Leap Through 8 Other Incredible Platform Games
Crash Bandicoot is a classic action platformer game. At one point in time, Crash used to be PlayStation’s beloved mascot similar to how Sonic and Mario represent Sega and Nintendo. Although he’s no longer owned by PlayStation, many fans associate their memories with Crash and his friends on that console. With its challenging gameplay, memorable levels, and zany characters, Crash Bandicoot is a beloved gem. If you’ve finished playing Crash Bandicoot and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 8 picks. Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in. So without further ado, we present 8 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Crash Bandicoot.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Spyro The Dragon and Crash Bandicoot may differ in gameplay, but they evoke the same fun-filled energy. Not only did Crash and Spyro receive stellar remakes of their beloved games, but their franchises have received another boost in popularity since those re-imaginings were released. Spyro Reignited Trilogy recaptured the purple dragon’s former glory and is a worthy game to play after you finished your play session of any Crash Bandicoot game. This game offers the same degree of challenge as Crash Bandicoot. While you can bash or flamethrower your way through minor enemies, bosses require excellent patience and clever maneuverability. Spyro Reignited Trilogy offers the same value as 2017’s Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, as Spyro’s whole gaming trilogy has received a fresh coat of paint. As mentioned earlier, Spyro’s gameplay feels more expansive and explorative than Crash Bandicoot. If you’re looking for a game with a beautiful world, memorable cast, and challenging bosses, give the Reignited Trilogy a shot. You can read our thoughts on Spyro Reignited Trilogy in our game review here!
Donkey Kong Country (Series)
The original Donkey Kong Country games developed by Rareware hold a special place in many retro Nintendo fans’ hearts. This game provided a pivotal step up from other 2D platformers with its astonishing graphics, challenging levels, and splendid take on Nintendo’s ape mascot. Like Crash Bandicoot, this game involves you aiding Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong through numerous levels full of their menace King K. Rool’s henchmen. The enemies have unique designs and perform different stunts to knock you out. The Kongs and Crash Bandicoot utilize melee attacks to defeat their enemies. Donkey Kong Country doesn’t offer any 3D platform elements whereas Crash Bandicoot strikes a genuine balance of 3D and 2D. However, fans shouldn’t overlook Donkey Kong Country because its 2D side-scrolling elements will leave you hooked and somewhat addicted. With its plethora of challenging bosses and excellent level design and music, Donkey Kong Country is a worthy game to play after Crash Bandicoot.
Super Mario 64
Ah, Super Mario 64, the 3D platform game that charmed an entire generation of gamers. This is the game that took Mario into an entirely different genre and made it work. While the controls haven’t aged as well as you’d expect, this game ushered in a new wave of 3D platform mascots for years to come. For those that never played Super Mario 64, this game follows Mario, the Nintendo plumber who has been invited to Princess Peach’s castle to dine on some yummy cake. Upon arriving at her castle, Mario learns that it has been taken over by his arch-nemesis, Bowser. Therefore, it’s up to the player to assist Mario in defeating Bowser and rescuing Princess Peach. This game features a great mix of challenges. While the game’s earlier levels are a cakewalk, the later ones entice players to traverse them cautiously. The game’s levels offer more room to explore than Crash’s maps. However, players must rely on Mario’s jumping and melee attacks to avoid and subdue many opponents. If you’re curious to see where Mario’s 3D endeavors started, I’d highly recommend giving Super Mario 64 a shot.
A Hat In Time
A Hat In Time is a modern love letter to classic 3D platform games like Super Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie. Thanks to its being developed in a modern era, this game offers better controls and incentives than anything found in the classic Crash Bandicoot titles. That’s not to say the game’s entirely different. Both platform games feature a colorful cast of characters with shining personalities. The game’s bosses offer some challenge, but not to the degree of Crash Bandicoot’s enemies. The bosses, however, have attributes that help them to leave lasting impressions on fans like Crash Bandicoot’s Ripper Roo or Dr. Neo Cortex. As for the gameplay, A Hat In Time offers as much variety as Crash Bandicoot’s later entries. In this game, you can fire lasers at enemies or transform them into ice to land a stunning blow on them. A Hat In Time includes many collectibles for players to locate and obtain. There are also unlockable emotes and outfits for you to get in the game. It’s worth checking out A Hat In Time if you want a solid 3D platform game with a modernized aesthetic.
Jak & Daxter (Series)
Jak & Daxter feels like a spiritual successor to Crash Bandicoot in ways. Naughty Dog, who brought you Crash Bandicoot in the 90s, created this series. Jak & Daxter offers a vaster world than Crash Bandicoot, but retains the same degree of challenging obstacles and enemies fans loved about Crash. Jak & Daxter’s storylines and gameplay are captivating and exhilarating, and their soundtracks are equally valuable. This series evolves gradually from its first entry to its last. Each game builds upon the lore of the Jak & Daxter universe by giving our heroes new foes to tackle and abilities to master. This dynamic duo sparks great chemistry that’s on par with Aku Aku’s bond with Crash. At the same time, Jak and Daxter will meet a few comrades that offer a helping hand. Patience and timing are key to helping you conquer the levels each entry provides. If you’re looking for a vast world designed by Crash Bandicoot’s creators, give the Jak & Daxter series a shot.
Ape Escape (Series)
Ape Escape is one of PlayStation’s underrated and precious 3D platform games. It ushered in a new form of gameplay with its strange control scheme. Instead of pressing buttons to attack the game’s primates, it forced players to utilize the controller’s right analog stick. The player’s items would be tailored to button presses, that’d allow you to switch between them seamlessly. Controls aside, each Ape Escape title offers a new protagonist. Each lead character had a distinct personality but a similar motive. That goal was to prevent the game’s primary ape-like antagonist Specter from achieving his goals of world conquest. You’ll stop him by capturing monkeys via a net-like device and transporting them back to their homes. Some monkeys won’t go without a fight, leading to some memorable yet challenging boss encounters. From sword-like weapons to superhero-like transformations, this game offered a boatload of fun mechanics to tamper with and appreciate. If you’re looking for a classic 3D platform game with unique gameplay, colorful characters, and excellent parodic humor, check out the Ape Escape series.
Sly Cooper Trilogy
From one iconic PlayStation series to another, we find ourselves discussing the raccoon bandit, Slay Cooper. This game follows the adventures of three friends. Like Crash Bandicoot, they are all anthropomorphic animals bearing incredible abilities and personalities. However, Sly Cooper leans more into stealth-like gameplay than Crash Bandicoot. This is to fit in with Cooper’s thief persona as his missions will focus on him stealing from foes and foiling their plans. What made Sly Cooper a fun franchise was following the chemistry between Sly, Bentley, and Murray. They play off each other well and add something different to the game. The developers also tailored specific themed missions for each character, allowing players to grow more attached to them. For example, Sly would involve himself in stealth-oriented missions while Murray would walk around and beat the snot out of foes. It’s the characters and their interactions that make Sly Cooper a series fans want to see revisited for the PlayStation 5.
Kao the Kangaroo
During the peak of 3D platform games, there were many newcomers who wanted to establish fandoms on par with Nintendo’s Mario, Sega’s Sonic, and PlayStation’s Crash Bandicoot. Unfortunately, many mascots like Kao the Kangaroo ended up falling to the wayside alongside other forgotten platforming games. It wasn’t until 2022 that Kao the Kangaroo got his shot at redemption. This game serves as a revival project for the beloved mammal and follows him embarking on a new adventure to discover the truth about his father’s disappearance. This game features beautiful 3D graphics and charming worlds. The platforming elements will remind fans of classic games like Crash Bandicoot. Each world harbors secrets and passageways for the players to discover. The game features some challenging boss fights. Kao’s enemies are full of charisma and wit. Furthermore, Kao the Kangaroo offers some fun thought-provoking puzzles for you to solve. If you adore 3D platform games with beautiful worlds, well-crafted puzzles, and enjoyable characters, check out Kao the Kangaroo. So there we have it, our 8 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Crash Bandicoot. What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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