The Crash Bandicoot franchise barely requires an introduction. One of gaming's most popular series, and he's one of it's most recognized mascots. Crash Bandicoot has received universal acclaim for it's creative level design, engaging platforming, thrilling combat, endearing story, and uncompromising difficulty. When people think of Bandicoot games, the main characteristic that pops up in their head is the platforming.
While the platforming in the series has certainly been great to the point of genre defining, the boss battles are also a major factor of the franchise's success. Introducing intricate combat mechanics to what are more or less extreme platforming challenges in disguise.
The latest entry in the series continues this tradition, and provides players with all new bosses to master, challenge, and defeat. Here are the 6 Boss fights in the latest installment, Crash Bandicoot 4, ranked from worst to best.
6 Dr. N. Brio
A classic Crash villain, and throwback to older titles. This fight is not bad per se, however when compared to the other bouts offered in this title, it is quite boring and simple. The mechanics are far from complicated, and after the first minute, this encounter becomes extremely repetitive. Additionally, for a surprisingly difficult game, this fight is extremely easy.
Dr. N. Brio is the third boss encounter in the game, and players will face him in Tranquility Falls, an accurate name, as the fight is indeed quite tranquil. The fight consists of two phases, the first where the bad doctor simply throws potions at Crash who than has an opportunity to hit him back, and rinse and repeat.
While the second phase is certainly more engaging, that is not to say that it is any less repetitive. Dr. N. Brio will turn into some giant Hulk-like monster and jump around the arena hunting crash, and all players have to do is avoid him until he wears himself out, knock him off the platform a few times, and victory! An admittedly mediocre fight for this stellar series.
5 Dr. N. Gin
It genuinely hurts to rank this entry so low. It simply had so much unfulfilled potential. The Guitar Hero spoof/parody premise may seem cool at first, though it quickly fades into a mediocre gimmick.
The return of Dr. N. Gin, one of the series' original villains, also sadly falls through the cracks and appears as cheap fan service. That isn't to say the fight is terrible, it is actually a blast, however when considering what it could have been, a lot of the enjoyment fades.
4 Dr. Neo Cortex
Dr. Neo Cortex, the creator and arch nemesis of Crash himself. This villain is just as responsible as Crash is himself for making the franchise as popular (and difficult) as it is today. When fans see this boss, they know they are in for a rough ride. Cortex's first fight is truly something to be behold, and eventually master.
The fight follows a similar premise to what players just experienced with Dr. N. Gin, however it adds missiles, falling platforms, and the pacing is tons faster. This is what a truly classic Crash Bandicoot experience should be like.
3 Louise
Surprisingly, and sadly, as the only original and new boss enemy to make an appearance in Crash Bandicoot 4, Louise is welcomingly refreshing in a game that is all about nostalgia. Essentially a giant fish thing that controls massive murderous tentacles, this boss has a very dynamic and open ended fight, something that is quite unique for the series.
Players can choose to either trick the rat mobs, attacking them to take down Louise, or use her own tentacles to damage one other. Whatever strategy players do choose, the fight is guaranteed to give them a run for their money, and will most likely require more than one try.
2 Dr. N. Tropy
A boss fight, in space! Through a multiverse of dimensions! This is truly one of the most unique fights ever seen in Crash Bandicoot history. Containing multiple phases, and with Crash actually having to battle two bosses at once, it is one of the most difficult bosses to defeat.
This boss fight would actually take the first spot if it wasn't so incredibly frustrating in the last phase, requiring players to repeat the same chain of events to take out both bosses twice.
1 Dr. Neo Cortex Pt. 2
The second Cortex, and last overall boss fight. This encounter truly exemplifies everything that made Crash Bandicoot great. Challenging, varied, and more than anything, unpredictable. Players will need to stay on their toes if they hope to exit this fight victoriously.
This is a boss fight done right, and most importantly, a proper send off for this long awaited original entry into the Crash Bandicoot family. More than anything, after players finish this fight and the game, they feel accomplished, but they will also be wanting for more. Hopefully fans will be seeing more from the rebooted franchise, and another hiatus won't be happening anytime soon.