When I was a child, I played Crash Bandicoot 2: The Wrath of Cortex. This was a basic, characterful, colourful ps1 platformer. A trivial, silly narrative was introduced at the start of the game to support the player’s actions. This was appropriate however, as it was primarily a child’s game. I then spent time concentrating on the execution of two moves; the jump and the spin. These were needed to get past pits, and dispatch enemies. I was just a mute orange character, wearing blue shorts and red sneakers. Running down a linear path through a jungle. Killing enemies, breaking big cartoon crates, collecting items, timing jumps and retrieving a big, unmissable pink crystal on each level. The gameplay was easy, fun and simple. Moving consisted of four directional buttons. Whilst all the remaining controls you needed, were; a button for a spin, and a button for a jump. Nothing else was required to play through the game. There was also no customization, no inventory, no branching storylines, no multiplayer, and no minigames. There were a small number of types of crate you could find. There were three levels of protective witch doctor masks you could have. Enemies’ actions were uncomplicated and predictable. The game was effectively split into 5 sets of 5 levels. Each section had a consistent theme running through it. Which gave you a comforting sense of familiarity, amongst all the dangerous traps and enemies you had to face. This game had such a lovely, childlike simplicity and delight about it, which it made it a pleasure to play. Even now, when I play it, it does not seem ‘old, dated and rubbish’. Its nostalgic to play, and a childhood classic of mine.
No comments:
Post a Comment