I hadn't played a video game to any extent for probably 15 years when my son got this game for his birthday last year. He loved it and immediately started playing it, so I checked it out. I quickly became completely hooked. I have now beat all the boss levels and are going back and cleaning up the gems.
And that leads me to my second point. One of the best things about the game is that, even after you beat the game, there is still a lot to do. At each level, you collect boxes; you can get through the level fairly easily (thus earning the crystal), but to earn the gem you have to collect all the boxes. This is not easy! I beat the game (i.e. got all the crystals) within several weeks of playing the game; but I am still (months later) only up to 80% on the gems. There are sometimes boxes (or extra lives!) hidden just out of view, usually above the top of the screen. You certainly get your money's worth from this game.
The best levels, in my opinion, have got to be the jet pack levels, especially the final boss level where you take on Neo Cortex himself. The funniest levels, though, are the tiny polar bear levels Crash sees the tiny polar bear, turns around and arches his eyebrows at you, and then hops on for a wild ride.
As far as family-friendliness, it's very high on the scale. There are no guns that you wield (though your foes sometimes shoot at you). The vast majority of the foes are either vanquished by jumping on them or "spin-moving" or "sliding" them (both of which just knock the opponent out of the way), or you simply escape from them. The only exception is the TNT boxes, which you jump on then have 3 seconds to escape before they explode. There are a few cases where you need to get rid of foes using the TNT boxes. The violence that is in the game is very cartoonish, however, with no blood or gore.
The graphics are a bit dated (being from 1997). Some kids may thus turn up their noses at the game. That's unfortunate, because it's a great game. Only playing the newest, latest thing is both expensive and gives short-lasting pleasures. The graphics are much better than the original Crash Bandicoot.
Will adults like it? I don't know, but they should: In my view, games unsuitable for kids are not actually suitable for anybody. In any case, *this* adult certainly does like it.
Get it, whether you're 8 or 80. You won't regret it.
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