Crash Bandicoot: On the Run – A Mobile Adventure Review

Crash Bandicoot, the iconic marsupial, has made his way to mobile devices with Crash Bandicoot: On the Run. This endless runner, developed by King, attempts to capture the spirit of the classic PlayStation games while adapting the gameplay for a touch-screen experience. However, while offering a familiar face and frantic action, the game is not without its flaws. This review will delve into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive assessment of its mobile debut.

Gameplay: A Familiar Spin on Endless Running

Crash Bandicoot: On the Run adopts the popular endless runner formula, similar to titles like Temple Run and Minion Rush. Players control Crash as he sprints through various levels based on iconic locations from the original games, such as Turtle Woods, Lost City, and Temple Ruins. The core gameplay loop involves navigating obstacles, collecting Wumpa fruits (the series’ staple collectible), and battling Dr. Neo Cortex’s henchmen.

Controlling Crash is intuitive enough. Swiping up makes him jump, swiping down initiates a slide, while swiping left or right allows for lane changes. Tapping the screen unleashes Crash’s signature spin attack, crucial for dispatching enemies and breaking crates. The game effectively utilizes the touch controls, offering a responsive, albeit somewhat simplified, experience compared to the precise platforming of the console originals. The simplification, however, is arguably necessary to adapt the frantic energy of the Crash Bandicoot games to a mobile format that prioritizes one-handed play.

Beyond the core running and jumping, the game introduces a base-building element. Players collect resources to upgrade Coco Bandicoot’s laboratory, unlocking new weapons and power-ups to aid in their runs. This meta-game adds a layer of progression and customization, allowing players to strategically enhance Crash’s abilities and tackle increasingly challenging levels. The base building aspect, while potentially rewarding, may also distract from the core game mechanics if it becomes too demanding or grindy.

Graphics and Sound: A Mixed Bag

Visually, Crash Bandicoot: On the Run presents a stylized rendition of the iconic character and environments. While not graphically stunning by modern mobile standards, the art style successfully evokes the charm of the original games. The characters are recognizable, and the environments maintain a vibrant and colorful aesthetic. However, some players have reported graphical glitches, including occasional frame rate drops and visual inconsistencies, which can detract from the overall experience. These performance issues can range from minor visual hiccups to significant frame-rate drops impacting gameplay responsiveness.

The audio design is similarly a mixed bag. The sound effects are mostly faithful to the series, providing satisfying feedback for actions like jumping, sliding, and spinning. The music is upbeat and energetic, fitting the fast-paced nature of the gameplay. However, the soundtrack’s repetitive nature can become tiresome during extended play sessions, and some players have reported audio glitches or inconsistencies.

Challenges and Progression: A Balancing Act

Crash Bandicoot: On the Run presents a constantly increasing difficulty curve, ensuring that players are consistently challenged. New obstacles, enemies, and environmental hazards are introduced at a steady pace, preventing the game from becoming monotonous. The progression system, coupled with the base-building element, provides a steady stream of unlockable content, such as new characters, skins, and power-ups. This encourages repeated playthroughs and rewards consistent engagement. However, this could prove frustrating if the difficulty curve becomes too steep, or if the grind to obtain resources and upgrades becomes excessively tedious.

The inclusion of various game modes, such as boss battles and timed challenges, offers variety and keeps the gameplay experience engaging. However, certain aspects of the game design, such as the inclusion of timed events and resource-gated unlocks, may promote impatience for players that are less willing to invest significant time in the game.

Bugs and Glitches: A Significant Drawback

One of the most significant criticisms of Crash Bandicoot: On the Run centers around the presence of various bugs and glitches. Players have reported instances of unresponsive controls, unexpected falls with no collision detection, and visual artifacts affecting gameplay. These issues, while seemingly present, affect the fluidity and enjoyment of the gaming experience, especially considering the game’s reliance on quick reflexes and precise movements. The developers have released updates to address some of these issues, but reports of persistent problems suggest that bug fixing remains an ongoing challenge.

Monetization: A Fair Approach (Mostly)

Crash Bandicoot: On the Run utilizes a free-to-play model with optional in-app purchases. While the game can be enjoyed without spending any money, players can purchase in-game currency to accelerate progression, acquire cosmetic items, or gain access to certain advantages. This monetization strategy is relatively common for mobile games, however, the frequency of the purchase requests and the temptation to upgrade quickly may impact the overall experience for players less willing to pay extra to enhance their gameplay. The developers seem to have implemented a sensible monetization system, however, aggressive monetization strategies can undermine the player experience.

Conclusion: A Fun but Flawed Mobile Adaptation

Crash Bandicoot: On the Run offers a fun and engaging experience for fans of the series, delivering a familiar feel within the confines of an endless runner. The intuitive controls, charming visuals, and addictive gameplay loop are successful elements. However, the presence of persistent bugs and glitches significantly detracts from the overall quality, hindering the enjoyable gaming experience. While the free-to-play model appears balanced, the potential for intrusive monetization should be considered. The game is enjoyable as a casual experience, but players seeking a polished and bug-free mobile experience might be better served looking elsewhere. If the developers can address the technical shortcomings, Crash Bandicoot: On the Run could achieve its full potential. However, as it stands, it remains a fun but ultimately flawed mobile adaptation of a beloved franchise.