the seventh in the main franchise. Developed by Radical Entertainment, it was released for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, and Wii.

The game’s story centers on the arrival of a popular technological device that puts its users under the control of the device’s creators and antagonists of the story, Dr. Neo Cortex and N. Brio. This device, a parody of devices such as the iPhone and BlackBerry, is named “NV”.

Crash Bandicoot, the protagonist of the series, and his magical mask friend Aku Aku are the only ones unaffected by the device. They must free their friends from its control and put an end to Dr. Cortex’s plot.

“Mind Over Mutant” is a beat-’em-up game in which the player controls Crash Bandicoot. The main objective is to explore his home, Wumpa Island, and surrounding environments to uncover the mystery behind the “NV”.

As a follow-up to “Crash of the Titans”, “Mind Over Mutant” uses many of the same mechanics of that game, with a few changes. Crash still has the ability to “jack” enemies (called mutants or sometimes titans) by defeating them in close-range combat and riding on their backs.

He can also still earn attack upgrades by collecting mojo, but unlike before, each species of mutant Crash controls has their own unique mojo counters and leveling system as well. Crash can “level up” a maximum of twenty times; mutants, only five.

In addition, Crash can now put a non-boss mutant in storage (“pocketing”), and can switch between his current and pocketed mutant at any time. Most mutants from the previous game return, and a few new ones have been added. Each one now has the ability to jump, and many of the returning mutants have gained new attacks.

Special, stronger variants of the mutants called Heroes can be encountered and jacked later in the game. As a whole, the style of the game is much more open than most previous installments. Rather than having twenty linear platforming levels to complete in sequence, “Mind Over Mutant” features eight distinct locations for Crash to explore and travel between as the story progresses.

Scattered throughout the map are Voodoo dolls, which unlock the game’s concept art, and health upgrades. Completing the game’s story also unlocks minigame rounds to test Crash’s combat skills.

The game received mixed reviews, with opinions varying from version to version. The PlayStation 2 and Wii versions were met with generally favorable reviews, while the Xbox 360 version generated a less positive reaction. Much praise was reserved for the voice acting and the satirical humor of the game’s narrative, cutscenes, and dialogue, while the unadjustable camera and extensive backtracking were heavily criticized. The Nintendo DS version was received negatively for what critics described as dull and repetitive gameplay.

Characters

Crash Bandicoot, the protagonist; Coco, Crash’s tech-savvy sister; Aku Aku, the guardian mask; Neo Cortex and N. Brio, the primary antagonists.

Gameplay

Building upon its predecessor, the game introduces an open-world concept with eight distinct locations. Players can jump, spin, and use special abilities to defeat enemies. A unique feature is Crash’s ability to ‘jack’ mutants, controlling them to use their powers. Missions from non-playable characters guide the player, while collectibles scattered throughout the world add depth to the exploration.

Conclusion

Crash: Mind Over Mutant is a commendable addition to the Crash Bandicoot series, offering an expansive world filled with adventure and fun. While it may not redefine the platformer genre, it successfully captures the essence of Crash’s universe and provides an enjoyable experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.