Game Review: Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D

Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D is an interactive, user-friendly game that is downloadable to a device like the iPhone. For those familiar with Crash Bandicoot probably remembers playing the character on a PlayStation back in the mid-90s. This popular character has made its way back to the scene with a different concept: Racing. Old fans of the original Crash Bandicoot games are used to playing him through challenges that require special powers such as his infamous spinning move. However, that won't be used in this game. This game will not have Crash on foot, but in a race car instead.

The race is pretty simple. You are racing against traditional characters that are featured in Crash Bandicoot like Dr. Neo Cortex, Coco and Dingodile. It's very easy to control as you can move your phone as if you were playing a controller on a game console. The movement you make with the phone controls the direction of the car.

There's also familiar props to the game that can be seen in the original Crash Bandicoot like the question mark boxes that can grant you weapons to use. In the picture, Crash Bandicoot acquired a shield after hitting the box. This shield protects him from all harm in a certain amount of time.

If a new user is trying out the game for the first time, the best option is to choose the "Quick Race" which is a single race that doesn't measure points to count for or against you, or the "Tutorial" which features tips below the screen. For those want to be a little more daring and jump in, there is the "Cup" option which does award points based on what the user placed in the race. If the user gathers more points than all the other racers, a trophy is awarded for being in first place.

The "Cup" option comes in two different levels: To Easy for Grandma and Difficulty is Rising. There is a third level, but it has to be unlocked by placing first in both levels. Each level has four laps and also lets the user choose their own character. If a user would rather not go through all four laps, there is the option of choosing the "Story" feature of the game. This part is divided into missions and a character is assigned for the user. The mission is revealed before the race starts by Aku Aku. When the race ends, you are told whether you passed or failed your mission.

This game was a decent game overall. It's about average I would say. It's kept true to the Crash Bandicoot theme with the characters and the props of the game, but the levels could have been more creative. It's one of those games that you could get tired of after playing for a week. Unlike Angry Birds, there's not a strategy that can be picked up in each level. Every level seems the same and once you have mastered it, it doesn't leave you craving for more. However, it's user friendly and doesn't complicate you to the point where you get frustrated. It's simple and sweet.