Crash 3: Warped - spectacular
Gameplay: Crash has the same precise controls as ever, but there are many huge leaps from Crash 2. There are still crystals and gems to collect to bring down Neo Cortex and yet another one of his evil plots, though I did like the introduction of Aku-Aku and Uka-Uka as minor characters. This time though, there are relics to be gotten, and three types: sapphire, gold and the elusive platinum. Only gold relics are required to complete the game but trust me when I say after missing a platinum relic by milliseconds, you'll be going round again. In addition to this defeating a boss for the first time will grant you a special power. Out of the five special skills available, the first is relatively useless but the remaining four are both useful and tremendous fun, especially the fruit bazooka. (Remember those Wumpa fruits? You get the idea.) But for me the best addition to the series is the different types available. If you liked the jet-pack missions available on the last tier of Crash 2, you'll love some of these things. Coco takes an active role in this game, taking jet-skis into pirate infested waters and riding tiger cubs along the surprisingly treacherous Great Wall of China; in fact it is with her that you take on the fourth level boss. Crash will get into some weird situations as well, going deep sea diving, motorcycle riding and taking on Cortex's zeppelins in a biplane. And don't forget to look out for those secret levels.
Graphics: Realism is not a factor in a world of talking bandicoots. The graphics are vivid and cartoonlike and very good. The enemies are somewhat obvious. But the levels are very good-looking though not beautiful. The new futuristic style is well done.
Sounds: Nothing truly spectacular and some odd disjointed moments but the sound is good overall, from the swishing of scimitars to the splutter of your biplane engine being shot to pieces.
Value: Although some of you'll be trying to get 105%, some people will just try to complete the given levels. Even then the game has a decent length, although can leave some feeling a bit short-changed.