Crash Bandicoot Will Be On The Run In Spring 2021

In February 2020, I have encountered some leaked information about the beta version of Crash Bandicoot: On the Run before its official title came out and expressed my thoughts on such a concept [3] [31] [32]. After weeks and weeks of having to wear masks over our mouths and the bottom of our noses to protect ourselves beyond our homes [29], even whilst cosplaying [2], we have encountered the official trailer for Crash Bandicoot: On the Run and that the app was in beta testing this whole time, quite similar to how Club Penguin was in beta testing for two months it was officially released back in 2005 [9] [10]. About three more months later after the release of the first trailer for the updated version of Crash’s endless runner, it has been discovered that the true release date will be at some point in March 2021 [11]. As someone who has been into much more mobile gaming ever since after a sweet sixteenth birthday, I shall explain what is new for the goofy bandicoot’s endless runner after some testing and acclaim in Brazil and Malaysia [3] [31] [32], so sit back and have a nice cup of Wumpa Whip [8].

It is time to take a closer look at the endless runner developed by King that will be properly marketed in March 2021 [11] [17]. [3]

According to the first trailer that consists of lively audio and striking visuals, the updated version of the endless runner has new levels, including an icy location and a temple [15] [16]. By now, we are aware of the first level being set in a jungle. There is even one level that is set in Dr. Cortex’s laboratory shown in the second trailer, which is definitely a darker and more sinister version of Dexter’s laboratory [12]. There are several obstacles in that level that the player can dodge by swiping a fingertip in specific directions on the screen within some form of challenge, which is present in other endless runners, such as Lara Croft: Relic Run [28]. Quite concerningly, the gameplay in Crash Bandicoot: On The Run appears to be somewhat laggy, according to some viewers [17]. Luckily, the gameplay’s frame rate ought to be smoother on more recent mobile devices as I recall having no choice but to play Sonic Dash on my iPad Air as its frame rate of my fourth-generation iPod Touch was intolerable and the game often suddenly crashed [24] [25]. Great, now the song that was playing in the first trailer is probably going to get stuck in my head [15] [16].

Here is an updated prime example of what the gameplay is like. [3]

Let us not forget about the reward system of making a base gradually evolve [31] [32]! [3]

The app’s graphics appear to have been updated, according to the most recent artwork and the trailers [3]. Crash’s design now resembles more of his classic design from the original trilogy with differently designed ears, compared to his previous design [3]. Please do not get me wrong, but while the alternations of his design are definitely not as drastic as Princess Butter’s extreme makeover after the beta testing of MySims Kingdom for the Nintendo Wii [13], I think his previous design from the beta version of the app would have at least appealed to the fellow bandicoots who preferred other eras of Crash over the classic trilogy [31] [32]. Nonetheless, at least his animations shown in the gameplay footage in the second trailer are rather lively, thus enhancing the feeling of a cartoony adventure on a mobile device, despite the slight lagging some viewers have noticed in the second trailer [15] [16] [17]. Whether the graphics and character design have been changed after the beta testing or not, I am aware that the overall gameplay experience, including a satisfying reward system and the elimination of irritating bugs and glitches would be more important when it comes to making a mobile game successful.

Crash’s newer design for the proper marketing of Crash Bandicoot: On The Run. [3]

Strangely enough, there is a disguise for Crash that highly resembles a blue hyena with black spots [3] [15] [16], quite similar to how there are costumes for him and Coco that can be purchased digitally in Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time [22]. I suppose he can appeal to some fellow bandicoots with his yellow clothing items, pink nose and brown eyes. I am still hoping for a Japanese release of Crash Bandicoot: On The Run to consist of the exclusive design of the loveable bandicoot for Japanese mobile gamers [5] [31] [32], as well as Western players who ironically prefer that design if the app becomes successful. The same beady black eyes and extra fingers ought to apply to the blue hyena skin and Fake Crash too. I am also hoping for Coco to have her own skins in any future updates too as I love customizing characters in video games, especially female characters. Heck, the siblings’ designs from Crash of the Titans could return in a future update of the app. The blue hyena skin with striking characteristics will be available from a pre-registration deal, which I suppose is a nice promotion [3]. Call me crazy, but I think I will call the hyena version of Crash “Ram Hyena”.

Ram Hyena will be Crash Bandicoot’s new best friend [15] [16]! [3]

Sadly, the Japanese Crash is not present in Crash Bandicoot 4 [4], but there is hope for a Japanese Crash skin in the endless runner. [5]

What about the other characters in the app that follows that same formula of an endless runner? I am delighted that Coco will be playable in her classic design by the name of girl power [15] [16], just like in the N. Sane trilogy [1]. Let us not forget about the wise Aku Aku as we continue to pay our respects to Mel Winkler [19]. What about the villains? Well, how Cortex, his niece Nina and Fake Crash are portrayed as bosses in boss battles remind me of how Zazz and Dr. Eggman are bosses in Sonic Dash because of the way they show up in forms of transport that can hover in the air and how they launch obstacles at the playable character [17] [24]. Nina’s new design is quite…interesting with yellow hair clips and the red “N” on her forehead from Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled [3] [6] [17]. I am pretty sure she has written some nasty things about Crash and Coco in a burn book at some point [18]. Just the main cast reprising their roles, I am sure that the overall outcome of Crash Bandicoot: On The Run will do the usual Crash phase justice, even though the endless runner formula may not be every gamer’s can of fizzy pop [31] [32] [33].

Here are the cast members, including Scorporilla! [3]

Speaking of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, it has been hinted that the app’s plot will feature Dr. Neo Cortex will try and take over different dimensions. If that does not scream “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” [27], then I do not know what does. I believe that this expansion on the premise was to solely further promote Crash Bandicoot 4, though I have nothing against that as the reception of that game has been highly acclaimed so far due to its outstanding graphics, engaging gameplay and interesting take on an alternate version of Tawna, Crash’s love interest [4] [7]. Of course, the base that can be built by amazing progress from completing levels can pretty much be seen as an important aspect of the story when it comes to further establishing Crash and Coco’s motivations for saving the day. It is interesting to see an update of an app out of beta testing be associated with an aspect of another instalment of a franchise, even if it is just for further promoting or some Easter eggs. I am pretty sure that some future updates after the app’s marketing in Spring 2021 can provide some more expansions on the overall plot.

Crash is seen being sucked into a vortex that leads to another dimension in a cinematic scene, thus leading to what the premise of the app is about. [16]

Speaking of this version of Tawna, it would be awesome if she could be playable in the endless runner in a future update! [7]

In conclusion, the official release of Crash Bandicoot: On The Run ought to be quite a quest for fellow bandicoots who adore mobile gaming in Spring 2021, especially for those gamers outside of Malaysia and Brazil while plenty of spines of Nintendo nerds tingle from the suspense of Bowser’s Fury, which is some added content in a forthcoming port of Super Mario 3D World for the Nintendo Switch [21]. Additionally, I do not doubt that those who stick to console gaming will continue to adore Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox Series [4] [22]. Speaking of PlayStation, I am more delighted that there will be a brand new Ratchet and Clank game for the PlayStation 5 titled “Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart” and I still would like to see yet another reboot of the Spyro the Dragon franchise that can appeal to all sides of the spectrum within the iconic purple dragon’s fandom on that console [23] [26] [31] [32]. Surely some fellow bandicoots may wish to just stick to the next big step in the main Crash Bandicoot games [4], even if it might be available for the PlayStation 5 soon and that is absolutely fine [14] [33]. Anyone for pancakes later?

Bring it on, Doc!! [16]

References

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