Top 10 Best Crash Bandicoot Games
Crash Bandicoot is an icon of video games - that zany marsupial has been spinning, sliding, and smashing his way into our hearts since the mid-90s. With such a long-running franchise, the series has had its fair share of fantastic titles and a few questionable releases.Think back on your favorite Crash Bandicoot adventures. Was it zooming around in a kart? Was it exploring time-twisting levels in the classic platformers? Or perhaps battling monstrous titans in a mind-bending spin-off? Everyone has their own top picks.
Released in 1998, Crash Bandicoot: Warped is the third main installment in the Crash Bandicoot series, developed by Naughty Dog. The game introduces time travel, allowing players to navigate various time periods to stop the evil plans of Doctor Neo Cortex and Uka Uka. One of the best platformers ever made! It offers a variety of gameplay styles, the best graphics, a great soundtrack, lots of collectibles, epic boss battles, and a great story. It's the best game in the entire series!
If someone were to make a real sequel to this game, it should be a mix of this, Crash 2, and Crash 1, all in free-roaming and with multiplayer, including online. That's the only game that could surpass this masterpiece! Enough with the Titans/Twinsanity, I want Crash Bandicoot 4 (a real one, not The Wrath of Cortex)!
And this is a reason why the fifth-generation era is the best generation era of video games. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, Super Mario 64, and Pac-Man World are such classic games that are over 100% perfect. Mainly by their character designs, graphics, power-ups, creativity, backgrounds, mechanics, music, high nostalgia level, perfect levels, very nice box arts, and classic storyline.
Released in 1997, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is the second title in the series and was developed by Naughty Dog. The game follows Crash as he is tricked by Cortex into collecting Crystals, supposedly to save the world. One of the main things I like about this game is the fact that a few of the characters in the game move on to become "main characters" (such as the Komodo Bros., N. Brio, and Ripper Roo), resulting in unique cutscenes and boss fights that can't be found in any other Crash game.
Meanwhile, the characters that do become part of the main cast (such as Coco, N. Gin, and Tiny) have beautiful introductions to the series in this game. On top of that, there are several simple and original level designs, intuitive controls, and a unique forked storyline that allows you to enjoy the game to the maximum as you decide whether you want to trust Cortex or take the extra step to help Brio thwart him.
Crash Twinsanity, developed by Traveller's Tales, was released in 2004. This game departs from the traditional level-based design, featuring an open-world format and a storyline where Crash and his nemesis, Doctor Cortex, must work together. I love most of the Crash games, with Warped being my second favorite and the original Crash coming in third. I bought it when it first came out back in '96 and was hooked ever since. I lost interest in the Crash series after Naughty Dog left the series.
Then, in 2007, my friend gave away a lot of his original Xbox games, or at least the ones he'd forgotten about, and Twinsanity was one of them. I can't remember who developed this game, something to do with Oxford Studio, I think. Either way, they did a great job on it.
It captured my heart and brought back so many old memories while also staying very original. The game had interesting boss fights and slightly frustrating parts that'll make you lose track of time just because you want to get to the next part so badly. 1000/1000.
Crash Bandicoot, the original game in the series, was developed by Naughty Dog and released in 1996. The game follows Crash as he attempts to rescue his girlfriend Tawna and defeat Doctor Neo Cortex. This is a great game I have played before, and I must say that of my first games, this is by far the best ever. With great gameplay and fun levels, this is my most favorite game I have ever played. This game is the cause or trigger event of the Crash Bandicoot franchise. That means that if we never had this game, we would not have Crash Bandicoot 2 or 3! The big reason this is the best isn't just that. It's the great gameplay that really matters.
It was a hard decision, but I vote for the original Crash Bandicoot. This is what started it all. Even if I had more fun with Cortex Strikes Back, I just can't vote for any other game.
The physics and save system were really annoying.
Crash Team Racing, developed by Naughty Dog and released in 1999, is a kart-racing game featuring characters from the Crash Bandicoot series. Players race to stop the alien Nitros Oxide from taking over the planet. I think this is the best Crash game of all time. The first three games were great, but they have plenty of issues, like Crash 1 being too hard, Crash 2 having a not-so-good final boss against Cortex, and Crash 3 having too many vehicles and being too easy (if you don't count the relics). CTR looks more perfect in my opinion than any Crash game out there.
An absolute classic. Great control, nifty boost mechanic which adds a new dimension to the game, a variety of characters, and a rocking soundtrack.
Oh, and it makes Mario Kart look like a bootleg game.
Developed by Traveller's Tales, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex was released in 2001. It is the fourth main game in the series and introduces a new villain, Crunch Bandicoot, created by Doctor Cortex. Extremely frustrating at certain parts, but easily a fantastic game and my favorite of the Crash Bandicoot clan! It cannot be beaten easily, or perhaps ever at all!
It doesn't matter if the developers changed. The games improved into this fantastic entry of the Crash Bandicoot saga. This one deserves to be remembered forever!
Why is this considered bad so often? The game shows some creative ideas, PlayStation 2 generation graphics, bigger levels, and a story that still makes sense. I grew up on this game, and after playing the first three Crash games, I can still say it is one of the best Crash games ever.
It just can't be bad because "it is not on PS1" or "developed by another studio." Really? Give this game a chance.
Crash Bash is a party game developed by Eurocom and released in 2000. It features a variety of mini-games where players can compete as characters from the Crash Bandicoot universe. Many memories of this game. I remember when I played this game with friends, and it was amazing! I played all Crash Bandicoot games, and I think that Bash is more fun.
No doubt, this game is the best multiplayer of PS1!
The ultimate competitive game ever made by Naughty Dog. I have never played a better Crash game than this!
The best multiplayer that has ever come out of PS1, and by far the best in the Crash Bandicoot series. Period.
Released in 2005, Crash Tag Team Racing combines elements of both kart racing and platforming. The game, developed by Radical Entertainment, introduces a feature allowing players to merge vehicles during races. On almost every Crash Bandicoot list I've seen, this is always #8 at the highest. Why? It's amazing. It's the only Crash game that's a platform and racing game and it did a great job of it. The graphics are the best in the series, there's a bunch of costumes, exploring the theme park is really fun, the gags are hilarious, and it's just so underrated!
This game is definitely one of the best Crash Bandicoot games. It's a great mix of platforming and racing, with minigames, all of the best Crash characters, and big surprises. Really funny, and extraordinarily great gameplay.
A must-play for Crash fans.
Crash Nitro Kart, developed by Vicarious Visions and released in 2003, is a follow-up to Crash Team Racing. The game features familiar characters competing in kart races across various intergalactic tracks. This game was an amazing racing game. I know people who say this and CTR are the exact same thing, but they are not. This has zero gravity, better graphics, way more cutscenes, a bit of humor, different consoles, multiplatform, and many other things.
When I played this, I felt like I played a game made by angels. PS2, Xbox, GameCube, GBA.
Much better than CTR. Better graphics, better controls, better tracks, better music, and a far better villain.
Did you know that the Game Boy Advance version is the only version to have Spyro the Dragon in it?
Crash of the Titans, released in 2007, was developed by Radical Entertainment. The game shifts the series to a beat-em-up style, allowing Crash to control large enemy creatures called "Titans." This is the best game in the series according to me. Just because the characters got a redesign and some things were changed doesn't mean you have to instantly hate it.
At least try actually playing the game before hating on it.
Crash of the Titans and Crash: Mind Over Mutant were the only two games where Nina Cortex looked presentable, not trash!
I personally loved this game. I don't know why so many people hate it.
The Newcomers
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, released in 2020, was developed by Toys for Bob. The game is a direct sequel to Crash Bandicoot: Warped, featuring new time-bending mechanics and multiple playable characters. This is the best in the series. The levels are longer, and the beautiful new art style stimulates my senses.
Should be in the top ten, or at least higher than Crash Bash. Come on!
It might be quite easily the cutest game in the entire franchise, but don't be fooled. It's also the darkest and the most (properly) challenging.
Released in 2003, Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced is a Game Boy Advance title developed by Vicarious Visions. The game follows Crash as he tries to rescue his friends from the hypnotic powers of the villain N. Trance. A really solid game with fast gameplay and awesome music. You should play N-Tranced if you have the chance. 7/10
No Cortex? Seems weird at first, but at least N. Tropy gets the role of lead villain!
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, developed by Beenox and released in 2019, is a remastered version of the original Crash Team Racing. The game includes updated graphics, online multiplayer, and additional content from Crash Nitro Kart. This game should be number 1 because it's a remastered version of the best kart racing game from 1999. It has improved graphics, controls, gameplay, music, and more. It also includes tracks, characters, and playable bosses from Crash Nitro Kart. This game features all your favorite Crash Bandicoot characters.
You can customize your kart and character skins. Adventure mode is playable with any character. You can complete Grand Prix challenges and unlock new items. Online mode allows you to earn Wumpa coins. This is the dream game for all Crash Bandicoot fans, and I will give it a 10/10.
Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure, released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, was developed by Vicarious Visions. The game involves Crash working to stop Cortex, who has shrunk Earth to the size of a grapefruit. The lack of comments on this great game confuses me. It took every great element of classic Crash and adapted it for the GBA. The bosses are all fun and from the game Warped (though I'm not sure why some of the boss music was switched around). The levels have the same themes as Crash 2 and 3, plus new features like a jetpack level where you shoot down airplanes and zeppelins.
I personally think this is a super fun adaptation and I recommend it! 8.5/10
This is okay for Crash. It has some issues, but this is a fun game that you might find engaging. 6/10
Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 2, developed by Polarbit and released in 2010, is a mobile racing game that serves as a sequel to Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D. It features new tracks, characters, and power-ups.
Crash: Mind Over Mutant, released in 2008, is the sequel to Crash of the Titans. The game features an open-world environment and continues the gameplay mechanic of controlling enemy Titans. A major improvement over Crash of the Titans, but still nothing much. I praise it for the gameplay, but the biggest problem is the amount of backtracking. 6/10
This game is awesome. It's really hard, and I love the final boss.
Mind Over Mutant is not a bad game. The problem is that we have games like Twinsanity. The level design and the lack of many attack options are the only things that seriously hurt this game.
The concept was good, but it was not that well executed.
Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage, developed by Vicarious Visions, was released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance. The game is a crossover with the Spyro series, where Crash teams up with Spyro to defeat their respective enemies. The mini-games are fun, and the graphics are good. However, the gameplay is mediocre. I give this game 56/100.
That doesn't mean I don't want a remake of this and Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy put together into one game. They should at least make it better. Seriously, this game should have better gameplay.
Crash's worst GBA game but still pretty good. I liked the card collecting parts, but the minigames were mediocre. 5.5/10
Released in 2016, Skylanders: Imaginators - Crash Bandicoot Edition brings Crash Bandicoot as a playable character in the Skylanders universe. The game features special levels inspired by the Crash Bandicoot series.
Crash Boom Bang! is a party game developed by Dimps and released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS. It features a collection of mini-games with characters from the Crash Bandicoot series competing in a worldwide contest. Lots of people did not like this game (only for the DS), but I thought this game was fun and introduced a new villain like in Twinsanity. This game, in my opinion, is fun.
Also, it is the 10th anniversary of Crash Bandicoot. 9.9/10