Childhood Treasures

Brittany's Core Challenge: The Crash Bandicoot Trilogy

The Crash Bandicoot trilogy (1, 2, and 3) holds a significant and slightly different place in Brittany Thompson's nostalgic heart compared to the whimsical Spyro games. The Crash series was her introduction to the thrill of difficulty and the reward of precision in 3D platforming.

As an adult, revisiting games like the Crash Bandicoot trilogy provides an instant, comforting return to a simplified gaming logic. The satisfying feeling of still having the muscle memory to ace a difficult section makes playing these games a treasured way to reconnect with the competence and joy of her childhood.

The Trial of Precision

• The Original (Crash 1): She remembers this game as being "punishingly difficult"—a constant, precise test of timing. The forward-scrolling camera and the tight, linear paths forced her to master the jump and the spin. Successfully completing a challenging level in the first game felt like a true childhood achievement.
• The Refinement (Crash 2 & 3): The sequels offered a more refined and varied experience. She appreciated the introduction of new moves like the slide and belly-flop, which opened up new ways to move and interact with the levels. The vehicle stages, particularly the high-speed chases and motorbike racing in Warped, were memorable additions that offered a fun break from the core platforming.

The Nostalgic Loop

For Brittany, the nostalgic love of Crash is tied directly to the satisfying loop of failure and mastery. Replaying these games today, she is instantly transported back to the familiar, dynamic cartoon world of Naughty Dog's design. The distinctive sounds—the smash of a wooden crate, the satisfying "OOGABOOGA!" of Aku Aku, and the frantic theme music—are powerful sensory anchors to her youth.

The trilogy remains her ultimate benchmark for platforming: simple controls, clear objectives, and a high ceiling for mastery that makes every collected gem or perfect box run feel earned.

Crash Bandicoot (1996)

The story is a classic Saturday morning cartoon plot: The mad scientist Doctor Neo Cortex and his assistant, Doctor Nitrus Brio, are experimenting on the wildlife of the fictional Wumpa Islands using their "Evolvo-Ray" to create an army for world domination. Their latest subject is an eastern barred bandicoot named Crash.

After a failed attempt to brainwash Crash with the "Cortex Vortex," Crash escapes the castle, only to learn that his new love interest, a female bandicoot named Tawna, has been captured. Crash washes up on a nearby island and, guided by the protective spirit mask Aku Aku, begins his journey across the archipelago to rescue Tawna and foil Cortex's evil scheme.

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back (1997)

The story takes place a year after the first game. The villainous Doctor Neo Cortex is back, but this time, he attempts to trick Crash Bandicoot into helping him. Cortex claims he has reformed and needs Crash to collect 25 special Power Crystals from around the world to save the planet from a catastrophic solar alignment.

Guided by the benevolent mask, Aku Aku, Crash embarks on the mission, unaware that Cortex's true plan is to use the crystals to power a new version of his Cortex Vortex device to brainwash the world. Crash is assisted by his younger, intelligent sister, Coco Bandicoot, who tries to warn him of Cortex's treachery from the Warp Room.

Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped (1998)

Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped is the third and final installment of the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy on the PlayStation 1, developed by Naughty Dog. It is an ambitious, time-traveling adventure that significantly expanded the scope of the series.

The game begins when the destruction of Doctor Cortex's space station unleashes Uka Uka, the evil twin brother of Crash's guardian mask, Aku Aku. Uka Uka forces the now-freed Doctor Neo Cortex to join him and the time-master Doctor N. Tropy to steal 25 Power Crystals from across time using the newly created Time Twisting Machine. Crash and his sister, Coco Bandicoot, travel through the machine to various historical and futuristic eras to collect the Crystals first and prevent the villains from enslaving the world.