Crash Bandicoot has been an iconic name in the gaming industry for over two decades now. The beloved orange marsupial made his debut on the PlayStation in 1996 and has since then captivated gamers worldwide with his humorous antics and challenging gameplay. However, there are many other fantastic platformers out there that have been overshadowed by this legendary character. In this article, we will explore the top-5 Crash Bandicoot alternative games that deserve your attention. Each game offers a unique experience that will surely satisfy your craving for an amazing platformer.
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
If you're looking for an exciting blend of platforming, stealth, and action-packed gameplay, then the Sly Cooper series is the perfect alternative to Crash Bandicoot. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, the series was initially released in 2002 and has since spawned several sequels and spin-offs.
Gameplay
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus puts players in control of Sly Cooper, a raccoon thief on a mission to reclaim his family's stolen heirloom. With the help of his friends, Bentley and Murray, Sly must traverse various levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and collectibles. The game expertly combines platforming with stealth elements, requiring players to think strategically and time their actions carefully. The levels are nonlinear and offer multiple pathways, encouraging exploration and replayability.
Story
The game's story is filled with humor and engaging characters, making it a memorable experience. Sly Cooper is on a quest to recover the Thievius Raccoonus, a book containing the secrets of his thieving ancestors. Along the way, he encounters various villains who have stolen pages from the book, each with their unique abilities and challenges.
Setting
Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus takes players across various exotic locations, from Paris to China. Each level is beautifully designed and oozes personality, immersing players in a rich, vibrant world.
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Developed by Naughty Dog, the creators of Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is a natural successor to Crash's legacy. Released in 2001, the game combines platforming, open-world exploration, and action elements to create a unique and immersive experience.
Gameplay
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy offers a vast open world for players to explore, filled with hidden collectibles, challenging platforming sections, and a host of quirky characters. Players control Jak, who is accompanied by his trusty sidekick Daxter, as they navigate the game's diverse environments. The game features a seamless blend of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving, ensuring that players are always engaged and entertained.
Story
The story of Jak and Daxter follows the duo as they try to save their world from a mysterious dark eco substance that is transforming the local wildlife into dangerous creatures. Along the way, they uncover the truth about the ancient Precursor civilization and the secrets of the eco power.
Setting
The game's world is a breathtaking mix of lush forests, sprawling deserts, and snowy mountains, all interconnected to create a seamless open-world experience. The vibrant colors and diverse environments make exploring the world of Jak and Daxter a joy.
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank is another excellent alternative to Crash Bandicoot, offering a perfect blend of platforming, shooting, and humor. Developed by Insomniac Games, the series made its debut in 2002 and has since become a fan favorite on various PlayStation consoles.
Gameplay
Ratchet & Clank combines platforming with third-person shooting, allowing players to use a wide variety of unique and inventive weapons to dispatch their enemies. Players control Ratchet, a furry alien mechanic, and his robotic sidekick Clank, who can transform into various gadgets to help Ratchet navigate the game's diverse environments. The game also features numerous collectibles, upgradeable weapons, and gadgets, ensuring that players are always motivated to explore and experiment.
Story
The Ratchet & Clank series is known for its humorous, lighthearted storylines that pit the titular duo against various villains and nefarious schemes. Each game in the series offers a unique and entertaining story that is sure to keep players engaged and laughing.
Setting
Ratchet & Clank takes players across various planets and locations, each with its unique environmental hazards and enemies. The game's world is filled with colorful, imaginative designs and is brimming with personality.
Rayman Origins
If you're looking for a more traditional platformer experience, Rayman Origins is the perfect alternative to Crash Bandicoot. Developed by Ubisoft, the game was released in 2011 and serves as a reboot of the classic Rayman series.
Gameplay
Rayman Origins takes players back to the roots of the series, offering a pure platforming experience filled with challenging levels, tight controls, and beautiful hand-drawn visuals. The game features a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to team up and tackle the game's levels together. Rayman Origins maintains a perfect balance between challenge and fun, making it an excellent choice for platform enthusiasts.
Story
The story of Rayman Origins is lighthearted and whimsical, focusing on Rayman and his friends as they try to save the Glade of Dreams from an army of dark creatures. The game's charming characters and humorous dialogue make for an entertaining and memorable experience.
Setting
Rayman Origins features a stunning hand-drawn art style that brings the game's world to life. The game's diverse environments, ranging from lush forests to icy mountains, are a visual treat and offer a unique and immersive platforming experience.
Spyro the Dragon
Lastly, Spyro the Dragon is another excellent alternative to Crash Bandicoot for those looking for a different platforming experience. Developed by Insomniac Games, the original Spyro trilogy was released between 1998 and 2000, with a remastered version, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, released in 2018.
Gameplay
Spyro the Dragon offers a unique spin on the platforming genre, with players controlling the titular dragon as he glides, charges, and breathes fire through various levels. The game features an open-world design, encouraging players to explore, find hidden collectibles, and complete various challenges. Spyro's unique abilities and engaging gameplay make it a standout among platformers.
Story
The Spyro series follows the adventures of the purple dragon Spyro as he saves his fellow dragons, fights various villains, and uncovers the secrets of his world. The game's story is filled with charm and humor, making it a delightful experience for players of all ages.
Setting
Spyro the Dragon takes players through a colorful and imaginative world filled with diverse environments such as magical forests, icy mountains, and ancient temples. The game's vibrant visuals and charming characters make it a joy to explore and discover.
In conclusion, while Crash Bandicoot remains a beloved classic among platformer fans, these five alternative games offer unique and engaging experiences that are sure to satisfy your platforming cravings. Give them a try, and find a new favorite among this fantastic selection.
Leave a comment
Your comment is awaiting moderation. We save your draft here
0 Comments