Joystiq impressions: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (Wii)
by Zack Stern 
{ Apr 28th 2008 at 7:00AM }
But unlike the previous Crash, players can carry along a favorite enemy at all times. This way, gamers can defeat an immediate puzzle, but still retain the abilities of another, go-to creature.
I recently tried Radical's Wii version of the in-development title. The team is building for the Wii first, and essentially scaling the graphics up for the 360 and down for the PS2. This approach gives the Wii title a finished sheen that beats most others Wii games. (Multi-platform games often scale PS2 graphics up to the Wii, but don't truly utilize the hardware.) Crash seemed fun; its bright graphics and light tone should attract its kid-targeted audience.
Gallery: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant
I moved Crash through a few levels, and the Wii controls felt good. Optional gestures for jumping and other simple moves give another way to play beyond buttons. A few special moves also require those motion controls. For example, if you're controlling a gorilla enemy, you might pound your chest to launch a powerful attack.
A friend can join in on the same system, too, with drop-in cooperative play. In this mode, they can play a second Crash-like character or his sister, Coco. Additionally, gamers can ride on each other in the same way Crash takes over the skills of an enemy. In this case, one player controls movement, and the other controls the attack.
The story and humor are key components of the game. At semi-random times throughout the adventure, Crash and other characters will spout out lines of dialogue. The developers intend for these to literally never repeat, drawing on a total group of 8,500 lines.
In addition to the 360, PS2, and Wii, the game will launch for PSP and DS at the same, October time. Also, Radical will create a PS3 game, but that edition will be published later, with specifics to be determined.
Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant's variety in play, vast dialogue, and wry story could make it a hit with its young, target group. Older players, especially platforming fans, might also enjoy the game.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Maverick Saturn @ Apr 28th 2008 7:13AM
What happened to CoCo and Uka Uka?
Chase @ Apr 28th 2008 7:47AM
They went the 'way of the warrior.'
whosmav @ Apr 28th 2008 8:42AM
Thank God. Things are looking up for Wii 3rd party games. Finally.
Ghen @ Apr 28th 2008 9:02AM
It'll be nice to see what a third party wii game is really like.
Lijik @ Apr 28th 2008 3:20PM
Play Crash of the Titans on the Wii then. Pretty much the same deal with the Wii version being the initial one, and quite simply its co-op mode kicks the crap out of everything else.
Its rather short though, so I'd say a rental if it hasn't gone down in price yet.
Mr.ESC @ Apr 28th 2008 1:31PM
Remember when Crash and Spyro used to be cool?
I wonder if we'll ever see another Bubsy the bobcat game.I mean if crap like 50 cent blood in the sand is made why the f**k not Bubsy?
brandon_r87 : Brawl : 4897-5857-5091 @ Apr 28th 2008 5:41PM
I always thought that Crash was a Sony owned franchise. I thought that of Spyro too until that DS game. Never played any from either series though.
Mike @ Apr 28th 2008 8:38PM
Crash Bandicoot used to be owned by Naughty Dog, and Spyro used to belong to Insomniac. They both dumped their IPs to other companies after the initial trilogy on the PlayStation, which allowed them to pursue new gameplay opportunities. Naughty Dog went on to create Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, and Insomniac made Resistance: Fall of Man!
Too bad Crash and Spyro are now doomed to wallow in untold numbers of soulless sequels that completely forget their roots. :(
brandon_r87 : Brawl : 4897-5857-5091 @ Apr 28th 2008 9:50PM
Thanks for clearing that up. I wasn't sure if those companies were owned by Sony, so I looked it up on Wikipedia. Naughty Dog is, as of 2001, but Insomniac is completely independent. I think there are definitely some 360 owners like me that would've liked to try Resistance, so Sony must be giving them some kind of incentive to stay exclusive.
Shaan @ May 6th 2008 7:06AM
good to know they're building from the Wii version. The game looks great visually. If it's like Crash of the Titans, it'll certainly be an entertaining co-op game