Summary

Crash of the Titans introduced significant changes to the Crash Bandicoot series with a new combat system, the ability to control enemies, and the collection of Mojo for upgrades, setting a precedent for future titles in the franchise.

Release Year: 2007
Genres: Adventure, Platform
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360
Developers: Radical Entertainment
Publishers: Sierra Entertainment

Introduction

The sixth installment in the Crash Bandicoot series, Crash of the Titans, brought fresh dynamics to the franchise with enhanced combat mechanics and exploration elements, setting a new direction for Crash’s adventures.

Synopsis

“Crash of the Titans” is a 2007 platform beat ’em up video game developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi Games. It is the fourteenth installment in the Crash Bandicoot video game series, and the sixth game in the main franchise.

The game’s story centers on the discovery of a substance known as “Mojo”. The series antagonist, Doctor Neo Cortex, and his niece Nina harvest this Mojo to turn the inhabitants of the Wumpa Islands into an army of ferocious mutants known as “Titans”. These Titans are monstrous abominations, part of a nefarious plot hatched by Crash’s arch nemeses Neo and Nina Cortex.

The protagonist of the series, Crash Bandicoot, must stop Cortex and Nina by using the technique of “jacking” to take control of and destroy the Titans while collecting Mojo. Jacking is a unique mechanic in the game, allowing Crash to take control of the Titans and use their powers against them.

In addition to stopping the Titans, Crash must also rescue his sister Coco, who has been kidnapped and forced to help build a doomsday machine. This machine will assist the Titans in Cortex and Nina’s bid for world domination. Crash’s mission is not just to save his sister, but also to save his home, the Wumpa Island, from being destroyed by the main antagonist’s gigantic robot.

The player’s first goal is to rescue the sentient mask Aku Aku, who gives the player basic instructions, shields Crash from enemy attacks, and can be used as a board to help Crash traverse slippery terrain. From there, each level (known as an “episode”) asks players to complete fights against large groups of enemies or simply progress through the episode.

Crash starts the game with four lives. The length of each of Crash’s lives is tied to his health meter, which decreases whenever Crash is damaged from enemy attacks or falls down a bottomless pit. The player can replenish Crash’s health meter by collecting Wumpa Fruit. Each time the health meter is fully depleted, Crash loses a life.

However, the player can gain an additional life for Crash by collecting 25,000 units of the magical substance Mojo or by collecting a rare type of Golden Wumpa Fruit. This adds an element of strategy to the game, as players must balance their need to collect Mojo and Golden Wumpa Fruit with their need to avoid damage and preserve their lives.

Despite its straightforward storyline, “Crash of the Titans” offers engaging gameplay that serves its purpose and adds context to the gameplay. The jacking mechanic, visuals, voice acting, and humor were generally met with positivity, although some critics considered the combat to be repetitive and unbalanced, and criticized the nonadjustable camera.

“Crash of the Titans” is a game that combines platforming and beat ’em up elements with a unique jacking mechanic to create a fun and engaging experience. Despite some criticisms, it stands as a notable entry in the Crash Bandicoot series.

Characters

Featuring the iconic Crash Bandicoot, his sister Coco, and the villainous duo of Neo Cortex and Uka Uka. This game introduces a variety of enemies that Crash can control, each with unique abilities.

Gameplay

The gameplay emphasizes exploration, combat, and collecting Mojo to unlock new abilities and moves for Crash. Players can now ‘jack’ enemies, taking control of them to use their powers, adding a layer of strategy to battles and puzzle-solving.

Conclusion

While Crash of the Titans diverged from the traditional Crash Bandicoot formula, it offered a unique and engaging experience that expanded the franchise’s scope. Its legacy is one of innovation and risk-taking, pushing the boundaries of what a Crash game could be.