Nefarious. Diabolical. Dastardly.

When evildoers conspire, it can’t be good, especially not for a marsupial named Crash Bandicoot.

Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex ­ from Traveller’s Tales, Eurocom Entertainment Software and Universal Interactive ­ is the first appearance for the character on the GameCube. While this is classic Crash, it is a linear joyride for fans of the character and a worthy introduction for those who may not have had the opportunity to enjoy his antics before.

Here is the premise for this outing. Uka-Uka has called together all those who have been defeated by Crash throughout the years. It seems that evil production is way, way down, and the floating malicious mask demands that they put their heads together and come up with a plan to defeat Crash once and for all. Dr. Neo Cortex (capital N on his forehead, and sporting an insane-yet-nutty professor look) has been working on a new, super-secret weapon that will certainly destroy Crash. It is a super bandicoot named Crush. Unfortunately, Cortex lacks the power to complete the project.

Uka-Uka says that centuries ago, the Ancient Ancestors battled the Elementals, finally imprisoning them with special crystals. If they can release the Elementals, Cortex would have the power to finish his creation and Crash would be ‘Crush’ed.

Meanwhile, Crash is enjoying a vacation with Coco and Uka-Uka’s good twin brother Aku-Aku. Suddenly storms ravage the land. Aku-Aku finds out that the Elementals have been released, and the special crystals have been scattered across the world. It is up to Crash to recover the crystals to save the day. Fortunately Coco has developed a virtual reality warp device that will transport Crash throughout the world to retrieve the crystals.

Throughout the adventure, Crash will have the opportunity to use different vehicles, which do a lot to break up the similarity of the levels. For example, after braving the frigid wastes, skiers and twirling penguins of Arctic Antics, Crash gets to pilot an armed glider to blow up hovering machines that are creating tornadoes.

But for the most part, Crash twirls, jumps, sneaks, slides and body slams his way throughout the levels. You need to complete the level to get the crystal and warp back out. Collect fruit along the way, and for every 100 pieces you collect, you get another life. Fail along the way and you will either start at the beginning or at the last checkpoint reached. You can also collect gems: the clear ones are the reward for breaking all the boxes in a level while the colored ones transport Crash to hidden areas. Once you complete the level and collect the crystal (there are 25 to collect), you can return to the level to compete in the time trial (competing the level in under a specified time) and collect a relic. Five relics will open a secret level. In order to completely finish the game, you will have to work through the secret levels.

Controls of the game are kept simple, and players should have no difficulty in negotiating the levels. You will get to control Crash and Coco during the course of the program.

The game sound is fun, with a solid soundtrack and over-acted vocal characterizations. But the latter fits perfectly in this world.

Graphically the game is a lushly rendered three-dimensional romp. The scope of the levels is limited, and the path through is very linear ­ no veering either left or right. Many of the obstacles are easily timed. The animations are very good.

Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex is not innovative, nor will it set new standards in terms of gameplay. But it does entertain, and looks good doing it.

It is rated for Everyone.
 

Gameplay: 7.1
The game is extremely linear. While fast paced, there is a sameness to many levels.

Graphics: 7.5
Some of the environments lack definition and the detail that other GameCube programs sport, but this remains a bright and colorful adventure.

Sound: 7.1
What is presented here is exactly what is expected ­ overacted vocal characterizations, solid effects and music.

Difficulty: Easy
This game shouldn’t challenge hardcore gamers. While enjoyable, this is a reflexive adventure, and the linear nature of the game allows players to put the mind on hold and just play.

Concept: 7
This is essentially more of the same Crash Bandicoot. Not necessarily a bad thing, but don’t expect it to score well in this category.

Overall: 7.2
The game looks good, and plays well, but there is not enough variety or real challenge here. Though there are 30 levels to work through, the game is somewhat redundant. It is a nice if sterile and safe debut, but Crash will have to be up to a lot more in his next GC adventure, or the character may be looking into retiring.