Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure delivers a solid and varied gameplay experience tailored to the Game Boy Advance hardware. The familiar side-scrolling formula that fans know and love is present throughout most of the 20 levels, providing responsive controls, tight platforming, and satisfying momentum as Crash leaps, spins, and hops through treacherous landscapes. Whether you’re carefully timing jumps across crumbling platforms or frantically dodging hazards, the game keeps you on your toes.

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Beyond the classic platform levels, the adventure introduces underwater swimming stages that require cautious navigation and mastery of Crash’s limited aquatic mobility. These sections add a fresh challenge by forcing you to manage your movement in a more deliberate way, avoiding enemies and environmental hazards while keeping an eye on your oxygen supply. The change of pace is welcome, breaking up the side-scrolling action with a slower, more methodical approach.

Adding even greater variety are the GBA’s FX-powered 3D chase sequences and flying shoot ’em up levels. The chase stages capture the high-octane thrill of outrunning a boulder or pursuing an enemy in full 3D perspective, cleverly simulated on the handheld. In the shoot ’em up segments, you pilot Crash through obstacle-filled skies, blasting foes in classic rail-shooter style. Boss battles at the end of each world ramp up the intensity, combining pattern recognition and precise platforming for a satisfying showdown.

Graphics

For a Game Boy Advance title, Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure showcases impressive graphical fidelity. Utilizing the GBA’s unique FX capabilities, the game renders pseudo-3D elements that evoke the look and feel of the original PlayStation titles. The chase sequences, in particular, stand out for their depth and fluidity, giving a convincing sense of forward motion through winding corridors.

The character sprites are vibrant and detailed, with Crash’s animations retaining the charm and personality that made him famous. Enemies and environmental hazards are clearly distinguished, ensuring that you can anticipate dangers from a distance. Backgrounds are richly colored and varied across the four worlds, from lush jungles to icy caverns, each with its own visual identity and thematic flair.

Despite the GBA’s limited resolution, the game maintains a steady frame rate, even when the screen is crowded with enemies or environmental effects. Slight graphical hiccups are rare, and when they do occur, they’re generally inconsequential to the gameplay. Overall, the visuals strike an excellent balance between technical prowess and nostalgic style.

Story

Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure delivers a straightforward yet engaging narrative that fits perfectly on a handheld cartridge. Arch-nemesis Dr. Neo Cortex has shrunk the entire world, scattering crystals that, when collected, may restore everything to its original size. This whimsical premise provides the motivation for Crash’s journey across 20 perilous levels filled with dangerous creatures and challenging terrain.

The plot unfolds between levels with brief interstitial scenes that use expressive character portraits and humorous dialogue. While the story doesn’t delve into profound themes, it captures the lighthearted, slapstick spirit of the Crash franchise. Cortex’s over-the-top schemes and Crash’s relentless determination create an enjoyable back-and-forth that keeps the narrative engaging without overstaying its welcome.

Each world’s final boss battle ties neatly into the storyline, giving a sense of progression and accomplishment as Crash thwarts Cortex’s henchmen one by one. Secret areas and bonus levels add narrative depth by hinting at Cortex’s hidden tricks and Crash’s never-ending resilience, encouraging exploration for those who want to fully uncover the plot’s small surprises.

Overall Experience

Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure stands out as one of the more ambitious platformers on the Game Boy Advance. Its blend of classic side-scrolling action, underwater exploration, 3D chase sequences, and shoot ’em up stages offers a level of variety rarely seen on the handheld. The challenge curve is well-balanced, providing a fair amount of difficulty for seasoned players while remaining accessible to newcomers.

The controls are tight and responsive, a crucial factor when precise jumps and quick direction changes are required. Sound design and music make the most of the GBA’s audio capabilities, with catchy tunes and punchy sound effects that enhance the overall atmosphere. Save points are generously placed, ensuring frustration stays low even when tackling the more demanding levels.

For Crash enthusiasts and platformer fans alike, this title is a must-own for the GBA library. It successfully translates the console Crash experience into a portable form without sacrificing depth, charm, or technical polish. With 20 levels to conquer, dozens of secrets to discover, and a playful narrative driving each world, Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure offers an engaging journey that’s well worth the cartridge slot.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10