10 Best Crash Bandicoot Games Ranked from Worst to Best
Crash Bandicoot, the beloved marsupial, has been a staple in the gaming world for nearly three decades, offering a diverse array of platforming, racing, and other genres that have captivated audiences of all ages. Here, we rank the 10 best Crash Bandicoot games, highlighting their unique features and why they stand out in the series.
10. Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced
Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced is notable for being the first Crash game on a handheld console, specifically the Game Boy Advance. Despite the limitations of the GBA, this game managed to capture the essence of Crash’s adventures with inventive levels and gameplay mechanics such as gravity inversion and magic carpet rides. While it didn’t match the quality of its console counterparts, its creativity and faithful adaptation of the Crash formula earn it a spot on our list.
9. Crash Nitro Kart
Crash Nitro Kart extended the Crash Bandicoot universe into the realm of kart racing, building on the foundation set by Crash Team Racing. It introduced anti-gravity racing tracks and new characters from the Crash universe. The game's engaging multiplayer mode and diverse track design provided hours of fun, making it a worthy successor to CTR, despite not quite matching the original’s charm and tight controls.
8. Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure
Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure marked Crash’s first foray onto the Game Boy Advance, successfully translating the series’ hallmark gameplay into a handheld format. The game featured well-designed levels, boss fights, and the classic Crash Bandicoot humor. This adaptation showcased the series’ versatility and ability to thrive on different platforms.
7. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a remastered version of the original Crash Team Racing, offering stunning modern graphics, additional content, and online multiplayer capabilities. This remaster not only paid homage to the classic racer but also expanded on it, introducing new tracks, characters, and customization options. It captured the spirit of the original while introducing the beloved kart racer to a new generation of gamers.
6. Crash Bandicoot: Wrath of Cortex
Crash Bandicoot: Wrath of Cortex is often seen as a drop-off from the original trilogy but still holds its own. The game introduced new elements such as ancient crystals and the Elementals, although it suffered from bloated and inconsistent levels. Despite its flaws, it remains fun to play and has a memorable soundtrack.
5. Crash Bandicoot
The original Crash Bandicoot game set the stage for the series, offering a charming platformer with creative bosses and level designs. While it has its setbacks, such as limited controls and no save feature, its charm and nostalgic value make it a classic. The game's layout, from Aztec jungles to different worlds, is still remembered fondly by many.
4. Crash Twinsanity
Crash Twinsanity is an underrated gem in the series, known for its great story, amazing levels, fun gameplay, and brilliant humor. Although it was only half-finished, it provided a fresh breath of air for the series. The game's unique blend of platforming and exploration makes it a standout title.
3. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy brought the first three Crash games into the modern era with beautifully remastered graphics, updated controls, and quality-of-life improvements. This collection allowed new players to experience the classic Crash adventures and veterans to revisit them with a fresh perspective. It was praised for its faithful recreation of the original games’ spirit while making them accessible and enjoyable for a contemporary audience.
2. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back improved upon the original in every way, adding new abilities like the double jump and body slam. The game featured creative level design and the ability to choose which levels to play first in each Warp Room. The boss fights were also significantly better than in the first game, making it a highlight of the series.
1. Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped is often considered the best in the series due to its perfect blend of platforming, diverse level themes, and polished gameplay mechanics. The game introduced time-traveling levels, vehicle sections, and an array of power-ups that enhanced Crash’s abilities. Its inventive levels, from medieval castles to Egyptian pyramids, combined with tight controls and a humorous storyline, make Warped the quintessential Crash experience.