Crash: Mind over Mutant
Crash: Mind over Mutant | |
---|---|
File:MindOverMutantWiiCover.jpg The Wii version box art depicts the game's protagonist, Crash Bandicoot, fighting off (clockwise from right) a Yuktopus, a Snipe, and a Sludge. | |
Developer(s) | Radical Entertainment (home console, Virtuos ported to PSP) TOSE (Nintendo DS) |
Publisher(s) | Sierra Entertainment Activision |
Designer(s) | Joe McGinn |
Artist(s) | Yousuf Mapara |
Writer(s) | Christopher Mitchell |
Composer(s) | Marc Baril (home console) |
Series | Crash Bandicoot series |
Engine | Crash of the Titans |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox 360 |
Genre(s) | Action-adventure[2] |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multi-player |
Crash: Mind over Mutant is an action-adventure game published by Activision and developed by Vancouver-based Radical Entertainment for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable (ported by Virtuos), Wii and Xbox 360. The Nintendo DS version of the game was developed by TOSE.[3] It was released in North America on October 7 2008,[1] and was released in Europe and Australia on October 31.[1] After Crash of the Titans, the game was the second one unreleased in Japan.
Crash: Mind over Mutant is the fifteenth installment in the Crash Bandicoot video game series. The game's story centers on the arrival of a popular technological device (a parody of such devices as the iPhone[4] and the BlackBerry[5]) that puts whoever uses it under the control of the device's creators and antagonists of the story Doctor Neo Cortex and Doctor Nitrus Brio.[6] The protagonist of the series and the only one unaffected by the device, Crash Bandicoot, must free his friends from the control of the device and put an end to Doctor Cortex's plot.
Crash: Mind over Mutant received mixed reviews overall, with reviews varying from version to version. The Wii and PlayStation 2 versions were met with generally positive reviews, while the Xbox 360 version earned middling reviews. Much of the game's praise went to the humorous cutscenes and dialogue,[7][8] while the criticism went to its unadjustable camera and extensive use of backtracking.[9][10][11][12] The Nintendo DS version was received negatively for its dull and repetitive gameplay.[13]
Gameplay
Crash: Mind over Mutant is a platform game in which the player controls Crash Bandicoot, whose main objective is to explore his home, Wumpa Island, and surrounding environments to uncover the mystery behind the "NV", a personal digital assistant created by the main antagonist.[14] Crash: Mind over Mutant is a mission-based game as opposed to Crash of the Titans's level-based structure, with goals being given by non-playable characters. Characters with exclamation points (!) over their heads, when talked to, give out important information that is needed to continue the story.[14]
Scattered throughout the world are special items that empower Crash in one way or another. Golden stopwatches trigger a time-limited nanogame, which usually involves collecting objects or breaking things to earn bonuses.[3] Red running shoes serve to temporarily power up Crash's kick attack and cause him to move faster,[3] and the "Quad Damage" power-up can be used by Crash to temporarily multiply his attack power by four.[3]
Combat
Crash has a light-powered attack and a heavy-powered attack and can also block, dodge or break an enemy's block.[15] When he defeats enemies or destroys objects, a magical substance known as Mojo is released.[16] When Crash collects enough Mojo, his abilities will be upgraded.[16]
While small minions require only a single combo attack for Crash to defeat, larger enemies, known as "Titans", require more effort to subdue. Each of the unique Titans in the game possess a star meter that indicates how close they are to being stunned.[17] When the meter is full, the Titan is stunned and susceptible to "jacking", meaning Crash can mount the creature and control it.[17][18] While controlled by the player, the Titan possesses a similar moveset to Crash, although some jacked Titans can shoot projectiles.[19] Besides a greater health, the Titans controlled by Crash have a purple Titan Meter. When this meter is full, players can make the Titan unleash a special attack, which fully drains the meter in the process.[20]
A feature new to the series involves Crash storing a Titan in his pocket and utilizing it when it is most advantageous.[18][21][22][23] When Crash is riding a Titan, any Mojo collected goes to the Titan.[16] If enough Mojo is collected, the Titan's abilities are upgraded rather than Crash's.[16]
Co-operative play
A player using a second controller can join in the game at any time. The second player will initially appear as a mask floating around Crash.[24] The mask can attack enemies by using magic projectiles.[24] By pressing a certain button, the second player's character can exit and enter the mask.[24] In the Wii and Xbox 360 versions of the game, Crash's sister, Coco Bandicoot, fills in the role of the second player,[4][21][22][23][25][26][27] while a white-furred version of Crash known as "Carbon Crash" takes on this role in the PlayStation 2 version.[26] Coco is not available for play until she is defeated in a boss fight, after which she is fully playable. This method of play is useful for overpowering enemies and collecting Mojo faster.[24]
Plot
Setting
The game is played in a free-roaming format rarely seen in previous games.[4][21][23][25][27] However, the DS version is played as a 2-D platformer as to exploit the strengths of the DS itself.[3] The opening events of the game take place on Wumpa Island, Crash's homeland. Crash's house is accessible here, and can be used by the player to access skins, concept art, enemy bios and cutscenes.[3] Surrounding environments consist of societies inhabited by friendly Titans, including the Ratcicle Kingdom, the Rhinoroller Desert and the Sludge Junkyard. Other areas include the Evil Public School, attended by the main antagonist's niece, and Mount Grimly, where the evil mask Uka Uka is held. The final events of the game take place in the Space Head, a space station recycled from junkyard parts and owned by the main antagonist Doctor Neo Cortex.[28]
Characters
Nine returning characters from previous Crash titles star in the home console version of Crash: Mind over Mutant. The protagonist of the game, Crash Bandicoot, is a bandicoot who must defeat the main antagonist Doctor Cortex and free the Titans from the control of Cortex's new device. Aiding Crash is Aku Aku, an ancient wooden mask who can take control of Titans by entering their heads. Crash's genius sister, Coco Bandicoot, appears initially as a boss character under the control of Cortex's and Brio's handheld device. Afterward, she acts as a playable character during the co-operative mode of the Wii and Xbox 360 console versions;[4][21][22][23][25][27] she is replaced by a white-furred version of Crash named "Carbon Crash" in the PlayStation 2 version.[26] Crunch Bandicoot, Crash's muscular cyborg friend, also appears in the game as a brainwashed boss.[29]
The main antagonist of the series, Doctor Neo Cortex, is a mad scientist who plans on taking control of the denizens of the Wumpa Islands by marketing a mind-controlling mobile phone, the "NV", to them. Doctor Nitrus Brio makes a return appearance as Cortex's partner, aiding him in the development of the NV.[21][22][23] Uka Uka, Aku Aku's evil twin brother, is the source of the bad Mojo necessary to take control of those using the NV device. Nina Cortex, Neo Cortex's niece, also appears in the game, having been transferred to an evil public school by her uncle as punishment for her betrayal in Crash of the Titans. Doctor N. Gin, Cortex's demented right-hand man, makes a relatively minor appearance as a boss character early in the game.[30]
A number of small fodder enemies attempt to hinder Crash in his journey, much of them appearing in the previous Crash of the Titans. The Ratnicians, who previously worked for Doctor Neo Cortex, have since gone feral and vegetarian, and now work for the minor antagonist Doctor N. Gin. The Brat Girls, who previously worked for Nina Cortex, have betrayed her and now run the Evil Public School and supervise the Ratcicles in the Ratcicle Kingdom. The Doom Monkeys make a return appearance as employees of Nitrus Brio in the Sludge Junkyard. Two new fodder enemies make their debut in the game: the Znu, a group of small, warty creatures that inhabit Mount Grimly, and the Slap-E's, hand-shaped robots that share Doctor Cortex's memories and personal problems.[citation needed]
Story
Social satire and the theme of consumerism are frequent sources of humor in the plot of Crash: Mind over Mutant, with the game featuring jokes about SUVs and the skyrocketing prices of gas at the time.[31] The game's story is told through a number of cut scenes animated in different styles, such as those of Dragon Ball and South Park.
Crash: Mind over Mutant picks up from where Crash of the Titans left off.[4] The Titans, free from the control of Doctor Neo Cortex, have spread throughout the Wumpa Islands and cultivated their own societies.[3] It all seems well until a rejuvenated Doctor Neo Cortex teams up with his old partner Doctor Nitrus Brio to invent a personal digital assistant, the "NV", that can control the minds of both mutants and bandicoots by transmitting bad Mojo, forcefully siphoned from Cortex's former boss Uka Uka. Crash is not affected by the device,[4] but his friends, Coco and Crunch, are soon transformed into ferocious beasts who seek Crash's destruction. After Coco is freed from the NV's control, the Bandicoots learn of Doctor Cortex's plot by accessing his blog, and decide to go to the Evil Public School, where Nina was placed by Doctor Cortex as punishment for her betrayal in Crash of the Titans. Nina, in return for Crash saving her science fair project, informs the heroes of Cortex's and Brio's alliance and reveals their location in the Junkyard,[32] where Brio is recycling parts to create a new space station, the "Space Head", for Cortex and new NV devices.[28] Crash and Aku Aku find Crunch and Brio at the Junkyard and manage to break Crunch free from the NV's control. After learning of Uka Uka's whereabouts from Brio, Crash and Aku Aku go to Mount Grimly, where Uka Uka is being drained of all his Mojo. After being freed, Uka Uka informs Crash that his voodoo bones, his source of power, have been stolen and given to three of the worst Titans on the Island, and tells them to go and retrieve the bones for him.[33] When the bones have been gathered, Uka Uka uses his restored power to send Crash to the Space Head so that Crash can enact Uka Uka's vengeance on Cortex. Crash engages in a fight against Cortex, who uses a mutation formula stolen from Brio to empower himself for the battle.[34] Upon losing to the Bandicoot, Cortex throws a tantrum, causing the Space Head to fall towards the Earth. Cortex, having returned to normal, makes his escape from the plummeting Space Head, while Crash and Aku Aku brace themselves for a crash-landing on Wumpa Island. Crash and Aku Aku manage to survive the crash and reunite with Coco and Crunch as parts of the Space Head rain down from the sky.[35]
Development
Development on Crash: Mind over Mutant began immediately after the completion of Crash of the Titans.[3] The idea of preserving a Titan for later use came from the play testing sessions of Crash of the Titans, in which the testers were found to be reluctant to leave the Titans behind after an epic battle was won.[3] Fans of the series were also a source of inspiration for Crash: Mind over Mutant, having such wishes as a free-roaming environment, Coco Bandicoot being a playable character and the return of the character Doctor Nitrus Brio.[3] Full camera control was considered for the game, but was rejected for graphical reasons and to avoid having to insert a split-screen view in the cooperation mode.[3] Online gameplay was also considered as a feature in the finished game,[4] but was omitted due to the brief development schedule.[2] Coco Bandicoot as a playable character was omitted from the PlayStation 2 version of the game due to her distinct animations taking up much of the console's memory.[2] The Wii version of Crash: Mind over Mutant was created first, with the graphics scaled up for the Xbox 360, and scaled down for the PlayStation 2.[26] A PlayStation 3 version of the game was rumored,[26] but was promptly debunked by Radical Entertainment as a mistake on many press sites' behalf.[36]
There was an open call for fan art of Crash Bandicoot to be submitted as part of a contest. The contest was hosted at Kidzworld as part of a preview page and was aimed at fans under the age of 18. Selected artwork is included in the final build of the game either inside of a comic book in Crash's house or on a wall in the school attended by Nina Cortex.[37] In addition, winners had their names appear in the game's credits and received a free copy of the game when it was released.[38]
Audio
To ensure that the audio does not become repetitive, Crash: Mind over Mutant features more than 8,500 lines of dialogue.[26] Many of the voice actors from the previous Crash of the Titans reprised their roles, including Jess Harnell, Greg Eagles, Lex Lang, Debi Derryberry, Nolan North, John DiMaggio, Chris Williams and Amy Gross as the voices of Crash, Aku Aku, Neo Cortex, Coco, N. Gin, Uka Uka, Crunch and Nina Cortex respectively.[39] The role of Doctor Nitrus Brio is played by Maurice LaMarche, a newcomer to the series. Miscellaneous voices in the game are provided by a number of veteran voice actors, including Carlos Alazraqui, Rodger Bumpass, Grey DeLisle, Quinton Flynn, Mark Hamill, Tom Kenny and Tara Strong.[39] The music of Crash: Mind over Mutant is composed by Radical Entertainment's in-house composer Marc Baril, who composed the music for the previous Crash Bandicoot games Crash Tag Team Racing and Crash of the Titans.[39]
Reception
Crash: Mind over Mutant reviews | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Publication | Wii version |
Xbox 360 version |
PS2 version |
PSP version |
DS version |
Compilations of multiple reviews | |||||
Compiler | Wii version |
Xbox 360 version |
PS2 version |
PSP version |
DS version |
Reviews for the Wii version of Crash: Mind over Mutant were generally positive. Matthew Mumma of Gaming Trend appreciated the game's humor, and noted that the "game has plenty to do so that is a nice increase of its value."[7] Robert VerBruggen of Cheat Code Central noted that the cutscenes and dialogue "make it relatively painless to play this game for extended periods of time, and even make it worth putting up with the repetitive and sometimes annoying music."[41] Louis Bedigian of GameZone stated that the young demographic of the Crash Bandicoot series "may be annoyed by the camera and/or repetitive objectives but will be entertained by what is the best Crash game developed in a long time – and one of the best Mario clones released for Nintendo Wii."[10] NGamer UK identified the game as "a marked improvement on Crash's last game and good-looking too," and claimed that it would be "truly great" if the game "was just a bit tighter in level design and control."[51] Matt Casamassina of IGN found the game to be "exactly like its predecessor: a mildly enjoyable platforming romp that's sure to satisfy younger players, but won't provide much that seasoned players haven't already experienced before".[47][48][49] Neal Ronaghan of Nintendo World Report, meanwhile, felt that "the charming story and genuine humor" of the game were "overshadowed by the shallow gameplay."[8]
The PlayStation 2 version of Crash: Mind over Mutant was also praised, with Robert VerBruggen of Cheat Code Central describing the game as "a solid platformer" that is "fun to play and addictive", adding that "its charming spirit easily overcomes its numerous problems", which include the unadjustable camera and large amounts of backtracking.[43] Dakota Grabowsky of GameZone considered the game "slightly better" than Crash of the Titans, noting improvements in controls, gameplay and storyline from its predecessor, but lamented that "the camera almost ruins the whole package."[11] Tim Wilson suggested that the game "could have been another excellent PS2 platformer" if it "had loosened up the open-world gameplay a bit and fixed the horrible camera system."[12] The PlayStation Portable version was reviewed poorly by Jason Lauritzen of Cheat Code Central, who criticized the game for its long loading times and unstable frame rate.[5]
Reviews for the Xbox 360 version of Crash: Mind over Mutant were mixed. Christopher Ewen of GameZone praised the series' transition into a free-roaming gameplay environment, but felt that the game was too easy.[45] Andy Eddy of TeamXbox praised the game's strong voice acting, but noted the uninspired gameplay, which was "not very consistent in its fun generation."[53] Torrey Walker of 1UP.com was also receptive of the game's "laugh-out-loud funny" dialogue, but was critical of the large amounts of backtracking that ensued after a few hours of gameplay.[40] Justin Calvert of GameSpot claimed that the game "has too much backtracking and too many camera problems to make it recommendable".[9] Official Xbox Magazine concluded that "there's very little about Mind Over Mutant that makes it worth your $50 or the four hours it takes to complete."[52] Andrew Reiner of Game Informer proclaimed that the game's "unpredictable framerates, extensive backtracking, and the guarantee of one death caused by faulty camera positioning for every platforming segment" made it "a mess of a game, and a new low point for the once-loved marsupial."[44]
The Nintendo DS version of the game was criticized by Cheat Code Central's Adam Brown for its "botched jumping controls, clumsy combat, and repetitive nature", and advised the audience to play the console version instead.[13] Mike David of GameZone denounced the game as the "first really disappointing Crash title,"[46] while Craig Harris of IGN affectionately christened the Nintendo DS version a "boring, drab, uninspired platformer with none of what made last year's game so good on DS."[50]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Crash: Mind Over Mutant (Wii) at IGN". IGN. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
- ^ a b c "Overview: Crash: Mind Over Mutant Q&A". Gamer's Hell. Retrieved 2008-07-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Crash Mania - Interview with Radical (Mind Over Mutant)". Crash Mania. 2009-05-08. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|year=
/|date=
mismatch (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b c d e f g De Marco, Flynn (2008-04-28). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant Impressions". Kotaku. Retrieved 2008-04-28.
- ^ a b c Lauritzen, Jason (2008-11-01). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review for Playstation Portable (PSP)". Cheat Code Central. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-06-26). "Crash: Mind Over Mutant Q&A". Static Multimedia. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
The game's story centers on the arrival of a popular technological device that puts whoever uses it under the control of the device's creators and antagonists of the story Doctor Neo Cortex and Doctor Nitrus Brio.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Mumma, Matthew (2008-10-09). "GamingTrend Review". Gaming Trend. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
The kids will giggle a lot, and you will find yourself smiling at the humor. The game has plenty to do so that is a nice increase of its value.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Ronaghan, Neal (2008-11-12). "Nintendo World Report - Wii Review: Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 2008-11-13.
The charming story and genuine humor are far overshadowed by the shallow gameplay.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Calvert, Justin (2008-10-14). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant Xbox 360 Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
Crash Bandicoot's latest adventure has too much backtracking and too many camera problems to make it recommendable.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Bedigian, Louis (2008-10-07). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review - Wii". GameZone. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
They may be annoyed by the camera and/or repetitive objectives but will be entertained by what is the best Crash game developed in a long time – and one of the best Mario clones released for Nintendo Wii.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Grabowski, Dakota (2008-10-30). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review - PlayStation 2". GameZone. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
If you enjoyed Crash of the Titans, Crash: Mind Over Mutant is a slightly better game with improvements in critical areas such as controls, gameplay and storyline. Sadly, the camera almost ruins the whole package.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Wilson, Tim (2008-11-12). "GamingTrend Review". Gaming Trend. Retrieved 2008-11-13.
If Crash had loosened up the open-world gameplay a bit and fixed the horrible camera system, this could have been another excellent PS2 platformer.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Brown, Adam (2008-10-22). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review for Nintendo DS". Cheat Code Central. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
Mind Over Mutant gets more wrong than it gets right, leaving anyone who picks up the game with nothing more than the aching feeling of buyer's remorse.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07) [2008]. "How to Play". Crash: Mind over Mutant American instruction manual (Wii). Sierra Entertainment. p. 4.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|chapterurl=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessmonth=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|origdate=
ignored (|orig-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|origmonth=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07) [2008]. "How to Be a Great Player". Crash: Mind over Mutant American instruction manual (Wii). Sierra Entertainment. p. 8.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|chapterurl=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessmonth=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|origdate=
ignored (|orig-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|origmonth=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c d Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07) [2008]. "Upgrades". Crash: Mind over Mutant American instruction manual (Wii). Sierra Entertainment. p. 6.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|chapterurl=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessmonth=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|origdate=
ignored (|orig-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|origmonth=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07) [2008]. "How to Jack a Mutant". Crash: Mind over Mutant American instruction manual (Wii). Sierra Entertainment. p. 8.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|chapterurl=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessmonth=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|origdate=
ignored (|orig-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|origmonth=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Joynt, Patrick (2008-04-28). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant (Wii) Preview". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07) [2008]. "Controlling Mutants". Crash: Mind over Mutant American instruction manual (Wii). Sierra Entertainment. p. 9.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|chapterurl=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessmonth=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|origdate=
ignored (|orig-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|origmonth=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07) [2008]. "Controlling Mutants". Crash: Mind over Mutant American instruction manual (Wii). Sierra Entertainment. p. 10.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|chapterurl=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessmonth=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|origdate=
ignored (|orig-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|origmonth=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c d e "Crash Franchise Returns This Holiday in Sierra Entertainment's Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant". GameSpot. 2008-04-28. Retrieved 2008-04-28.
- ^ a b c d "Nintendo News: Crash Bandicoot Bounces Back On Wii And DS". Official Nintendo Magazine. 2008-04-29. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- ^ a b c d e Burnes, Andrew (2008-04-28). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant Screenshots & Announcement". Voodoo Extreme. Retrieved 2008-04-28.
- ^ a b c d Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07) [2008]. "Multiplayer Co-op Mode". Crash: Mind over Mutant American instruction manual (Wii). Sierra Entertainment. p. 10.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|chapterurl=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessmonth=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|origdate=
ignored (|orig-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|origmonth=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c Magrino, Tom (2008-04-28). "Spyro, Crash tag-teaming consoles, handhelds again". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-04-28.
- ^ a b c d e f Stern, Zack (2008-04-28). "Joystiq impressions: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (Wii)". Joystiq. Retrieved 2008-04-28.
- ^ a b c Snow, Jean (2008-04-29). "New Crash Bandicoot Game Set for Fall Release". Wired. Retrieved 2008-04-30.
- ^ a b Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07). Crash: Mind over Mutant (Multiplatform). Activision. Level/area: Abuse, Misuse, Recycle.
Doctor Nitrus Brio: But Doctor Cortex, who says he invented many things (liar!) says "Hurry! Build me a Space Head and many NV devices," so I have invented... recycling!
- ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07). Crash: Mind over Mutant (Multiplatform). Activision. Level/area: Super Number One Bandicoot.
Doctor Nitrus Brio: Ha ha ha ha! Yes! Fight you little buddy! Teach him who invented who! Strike him with your large man-hand! / Crunch Bandicoot: I obey! Eat... enough... fiber!
- ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07). Crash: Mind over Mutant (Multiplatform). Activision. Level/area: N. Coming Message.
Doctor N. Gin: I... I forgot what I was going to say. Wait! I got it! Kill the Bandicoots with violence... and new holes! Ha ha!
- ^ McInnis, Shaun (2008-04-28). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant First Look". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
- ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07). Crash: Mind over Mutant (Multiplatform). Activision. Level/area: Evil Public School.
Nina Cortex: Uncle Cortex made up with his old lab partner N. Brio / Aku Aku: N. Brio?! / Nina Cortex: Uncie Cortex talks some big game, but N. Brio's the guy who actually built everything. And luckily for you, my science project thingy tells me exactly where he is. Now, run along to the other side of the island. I've got new evil plans to start.
- ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07). Crash: Mind over Mutant (Multiplatform). Activision. Level/area: I'm Not Your Guy, Friend.
Uka Uka: The voodoo bones of my mask have been stolen and given to the worst, most despicable mutants on the island. Get them back. Be my vengeance.
- ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07). Crash: Mind over Mutant (Multiplatform). Activision. Level/area: Fists of Orange Fury.
Doctor Neo Cortex: Oh. Did I forget to mention I was going to cheat? I've got some of N. Brio's mutation formula here to even the odds.
- ^ Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07). Crash: Mind over Mutant (Multiplatform). Activision. Level/area: Home Pun.
Aku Aku: I can't believe we're okay! / Coco Bandicoot: Crash, down here! Great job, big brother. / Crunch Bandicoot: Wow! We're really gettin' a lotta this evil junk all over da place! / Coco Bandicoot: We're still not gonna clean up. / Aku Aku: (sighs) I know, Coco, I know. / Crash Bandicoot: (laughs)
- ^ Bowden, Mike (2008-04-28). "Sierra Spring Break 08: Wii lead SKU on new Crash title". videogaming247. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
We then asked her if there was going to be a PS3 version, to which she replied, "No".
- ^ "Kidzworld :: Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant :: Getting in the Game | Radical Entertainment". Kidzworld. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
- ^ "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant :: Game Preview". Kidzworld. Retrieved 2008-05-07.
- ^ a b c Radical Entertainment (2008-10-07) [2008]. "Credits". Crash: Mind over Mutant American instruction manual (Wii). Sierra Entertainment. p. 11.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|chapterurl=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessmonth=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|origdate=
ignored (|orig-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|origmonth=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Walker, Torrey (2008-10-20). "Crash Bandicot: Mind Over Mutant Review". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
It does provide a few satisfying hours of gameplay before the backtracking sets in, and it has plenty of content to keep you busy for a while if you're a completist. But if you're looking for something new other than jokes, you won't find it here.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b VerBruggen, Robert (2008-10-24). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review for Wii". Cheat Code Central. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
These little pleasures make it relatively painless to play this game for extended periods of time, and even make it worth putting up with the repetitive and sometimes annoying music. It takes about eight hours to win on the medium ("Tricky") difficulty setting, not counting the side missions and the plenty of quirks you can unearth.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (2008-10-10). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review for Xbox 360 (X360)". Cheat Code Central. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
Sure, Crash: Mind Over Mutant doesn't reinvent the wheel, and there's no way it's vintage-inspired gameplay can stand up to modern titles. But, it still manages to be quite fun, and it's worth a spin if you have ever played (and loved) a past Crash game.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b VerBruggen, Robert (2008-10-24). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)". Cheat Code Central. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
A solid platformer. It's fun to play and addictive, and its charming spirit easily overcomes its numerous problems.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Reiner, Andrew (2008-12-01). "Game Informer Online". Game Informer. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
From design to execution, this is a mess of a game, and a new low point for the once-loved marsupial.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Ewen, Christopher (2008-11-03). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review - Xbox 360". GameZone. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
Though it was not the most challenging game, Mind Over Mutant remained a joy to play. Stepping into the 3D world is definitely a good move for the franchise, and the gameplay translates well.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b David, Mike (2008-11-10). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review - Nintendo DS". GameZone. Retrieved 2008-11-13.
I'm sorry, this game just really disappoints.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Casamassina, Matt (2008-10-14). "IGN: Crash: Mind over Mutant Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant is exactly like its predecessor: a mildly enjoyable platforming romp that's sure to satisfy younger players, but won't provide much that seasoned players haven't already experienced before.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Casamassina, Matt (2008-10-27). "IGN: Crash: Mind over Mutant Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant is exactly like its predecessor: a mildly enjoyable platforming romp that's sure to satisfy younger players, but won't provide much that seasoned players haven't already experienced before.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Casamassina, Matt (2008-10-27). "IGN: Crash: Mind over Mutant Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant is exactly like its predecessor: a mildly enjoyable platforming romp that's sure to satisfy younger players, but won't provide much that seasoned players haven't already experienced before.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Harris, Craig (2008-10-28). "IGN: Crash: Mind over Mutant Review". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
Crash has had one bumpy ride on the Nintendo DS, and I had high hopes that last year's Crash of the Titans would lead to bigger and better things for the character. But Vivendi/Activision seriously dropped the ball on this one.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b c "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (wii: 2008): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (xbox360: 2008): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b Eddy, Andy (2008-10-08). "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant Review (Xbox 360)". TeamXbox. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
Mind Over Mutant isn't a bad game. In fact, there's a lot of it that's enjoyable. I just wish the effort that went into a lot of the peripheral action and non-interactive videos had also been put on the gameplay, to make it more entertaining overall. It's just not very consistent in its fun generation.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help); More than one of|author=
and|last=
specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ "Crash: Mind over Mutant (Wii) at Game Rankings". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Crash: Mind over Mutant (Xbox 360) at Game Rankings". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Crash: Mind over Mutant (PlayStation 2) at Game Rankings". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Crash: Mind over Mutant (Playstation Portable) at Game Rankings". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Crash: Mind over Mutant (Nintendo DS) at Game Rankings". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (ps2: 2008): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (psp: 2008): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant (ds: 2008): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=
and|coauthors=
(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=
ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=
ignored (|access-date=
suggested) (help)