Crash Bandicoot XS

Published by Universal Interactive
Designed by Vicarious Visions
Platform: GBA
Price £34.99
Released: Out Now

He was once confined to the Playstation but now Crash Bandicoot is branching out and heading for other formats. Surprisingly Crash has arrived on the GBA and even more surprising is the fact that he instantly becomes one of the best games on the handheld console.

Vicarious Visions have transferred Crash Bandicoot to the GBA brilliantly. Crash looks and feels exactly the same as he does on the Playstation. The controls haven't been dumbed down at all. All of Crash's moves are here and include the classic spin, slide, body slam and crouch. After defeating a boss you will also gain some special moves such as the super body slam, double jump, tornado spin and turbo run. Crash also has a full company of friends and foes. Coco, Aku Aku, Uka Uka and of course the old nemesis himself Dr. Neo Cortex.

Dr Cortex has been developing a shrinking ray and plans to shrink the planet. This would allow him global domination with the minimum of ease. In fact it does and Cortex manages to shrink the Earth to the size of a grapefruit. Only Crash and his friends can rescue the situation. Coco needs 20 crystals, one is found on each of the games levels, to enlarge the earth back to its normal size.

The game takes a similar format to the PS2 Crash Bandicoot. You initially only have access to the first five levels, which can be played in any order. After you've completed the five levels a boss level becomes available. Once you've defeated the boss then the next five levels become available. You can return to the completed levels to take up a time trial challenge and performing well in these time trials will earn you a relic ranging from a sapphire for a good time to platinum for a perfect performance.

Crash Bandicoot is perfect for deaf gamers. The story line is carried along with static text that requires a button press to continue. All information is given in text and nothing is missing for the deaf gamer.

Crash Bandicoot is a fabulous GBA which is well worth anybody's money. The levels are full of variety, although some are very similar. If you've played any of the previous Crash Bandicoot games you'll be amazed at how well this plays on the GBA. You'll also be delighted to know that a sequel has been announced.

Overall Game Rating: 9.3/10 Crash Bandicoot XS is one of the best GBA games you can buy.

Deaf Gamers comment: The game is absolutely perfect for deaf gamers.