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Instead of reviewing these games, here is a boss ranking:
Every boss gets a score out of five:
16: Dr. Cortex
Game: Crash 2
Score: 0/5
The namesake boss of Crash 2 is an embarrassment; I'm not even comfortable calling it a boss. He never attacks you and there is no remote element of combat. The boss is tedious if you don’t know what to do, and pitiful easy if you do; It still blows my mind how bad this boss is.
15: Papu Papu
Game: Crash 1
Score: 1/5
Objectively just as bad as the previous fight, but at least he attacks you, and he has the excuse of being the first boss of the first game. Still a terrible note to start on.
14: Ripper Roo
Game: Crash 1
Score: 1/5
Still no element of combat. A unique setup can’t make up for this boss feeling more like a level hazard; the timing on the TNT crates can be irritating as well. Fortunately, there is another boss further down the list that uses Ripper Roo’s setup much better.
13: Ripper Roo
Game: Crash 2
Score: 2/5
Really not a big fan of Ripper Roo boss fights. This one has more interesting attacks and slightly better aesthetics, but still just feels like a level hazard and is really boring on future playthroughs.
12: Komodo Bros
Game: Crash 2
Score: 2/5
This fight would rank much higher if not for one thing; the area is too big. It’s almost impossible to get hit by anything, and there is no challenge as a result. Great aesthetics can’t make up for that unfortunately.
11: Pinstripe Potoroo
Game: Crash 1
Score: 2/5
You could lob the first half of his health bar off all at once in the original ps1 game. This version is slightly harder, but still too easy and basic to be noteworthy.
10: Tiny Tiger
Game: Crash 2
Score: 3/5
The second-best boss in Crash 2 barely made the top ten; Crash 2’s bosses aren’t very good. Tiny is a fine encounter; it takes Ripper Roo’s mechanics and improves them by having the boss actively pursue you. Tiny is fun, but very basic. The best thing about him by far is the music, which is common for Crash 2.
9: Koala Kong
Game: Crash 1
Score: 3/5
The first good boss in the series. I could almost tie Kong with Tiny, but I put Kong slightly higher because he has more attacks and slightly more complex mechanics. Kong is basic fun, nothing more, nothing less.
8: Dr. Cortex
Game: Crash 1
Score: 3/5
Dr. Cortex fights run the gambit in terms of quality. This one provides a worthy challenge and an appropriately epic setting for the game’s conclusion. I have no idea how the next Cortex fight was such a downgrade, but maybe the one after that will be way better.
7: N. Tropy
Game: Crash 3
Score: 3/5
The weakest fight in Crash 3 is in the upper half of the list; five of the top seven bosses in the trilogy are just Crash 3; That should tell you something about Crash 3’s boss quality compared to the previous two games.
Tropy is a solid fight. He has challenging attacks to dodge and the fight itself has good aesthetics. I’d be happy to rank it higher, but the rest of Crash 3’s bosses are just too good: Which reminds me…
6: N. Gin
Game: Crash 3
Score: 4/5
This fight is objectively the longest and most varied in the trilogy. Unfortunately, it also stands out as one of the very few that was notably better in the ps1 version: This fight is much easier, and you feel much less impact from damaging the parts of the robot. Still a great fight, but a bit of a downgrade.
5: N. Brio
Game: Crash 1
Score: 4/5
My favorite Crash character is also my favorite fight from Crash 1. Honestly, this fight is so varied and clever that it’s hard to believe it’s from the first game. The actual gameplay of this fight is nothing special, but the setting, mechanics, and the boss character are among the best in the trilogy.
4: Tiny Tiger
Game: Crash 3
Score: 4/5
Best first boss in the trilogy without question. Twinsanity and Crash 4 may have had better first bosses later on, but this one set a new standard with an excellent area, varied attacks, and being the first boss to give you an upgrade after defeating him. Tiny provides a challenge early on that doesn’t feel overwhelming given your place in the game. I have no idea how they’ll top this.
3: Dingodile
Game: Crash 3
Score: 5/5
They topped it. Wildly creative area and boss character, unique mechanics, and the best boss theme in the trilogy. The fact that you earn the double-jump from this fight, which can be used to cheese this fight on a second encounter, is just icing on the cake. This is probably one of the best bosses I’ve ever seen in a platforming game.
2: N. Gin
Game: Crash 2
Score: 5/5
The saving grace of Crash 2’s boss roster. N Gin has so many attacks, a great boss theme, a cool voice, a good design, and a fair challenge. His attacks will even vary depending on if he has one or two shoulders left. That attention to detail is admirable. Crash 2 would be right alongside Spyro 1 as a posterchild of good games with bad bosses if not for this encounter.
1: Neo Cortex
Game: Crash 3
Score: 5/5
Have you all figured out by now I really like Crash 3 bosses? Especially those with excellent music, varied attacks, memorable areas, and a climactic sense of scale? This fight has it all: an epic 2-v-2 encounter with two foes built-up throughout your entire journey, and one where you must win without taking damage due to Aku-Aku’s pre-occupation fighting his brother. Much like Spyro 2’s final boss, the added hurdle of winning with no damage adds a lot to the encounter and helps forgive the lack of difficulty. You can argue that N. Gin or Dingodile have the better gameplay, but I think Dr. Cortex’s Crash 3 fight is the complete package.
I reviewed each ps1 game individually and these game are just those with streamlined controls, better graphics, some dated elements of progression removed, and optional time trials across all three games. This trilogy is great, and you don't need me to tell you that.
Every boss gets a score out of five:
16: Dr. Cortex
Game: Crash 2
Score: 0/5
The namesake boss of Crash 2 is an embarrassment; I'm not even comfortable calling it a boss. He never attacks you and there is no remote element of combat. The boss is tedious if you don’t know what to do, and pitiful easy if you do; It still blows my mind how bad this boss is.
15: Papu Papu
Game: Crash 1
Score: 1/5
Objectively just as bad as the previous fight, but at least he attacks you, and he has the excuse of being the first boss of the first game. Still a terrible note to start on.
14: Ripper Roo
Game: Crash 1
Score: 1/5
Still no element of combat. A unique setup can’t make up for this boss feeling more like a level hazard; the timing on the TNT crates can be irritating as well. Fortunately, there is another boss further down the list that uses Ripper Roo’s setup much better.
13: Ripper Roo
Game: Crash 2
Score: 2/5
Really not a big fan of Ripper Roo boss fights. This one has more interesting attacks and slightly better aesthetics, but still just feels like a level hazard and is really boring on future playthroughs.
12: Komodo Bros
Game: Crash 2
Score: 2/5
This fight would rank much higher if not for one thing; the area is too big. It’s almost impossible to get hit by anything, and there is no challenge as a result. Great aesthetics can’t make up for that unfortunately.
11: Pinstripe Potoroo
Game: Crash 1
Score: 2/5
You could lob the first half of his health bar off all at once in the original ps1 game. This version is slightly harder, but still too easy and basic to be noteworthy.
10: Tiny Tiger
Game: Crash 2
Score: 3/5
The second-best boss in Crash 2 barely made the top ten; Crash 2’s bosses aren’t very good. Tiny is a fine encounter; it takes Ripper Roo’s mechanics and improves them by having the boss actively pursue you. Tiny is fun, but very basic. The best thing about him by far is the music, which is common for Crash 2.
9: Koala Kong
Game: Crash 1
Score: 3/5
The first good boss in the series. I could almost tie Kong with Tiny, but I put Kong slightly higher because he has more attacks and slightly more complex mechanics. Kong is basic fun, nothing more, nothing less.
8: Dr. Cortex
Game: Crash 1
Score: 3/5
Dr. Cortex fights run the gambit in terms of quality. This one provides a worthy challenge and an appropriately epic setting for the game’s conclusion. I have no idea how the next Cortex fight was such a downgrade, but maybe the one after that will be way better.
7: N. Tropy
Game: Crash 3
Score: 3/5
The weakest fight in Crash 3 is in the upper half of the list; five of the top seven bosses in the trilogy are just Crash 3; That should tell you something about Crash 3’s boss quality compared to the previous two games.
Tropy is a solid fight. He has challenging attacks to dodge and the fight itself has good aesthetics. I’d be happy to rank it higher, but the rest of Crash 3’s bosses are just too good: Which reminds me…
6: N. Gin
Game: Crash 3
Score: 4/5
This fight is objectively the longest and most varied in the trilogy. Unfortunately, it also stands out as one of the very few that was notably better in the ps1 version: This fight is much easier, and you feel much less impact from damaging the parts of the robot. Still a great fight, but a bit of a downgrade.
5: N. Brio
Game: Crash 1
Score: 4/5
My favorite Crash character is also my favorite fight from Crash 1. Honestly, this fight is so varied and clever that it’s hard to believe it’s from the first game. The actual gameplay of this fight is nothing special, but the setting, mechanics, and the boss character are among the best in the trilogy.
4: Tiny Tiger
Game: Crash 3
Score: 4/5
Best first boss in the trilogy without question. Twinsanity and Crash 4 may have had better first bosses later on, but this one set a new standard with an excellent area, varied attacks, and being the first boss to give you an upgrade after defeating him. Tiny provides a challenge early on that doesn’t feel overwhelming given your place in the game. I have no idea how they’ll top this.
3: Dingodile
Game: Crash 3
Score: 5/5
They topped it. Wildly creative area and boss character, unique mechanics, and the best boss theme in the trilogy. The fact that you earn the double-jump from this fight, which can be used to cheese this fight on a second encounter, is just icing on the cake. This is probably one of the best bosses I’ve ever seen in a platforming game.
2: N. Gin
Game: Crash 2
Score: 5/5
The saving grace of Crash 2’s boss roster. N Gin has so many attacks, a great boss theme, a cool voice, a good design, and a fair challenge. His attacks will even vary depending on if he has one or two shoulders left. That attention to detail is admirable. Crash 2 would be right alongside Spyro 1 as a posterchild of good games with bad bosses if not for this encounter.
1: Neo Cortex
Game: Crash 3
Score: 5/5
Have you all figured out by now I really like Crash 3 bosses? Especially those with excellent music, varied attacks, memorable areas, and a climactic sense of scale? This fight has it all: an epic 2-v-2 encounter with two foes built-up throughout your entire journey, and one where you must win without taking damage due to Aku-Aku’s pre-occupation fighting his brother. Much like Spyro 2’s final boss, the added hurdle of winning with no damage adds a lot to the encounter and helps forgive the lack of difficulty. You can argue that N. Gin or Dingodile have the better gameplay, but I think Dr. Cortex’s Crash 3 fight is the complete package.
I reviewed each ps1 game individually and these game are just those with streamlined controls, better graphics, some dated elements of progression removed, and optional time trials across all three games. This trilogy is great, and you don't need me to tell you that.
2016
One step forward, one step back.
Ratchet is much more likable in this version, but his relationship with Clank feels like an afterthought. The gameplay is much more addicting, but the story is far weaker. As a remake, it changes too much to feel loyal to the original game, but keeps enough elements from the 2002 game to stop it from being able to stand on its own entirely.
Oh well, at least it was better than the movie
Ratchet is much more likable in this version, but his relationship with Clank feels like an afterthought. The gameplay is much more addicting, but the story is far weaker. As a remake, it changes too much to feel loyal to the original game, but keeps enough elements from the 2002 game to stop it from being able to stand on its own entirely.
Oh well, at least it was better than the movie
2021
An improvement over the first game in nearly every regard.
Much more interesting and varied settings, better enemy variety and a story that made me want to learn all about this disturbing nightmare world. Little Nightmares 2 incorporates more puzzles than the first game and is a masterful example of sound direction done fabulously well in a game.
The game, like part one, is still lacking in replay value, and levels two and three do outstay their welcomes in my opinion. Still, there is far more good here than bad.
Much more interesting and varied settings, better enemy variety and a story that made me want to learn all about this disturbing nightmare world. Little Nightmares 2 incorporates more puzzles than the first game and is a masterful example of sound direction done fabulously well in a game.
The game, like part one, is still lacking in replay value, and levels two and three do outstay their welcomes in my opinion. Still, there is far more good here than bad.
2023
You can't outdo perfection, but this was a valiant attempt.
This game honestly reminded me of Spyro 2 Reignited in that it's a really good game and you should absolutely play it, but I can't bring myself to say it's better than the original. In both instances: improvements from the source material are present but rare, The voice acting is missing some of the original's distinct charm, and some(not many but some) of my favorite elements from the original were weft out.
If you want my full feelings about this game, just read my review of the original RE4 and note that this is that with a bit less enjoyable camp, a touch weaker voice acting, and a few less memorable set pieces.
Believe me: this game is amazing, and I'd be a lot more excited about it is it wasn't riding on the heels of one of the all-time greats, but those are big shoes to fill. Still, I feel this remake did the 2005 original justice, it just didn't replace it.
This game honestly reminded me of Spyro 2 Reignited in that it's a really good game and you should absolutely play it, but I can't bring myself to say it's better than the original. In both instances: improvements from the source material are present but rare, The voice acting is missing some of the original's distinct charm, and some(not many but some) of my favorite elements from the original were weft out.
If you want my full feelings about this game, just read my review of the original RE4 and note that this is that with a bit less enjoyable camp, a touch weaker voice acting, and a few less memorable set pieces.
Believe me: this game is amazing, and I'd be a lot more excited about it is it wasn't riding on the heels of one of the all-time greats, but those are big shoes to fill. Still, I feel this remake did the 2005 original justice, it just didn't replace it.
2017
An interesting, yet minimal experience. The game is deficient in terms of puzzles and lacking in overall gameplay and setting variety. I think it is rather unacceptable for such a short game to be so lacking in replay value. Nothing about the lore or characters of this world drew me in and I was never tempted to explore the mysteries of the Maw. I can recommend a single playthrough for those who are curious, but go in with measured expectations.
The far lesser of the two Crash 4s, but I still liked it.
2018
Satisfying moment-to-moment gameplay bolstered by strong characters and a decent story. The web-swinging, combat, character interactions and collectables in this game make for an experience that can be played for hours at a time.
The game isn't perfect by any means. Any part of the game where you play as anyone other that Spider-Man, while brief and rare, tend to be boring. The game can be held back by some repetitive and uninspired side quests. And lastly, I take issue with the game's pacing.
Spider-Man PS4 begins with an incredible, pulse-pounding sequence, but then drops and doesn't meet that same level of urgency until the final third. But, with that said, the last third of this game is top-tier, and I refuse to spoil anything about it. It is worth playing for that part alone.
The game isn't perfect by any means. Any part of the game where you play as anyone other that Spider-Man, while brief and rare, tend to be boring. The game can be held back by some repetitive and uninspired side quests. And lastly, I take issue with the game's pacing.
Spider-Man PS4 begins with an incredible, pulse-pounding sequence, but then drops and doesn't meet that same level of urgency until the final third. But, with that said, the last third of this game is top-tier, and I refuse to spoil anything about it. It is worth playing for that part alone.
Only recommended for those who want an easy platinum trophy.
Water, Ear - er Lightening, Fire, Air
Long ago, the four Divine Beasts lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Calamity attacked. Only the Hero of Time, master of all four runes, could stop it. But, when Hyrule needed him most, he vanished. One-hundred years pass by and my Wii U and I discover the new Hero of Time: a young swordsman named Link, and, though his weapon-breaking skills are great, he has a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone.
But, I believe, Link will dick around in shrines for 150 hours then watch Zelda save the world.
Long ago, the four Divine Beasts lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when the Calamity attacked. Only the Hero of Time, master of all four runes, could stop it. But, when Hyrule needed him most, he vanished. One-hundred years pass by and my Wii U and I discover the new Hero of Time: a young swordsman named Link, and, though his weapon-breaking skills are great, he has a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone.
But, I believe, Link will dick around in shrines for 150 hours then watch Zelda save the world.
Why did I remember this game being so mediocre? It's actually good!
Tight controls which compliment a distinct gameplay loop; A charming Outback aesthetic and lovely soundtrack bolstered by strong enemy, character, and level design; and a good variety in terms of weapons and gameplay styles. It feels great to re-visit an old game and realize it's way better than you remember it.
However, not all of my initial criticisms were unfounded. Ty is an early, low-budget PS2 game, and the first game in a series, and it shows: Character interactions and dialogue are very awkward(and not in a self-aware kind of way), the cutscenes don't look great, and the storytelling is so poor the basic narrative can be confusing. The game also suffers from tedious item collection and an abysmal boss roster. These are definitely issues, they just aren't as bad as I remembered them.
Given how much Ty had going against it, I think Chrome turned out a strong product. I'm very glad I gave this game a second chance, and I'll happily recommend it to any fan of classic platformers.
This game is RIPPER! (there I said it.)
Tight controls which compliment a distinct gameplay loop; A charming Outback aesthetic and lovely soundtrack bolstered by strong enemy, character, and level design; and a good variety in terms of weapons and gameplay styles. It feels great to re-visit an old game and realize it's way better than you remember it.
However, not all of my initial criticisms were unfounded. Ty is an early, low-budget PS2 game, and the first game in a series, and it shows: Character interactions and dialogue are very awkward(and not in a self-aware kind of way), the cutscenes don't look great, and the storytelling is so poor the basic narrative can be confusing. The game also suffers from tedious item collection and an abysmal boss roster. These are definitely issues, they just aren't as bad as I remembered them.
Given how much Ty had going against it, I think Chrome turned out a strong product. I'm very glad I gave this game a second chance, and I'll happily recommend it to any fan of classic platformers.
This game is RIPPER! (there I said it.)
2022
So, I played GoW 5 when it first came out, and it was the easiest 5/5 I ever gave. I didn't feel like my initial review did the game justice, but it was simply one of the most varied, polished, artistic, satisfying, and just damn fun games I had ever played. With a year having passed, I decided to consider the possibility that my opinion on what I thought was one of my new top-ten favorite games of all time would change if I played it again: It did, the game actually got a little better. It isn't a top ten game for me anymore, it's a top 5; top 3 isn't out of the question.
I found the performances even more compelling, the combat even more engaging, I unlocked a whole new tier of appreciation for the level design, and even the parts of the game I wasn't looking forward to as much weren't as tedious as I remembered them. I'm so glad the DLC came around to compel me to revisit this masterpiece, and you should definitely play that as well.
I don't think either of my reviews do this game justice, it is one of the greatest accomplishments in the medium of video games this decade in my opinion, but if even one person gives this game a chance because of either of my reviews, I'll be pleased with myself.
I found the performances even more compelling, the combat even more engaging, I unlocked a whole new tier of appreciation for the level design, and even the parts of the game I wasn't looking forward to as much weren't as tedious as I remembered them. I'm so glad the DLC came around to compel me to revisit this masterpiece, and you should definitely play that as well.
I don't think either of my reviews do this game justice, it is one of the greatest accomplishments in the medium of video games this decade in my opinion, but if even one person gives this game a chance because of either of my reviews, I'll be pleased with myself.
What strange, unsuitable reality have I entered wherein this game even exists? Never mind that it's as good as it is. This is 2.5 games seamlessly woven into a package that made me look at remakes a new way.
Nitro-fueled went above and beyond: bringing content back from the near-forgotten Crash Nitro Kart, adding never-before playable characters and yet more content with a new track each month for seven months. Anyone who wasn't engrossed by the entertaining main quest could dive into the online multiplayer or any of the fun and varied side modes, paying alone or with a friend. Just about every track in the game, old and new, is loaded with visual details shortcuts which complement the skill-based driving beautifully. The player can fiddle with thousands of cart combinations while finding all of the hidden crates or CTR letters in each track. It is no exaggeration to say I logged over a hundred hours into this bizarre masterpiece.
No remake I have ever played has transformed a fun-yet-dated experience the way this one has. The customization and overall content of the original PS1 game was acceptable for the time, but would look pitiful by PS4 standards. If CTR on PS1 is a one-story office building, Nitro-fueled built on its foundation and turned it into a skyscraper. I hand-on-heart recommend this as both my favorite kart racing game and my favorite crash game.
Also, if you're mad about microtransactions, then don't pay them. I got every unlockable I wanted without spending a cent past the initial purchase of the game. Good Luck!
Nitro-fueled went above and beyond: bringing content back from the near-forgotten Crash Nitro Kart, adding never-before playable characters and yet more content with a new track each month for seven months. Anyone who wasn't engrossed by the entertaining main quest could dive into the online multiplayer or any of the fun and varied side modes, paying alone or with a friend. Just about every track in the game, old and new, is loaded with visual details shortcuts which complement the skill-based driving beautifully. The player can fiddle with thousands of cart combinations while finding all of the hidden crates or CTR letters in each track. It is no exaggeration to say I logged over a hundred hours into this bizarre masterpiece.
No remake I have ever played has transformed a fun-yet-dated experience the way this one has. The customization and overall content of the original PS1 game was acceptable for the time, but would look pitiful by PS4 standards. If CTR on PS1 is a one-story office building, Nitro-fueled built on its foundation and turned it into a skyscraper. I hand-on-heart recommend this as both my favorite kart racing game and my favorite crash game.
Also, if you're mad about microtransactions, then don't pay them. I got every unlockable I wanted without spending a cent past the initial purchase of the game. Good Luck!
2010
This review contains spoilers
A boy treks through a dark and unforgiving night. His body is frail, but his resolve is unbreakable. His journey brought him through countless ordeals: walking through treacherous terrains and avoiding deadly traps. He comes to a clearing. A young girl is playing by herself in the light. He approaches her, and she takes notice of him. His journey is over.
2020
Best video game ever.
I would rather re-watch Lightyear.
Bad graphics, lazy storytelling, repetitive gameplay, and an awful camera with terrible controls. I can't remember the last time I abandoned a game after thirty minutes.
The only remotely-enjoyable parts of the whole experience were those split-second cutscenes from the show. I never watched the cartoon myself, but I trust it's much better. If you're ever tempted to play this game, just watch that cartoon instead,.
Bad graphics, lazy storytelling, repetitive gameplay, and an awful camera with terrible controls. I can't remember the last time I abandoned a game after thirty minutes.
The only remotely-enjoyable parts of the whole experience were those split-second cutscenes from the show. I never watched the cartoon myself, but I trust it's much better. If you're ever tempted to play this game, just watch that cartoon instead,.