Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant Review for Xbox 360 (X360)

Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant box art

System: X360, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Radical Entertainment	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Vivendi Games	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 7, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

As good as the battle system is, I was a little disappointed with the overall control scheme. Using the buttons for basic attacks is fine, but tying Crash's signature spin attack to the left stick (the same one you use to move around) just feels weird and imprecise. Some of the more complicated button combinations are also a little cumbersome to deal with, and the control scheme definitely could have been better.

Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant screenshot

Another big boon for Crash: Mind Over Mutant is the animated cutscenes. The animation in these scenes is very smooth, and each cutscene is done in a different style. For example, one is done in a cheesy '70s anime style, while another is all in black and white with a grain filter. However, because of all the different styles, the cutscenes do feel a little disconnected from the gameplay. But I find this forgivable, as the quality was very good, and I looked forward to the different genre lampoons.

As entertaining as the cutscenes may be, the best component of Crash: Mind Over Mutant by far has to be the sound. The music in the game is fun, whimsical, and never boring. The voice acting here is also topnotch and includes an A-list voice cast including John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, and Mark Hamill. Although some of these names might not sound familiar at first, once you listen to them, they are very recognizable. One thing that was truly appreciated here was that the in-game dialogue was never repetitive. Enemies are always talking to each other, and if you listen, they always seem to have something new and funny to say before getting completely wiped out. This title is quite a joy to listen to; you definitely won't be disappointed with the music or the voice acting.

The Crash Bandicoot series has been around for what seems like forever. The franchise began as one of the most groundbreaking titles for the original PlayStation. It's safe to say, however, that the Crash franchise has lost its clout in the video game world, especially as games advance both technically and creatively. Some might argue that the Crash franchise is tired and should go the way of so many other PlayStation-era platformers: quietly into extinction. However, I think it is fair to say that there is a place for retro-inspired games. Even though the type of linear platforming that is prevalent in Crash: Mind Over Mutant is scantly seen in this generation, it is still exciting to play, especially for those of us who have been with the franchise since the beginning. Sure, Crash: Mind Over Mutant doesn't reinvent the wheel, and there's no way it's vintage-inspired gameplay can stand up to modern titles. But, it still manages to be quite fun, and it's worth a spin if you have ever played (and loved) a past Crash game.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
Graphics look very sharp, but environments are very bland and there is not a whole lot of action. Cutscenes are very well animated.

3.3

Control
Controls work fairly well, with the exception of the left stick spin attack, which is far too difficult to execute and control.

4.4

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Music is quite good, and voiceovers are topnotch. This is definitely the best facet of the game.

3.8

Play Value
Despite having a very linear progression, there is a surprising amount of things to explore. However, don't expect to spend more than 9-10 hours with this one.

3.9

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Mutant in Your Pocket!: Not only does Crash keep the ability to control his enemies when he jacks them - now he can store his favorite monsters in his pocket, upgrade them, and utilize their powers when they are most advantageous.

"Free-Romping" World Design: Wumpa Island is fully realized as a real location, with a free-romping design that allows players to travel and explore through intersecting worlds, with different gameplay options available depending on what creature you've brought along for the ride.

Girl Power!: Your co-op partner is Crash's sister, Coco, playable for the first time in the cooperative mode. Not only does Coco make the game that much more inviting for girls to pick-up-and-play, she also brings with her a new tactile treasure hunt ability.

New Abilities: Roll-and-Counter Combat System - Crash will have a fun, agile dodge move and counter move which will inflict extra damage on his enemies. Digging - Crash can now dig underground as real-life bandicoots really do, unlocking bonus items. Climbing - Crash can climb vertical surfaces and jump side-to-side to connected areas and dodge hazards.

Screen Resolution: Up to 1080i (Standard HDTV, Widescreen).