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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5. Bandipedia. (2020). Japanese Crash. Available: https://crashbandicoot.fandom.com/wiki/Japanese_Crash. Last accessed 27th Oct 2020.
   
6. Bandipedia. (2019). Nina Cortex. Available: https://crashbandicoot.fandom.com/wiki/Nina_Cortex. Last accessed 28th Oct 2020.
   
7. Bandipedia. (2020). Tawna (It's About Time). Available: https://crashbandicoot.fandom.com/wiki/Tawna_(It%27s_About_Time). Last accessed 28th Oct 2020.
   
8. Bandipedia. (2017). Wumpa Whip. Available: https://crashbandicoot.fandom.com/wiki/Wumpa_Whip. Last accessed 28th Oct 2020.
   
9. Club Penguin Wiki. (2010). Beta Testing. Available: https://clubpenguin.fandom.com/wiki/Beta_Testing. Last accessed 28th Oct 2020.
   
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A Human’s Thoughts On A Bandicoot’s Upcoming Mobile Game

After some wild racing in Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled in 2019 [3] [13], early 2020 is the time when we witnessed some spillage of a mobile game advertisement based on the life of Willie the Wombat [8]. Oops! I meant Crash Bandicoot! Strangely enough, the app is being developed by King, the company that simulated the fingertips and taste buds of many casual players with the Candy Crush Saga franchise [21] [28] [29] [30] [31]. Ah, the way I matched those sweets in the original Candy Crush game on my fourth-generation iPod Touch when I was in college. Good times. Anyway, this is not the first time Crash has been playable on mobile devices of course [7]. Crash has been there for mobile gamers in:

•       Crash Nitro Kart [7]
•       The mobile version of Crash Twinsanity [7]
•       Crash Racing [7]
•       The mobile version of Crash of the Titans [7]
•       Crash Nitro Kart 2 [7]
•       Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D [7]

The first signs of advertising for the upcoming app have occurred in Brazil and have been leaked during some beta testing [25] [27], so there must have been planning to release it later this year. As someone interested in another expansion on the bandicoot’s legacy, I shall state my thoughts on his upcoming mobile game.

I really would not expect the company that brought us Candy Crush Saga to bring us a Crash Bandicoot mobile game [28]. [4]

2019 was the year for Crash returning to racing. As for 2020, I suppose he can give a different type of game a try. [3]

Aside from how its name has been theorised to be “Crash Bandicoot: On The Run” [4], the supposed genre of the app appears to be an endless runner that involves swiping your finger across the screen to make a character switch lanes. I am aware that the following franchises have done the same genre too:

•       Tomb Raider [39]
•       Sonic the Hedgehog [34] [35]
•       Looney Tunes [46]
•       Despicable Me [22]

Despite the majority of disappointment towards the upcoming mobile game, I can say it at least does not look like it has been heavily recycled from another instalment. I am looking at you, Rayman Mini [42]. As a modern mobile app user and game player, I have nothing against endless runners, but I suppose they might have been a bit done to death to plenty of us. Furthermore, the aspects of an endless runner would suit Crash’s ways of running, gathering wumpa fruit and breaking crates with his spin attack [4] [26]. And let us not forget that the TNT boxes to avoid will be a hazard that will increase the gameplay’s challenge [27]. Even though an endless runner may not be every gamer’s favourite genre, plenty of recognisable elements ought to make the app faithful to the Crash Bandicoot franchise.

A screenshot of Lara Croft: Relic Run I took on my iPad before engaging in its gameplay back in 2015. [39]

An endless runner may not be every hardcore gamer’s can of fizzy pop, but this sure looks promising. [4]

Will appearances of other characters and a decent reward system make the app worth playing? There also seems to be a base for the player to build with Crash and his younger sister Coco [4] [21]. I can see that the player can receive steady progression for each aspect shown in the map if they keep playing the game, thus accomplishing various small lists of tasks. There will need to be some satisfying results for doing a list of tasks as part of a motivating reward system because that will make the app more likely to be fairly popular among modern mobile gamers who are either into Crash or have only just been introduced to him. Dr. Cortex will also be appearing in the app as our usual antagonist [4] [21]. Hopefully, he will not be seen smacking Crash’s bum like how he did Crash Twinsanity [43]. Speaking of Dr. Cortex, the way the player can make different combinations of potions after harvesting some crops to serve justice against him could lead to another reward system [26]. Aside from appearances of other characters, including Aku Aku, let us look into the new design of the main star.

From collecting pods in a volcano to repairing a space rocket [26], you name it! [4]

What do I think of the proposed design of Crash for his modern mobile adventure [4] [26]? While I admire the vibrant choice of colours that can help him blend in the style of the 3D backgrounds excellently [4] [26], I can agree that its outcome can potentially balance all sides of the Crash fandom’s spectrum [6] [24]. The joggers, maroon sneakers, fingerless gloves, and roughly rendered hair make him resemble the modern interpretation of his classic design from N. Sane Trilogy [2]. However, I guess if Talking Tom and his friends can ditch the detailed textures they used to have [18] [19] [40] [41], Crash can too. The fur at his cheeks appears to be inspired by the face of the late 2000s Crash with tribal tattoos [3]. The shape of the ears reminds me of his guest appearance in Skylanders: Imaginators [23]. As for the sneakers, their style seems to be loosely based on the sneakers he wore in Crash Twinsanity, but without the “C” in the circle on each one [3] [4]. His pose and goofy facial expression in one of the renders show that he is still going to be the energetic adventurer we loved since 1996 [5]. Furthermore, I think the design is pretty cute.

“Pancakes!” [3] [4]

If the mobile app is also set to be released in Japan, the exclusive design for the loveable bandicoot that was there to help his franchise appeal to Japanese audiences ought to make a kawaii return [6]. If it does so, then it will need to once again consist of those beady Pac-Man eyes to make him look cuter and those black eyebrows that at least look better than the eyebrows Ratchet had for Ratchet and Clank players in Japan [10] [11]. Additionally, the Japanese Crash would still need to feature five-fingered hands in order to not offend those who were affected by distressing ways of losing a finger in Japan [14] [44] [45]. As much as I adore remarkable anime-like eyes, I completely understand how ethical it would be to give four-fingered characters an extra finger for each hand in Japan [14]. If there could be the cuter version of Crash of the Japanese release of the upcoming mobile game, chances of it being a success in Japan may increase [6] [10] [11]. Perhaps there could be an option to play as Japanese Crash for Western mobile game players who would ironically prefer that version of him.

Kon’nichiwa, Kurasshu Bandikuu-san! [6]

In all regional releases of the app, the premise and other features ought to stick to what has been revealed a little too early. Apparently, Dr. Cortex is planning to take over different dimensions [21] [27]. Could this mean Spyro the Dragon, a bunch of Skylanders or the previous incarnations of Crash could make brief cameos [3] [15] [16]? Probably not since Cortex’s evil plan will only happen in a mobile spin-off. Aside from Crash’s duty of stopping him, the ideas of finding secret hideouts during the gameplay and receiving new tracks for more challenges will not only make the game more interesting by disregarding some linearity, but they can be another way to make the player feel rewarded for finding secrets [27]. The ability to play as Fake Crash in any secret tracks would be priceless [1]. On second thought, I would be thrilled to team up with Coco who may use her machine to send dastardly minions back to their own universes [21] [27], which may be a somewhat rehash of how she was playable in the N-Sane Trilogy [2]. Even after an advertisement gets leaked, there should be no invalid excuse for anything hugely misleading for the actual release soon.

If there ought to be any updates in the future after the app’s official release, I think Baby Crash ought to be playable for fans of infant counterparts. [3]

And as previously mentioned, Crash’s Japanese counterpart could be an unlockable playable character for Western players who may prefer his design. [6]

Aside from a leaked advertisement of the upcoming Crash mobile game being developed by King during some testing with other mobile games in Brazil, there will be some hopes for a completely new main Crash Bandicoot game for the PlayStation 5 [20]. After all, he and Spyro the Dragon started fantastically on the first PlayStation [5] [38]. Speaking of the PlayStation 5, I am also hoping that there will be a brand new Ratchet and Clank game that could be a chronological sequel to the re-imagining of the first game from 2016 [36]. I also think Spyro could have another reboot that may combine aspects of the original, Legend of Spyro and Skylanders series to appeal to all sides of the Spyro fandom’s spectrum for the PlayStation 5 [32] [37]. But as for Crash Bandicoot in his upcoming mobile app with a design that could please plenty of Crash fans who adored more than one previous incarnation of him, should we let him speak in an upbeat Australian accent for the final outcome or not [15] [16] [17] [33]? Either way, it ought to briefly stick to what has been promised to avoid even more disapproval from a fraction of the Crash Bandicoot fanbase.

More about the upcoming mobile game that is likely to be titled “Crash Bandicoot: On The Run” is yet to be revealed later this year. Perhaps if an official trailer for it comes out, our thoughts on it could be expanded. [4]

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What If Catherine Seduced Vincent Brooks…At The Arcades?

Since the PC port of the original Catherine is titled “Catherine Classic”, I would not be surprised if an official arcade port would be titled “Catherine Arcade” [7]. I posted a poll on Twitter not too long ago asking my followers if they would like to see an official arcade version of Catherine and the results were fifty/fifty [25]. Despite the mixed results, I would actually love to witness a Catherine-theme arcade machine in my state sometime after 2019 as it would be quite a good expansion on the Catherine franchise, as well as a method of expanding the possibilities in arcade gaming. As many of Catherine crusaders in the West wait for the English dub of Catherine: Full Body while plenty of others are into “Catherine Classic” for the PC [7] [8], Even though it is not official and it might not happen anytime soon, I shall discuss how a good arcade adaption of the sexy but scary tale.

Can’t get enough seduction and suspense after Catherine: Full Body? Well, perhaps an arcade port ought to satisfy your specific gaming needs? [7]

Since there were often children and teenagers in arcades, there is a chance that there would be plenty of restrictions on what content to feature. The horror within the nightmares would remain unaltered since there are plenty of violent and scary first-person shooters in arcades these days. What about the profanity? Well, at some point in the Tomb Raider reboot from 2013 and its definitive edition, Vladimir points his gun at Lara and says “Don’t you f***ing move.” after knocking her to the ground [4] [19]. But in the arcade version of it from 2018, he says ‘’Don’t you move”, which is a sign of rather legitimate censorship [23]. Furthermore, the Brookster better watch his mouth. Again, there are often minors in public arcade places. As for Catherine’s seductive appearance, I would not really complain about that too much since there were fully live-action samples of cheerful women in provocative outfits in Super Bikes 2 [20] [21]. A small amount of censorship can make the arcade port of Catherine acceptable to public arcades, but not to the point when too much of what made Catherine notable for being mature is lost, thus making the outcome not as recognisable.

Won’t somebody PLEASE think of the children?! [7]

Speaking of carefully selecting content, which cutscenes shall be featured once the player inserts a coin? Trisha can give a brief summary of the plot, but it can be skippable. The moment when Vincent and Katherine McBride dine at the Chrono Rabbit would definitely be featured in one chapter for establishing a few character traits [9]. There have been some erotic arcade games throughout the history of gaming [18], but I honestly do not think including that much erotica would fit the standards of the public arcades in my state today. Likewise, the moment when the Brookster wakes up next to a fully nude Catherine would probably not be featured, despite how it is an important aspect of the story [6] [7]. Nevertheless, one cutscene in the cabinet can be when the seductive blondie meets him at the Stray Sheep [6] [7]. Featuring only a couple of cutscenes would not only steadily shorten the story, but prevent any censorship issues regarding how the premise would be established. It is best to not make the port too long for arcade admirers. With a few cutscenes carefully selected for each chapter to build the purpose of the nightmares, the player can also focus on the gameplay…for dear life!

LISTEN TO ME!!! Or no dessert for you, mister! [7]

Do we really need to explain what happens afterwards again? [6]

But before we discuss the gameplay, what can be featured on the design of the cabinet for an arcade port of Catherine? If Rin ought to be featured on either side as a shout-out to Catherine: Full Body [8] [15], I guess the pink-haired pianist ought to be the one posing with a miniature Vincent [15]. We all know what happened with Katherine and Catherine’s suggestive posing at one point during the marketing the original Catherine for the PS3 and Xbox 360 [6] [7]. Speaking of Full Body, it is a bummer that it will not be available for the Xbox One [8], but the PS4 cover of it would be another good option for one side of the cabinet. The best choices for the controls would be a joystick for moving and climbing from block to block, a button for grabbing blocks and another button for undoing a move [22]. There should be enough room for two of each so that the game will be available to play with another fellow arcade admirer. Aside from a faithful and appealing design for the cabinet, the most important aspect to bring to the arcades would be the unique tower climbing gameplay, along with acceptable controls.

We don’t have to display my boyfriend climbing towards my booty? Oh thank Atlus! [7]

It’s raining sheep! Hallelujah, it’s raining sheep! [8] [15]

I definitely would like the gameplay of the arcade port to be based on Babel or Colosseum Mode, so that it would definitely be available for two players [5] [11]. So how many stages shall be in a shorted adaption for arcades? A fair amount of the stages for an arcade port would be:

• The Prison Of Despair [13]
• The Torture Chamber [16]
• The Inquisition [12]
• The Clock Tower [10]
• The Cathedral [17]

For a bonus chapter or alternative mode, the additional playable characters ought to be the ones who are playable in the DLC of the Japanese version of Catherine: Full Body [8]. Hopefully, the DLC will also in the English version of Catherine: Full Body. And as for a likely arcade port, perhaps it could be featured in a special edition that would be quite like the special edition of Deadstorm Pirates [1] [2]. Whatever happens in its gameplay, let us hope that the difficulty in an arcade version of Catherine will not be too extreme [7]. The decision to only base the outcome on Babel or Colosseum mode in order to make it seem like a mature multiplayer arcade game would definitely make seem representable for expanding on the Catherine franchise in arcades.

The thought of dying in the nightmare is baaaaaaaaad! [5]

I think I know what plenty of our fellow Catherine crusaders are thinking. An arcade port of Catherine? Why not just make a real-life version of Rapunzel [14]? You know, the minigame that takes the techniques of the main game [14]? Well, I suppose a real-life version of the arcade game from the Stray Sheep would be great for any cosplayer who chooses to cosplay as Vincent in his regular attire. However, I believe that many arcade admirers who never played Catherine would just see it as a rather random adaption of the classic story of Rapunzel unless the cabinet indicates that it is a game from Catherine, thus giving them a better understanding of it. Furthermore, I believe a port of the main gameplay of Catherine would be a better choice for marketing since the legacy of the strange tale has been fairly popular for eight years [7].

The Brookster about to play Rapunzel. [14]

Remember when mass-produced and commercially available arcade gaming spawned with Computer Space and Pong back in the early 70s [3]? Well, a carefully planned out arcade version of Catherine can not only be quite a unique specimen of a modern arcade game, but further prove that appeal of arcade gaming shall last so much longer. It could also give the mature side of gaming in the 2020s a good impression after the success of Catherine: Full Body. I guess there is always something new for many intellectual properties, as long the passion for each of them can be maintained for future generations of gaming. I would definitely spend at least one British pound on trying to guide the handsome Brookster or any of his allies to the top of the tower of blocks. An official arcade of adaption of Catherine has not been officially confirmed by Atlus, but I just thought I might discuss a possibility with my fellow readers and gamers. Stay golden.

It seems today that all you see is violence in arcades and sex on PC. But where are those timeless gameplay values that we adored long ago? [7] [24]

References

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