Crash Bash

Overall: B
Violence: B-
Sexual Content: A
Language: A
Drugs/Alcohol: A

Platform reviewed: Sony Playstation
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
ESRB rating: E

"PlayStation fans jealous of Nintendo's party-game monopoly can now live it up with a reasonable facsimile." ...At least that what it says on PlayStation's North American website. Almost sounds apologetic, doesn't it?

In order for a game to be classified in the party genre, one could safely assume that it would be playable by a group of people; that it would be entertaining; it would present a reasonable challenge; and that results (winning or losing) could be achieved without a lengthy time commitment. So, after his success on the kart racing circuit, how does the latest game featuring Crash Bandicoot measure up?

Crash Bash consists of four separate levels, or warp rooms. Within each of these exist seven different arenas where you can test your skills against three other characters. At the outset, only the first warp room is unlocked, and only four arenas are available. Further access only becomes an option after you've met the prerequisites and proved your worthiness as an opponent.

Arenas include: Ballistix--a type of pong / pinball match that has you trying to deflect steel balls from your goal into those of your opponents; Pogo Pandemonium--a mad scramble on pogo sticks in hopes of painting as many squares with your color while avoiding nasty things like missiles; Crate Crush--a test of your ability to throw and kick crates (some containing TNT and Nitro) at your opponent while avoiding those tossed your way; Polar Push--each contestant rides upon the back of a polar bear, looking somewhat hilarious as they attempt to push opponents over the edge of a slippery ice floe, which may also be tilting or melting; Tank Wars--you must commandeer a tank through a maze-like battlefield, blasting away at opposing forces; and Crash Dash--a race around the track to be first across the finish line.

But wait a minute--that's a total of six, and I previously mentioned there were seven arenas. That's because the only way your character can advance to a different warp room is by facing the Arena Boss in a separate contest and emerging victorious. Trust me though, while these events are loosely based on those already mastered, defeating an Arena Boss amounts to surviving a total onslaught. Parents should be aware that while the goal of each event is to be the lone survivor, and although there is a great deal of aggression exhibited while achieving said goal--any resulting violence is non-explicit and defeated opponents simply disappear from the screen.

Crash Bash can be played by one, two, or--if you have the multitap adapter--four players. The game also features a mode that allows two players to join forces while issuing a challenge to another team. Although it would be considered a stretch trying to justify this as an opportunity to learn teamwork skills, it does bring an entirely new dimension to the game.

Apparently this is the last edition of Crash Bandicoot and friends for the PlayStation console. It will be interesting to see what lies in store for them when they arrive on the PlayStation 2. In the meantime--if you're looking for an enjoyable, albeit mindless, fun-filled party pastime--this one should provide many hours of entertainment without a whole lot of content concern. That is, if you're okay with a bunch of crashing and bashing.

Jim Fleming

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