Crash: Mind Over Mutant begins in a restless world where evil never sleeps, as Crash Bandicoot returns in a new adventure that surpasses everything he has faced before. After the events of Crash of the Titans, where he managed to defeat Cortex and his followers, Crash hoped to finally enjoy some peace on Wumpa Island. But as expected, Crash’s world never knows calm. Here comes Dr. Neo Cortex, the eternal enemy, appearing once again with a new conspiracy that may be more dangerous than ever.
The story begins when Cortex, with the help of Dr. Nitrus Brio, reveals a new sinister invention: the NV device. It appears to be an innocent and even tempting tool for those who use it, but in reality, it is a secret weapon for mind control. This device is distributed to the island’s inhabitants, causing everyone to behave strangely as if they were mere puppets being controlled remotely. Even Crash’s closest friends, like Coco and Aku Aku, have fallen victim to this devious trick. At this point, Crash realizes that this is not just an ordinary conspiracy but a threat to everything he knows. Without hesitation, he embarks on a new journey, traveling through dangerous locations from Cortex’s laboratories to icy mountains and dark caves, challenging enemies one after another, trying to find a way to disable the device and save his loved ones. Will he succeed this time, or will Cortex finally achieve his victory?
Unlike previous installments, Mind Over Mutant introduces radical improvements to the gameplay, especially regarding Crash’s new abilities. For the first time in the series, Crash can store mutant creatures inside his backpack, allowing him to summon and use their abilities at any time instead of needing to control them immediately, as was the case in Crash of the Titans. This development adds strategic depth to the game, as you can choose which creature to use depending on the situation, and each monster possesses unique abilities. You will need to learn how to use them wisely to overcome obstacles.
The game also offers a semi-open environment instead of the traditional linear system, allowing you to freely explore multiple worlds, complete missions in different orders, and return to previous areas to discover new places or hidden secrets. There is also a greater focus on combat aspects, where Crash has a set of moves and attacks that can be upgraded, providing a more diverse and challenging experience. Classic elements such as collecting Mojo to increase power make a return. Despite the emphasis on combat, the humor and satire that the series is famous for are still strongly present, with cinematic scenes full of comedy and witty dialogue between the characters. The game also features a cooperative multiplayer mode, giving you the chance to team up with a friend in exciting adventures.
When comparing Mind Over Mutant to Crash of the Titans, noticeable improvements can be seen in several aspects, though they do not completely change the core experience. In terms of story, the focus remains on the confrontation between Crash and Cortex, but this time, the plot is presented in a more exciting way with additional characters and unexpected surprises. The world has become more open, giving the player a greater sense of freedom and exploration. As for the graphics and artistic design, the quality of models and details has been improved. If you are a fan of the Crash Bandicoot series, Mind Over Mutant offers an enjoyable and thrilling experience with clear enhancements in gameplay and story. The game may not be a drastic change from its predecessor, but it adds enough developments to make it a worthwhile experience. With its humorous style, engaging battles, and open-world exploration, you will find yourself in a new adventure that brings back memories of classic games with modern touches that make it more appealing to adventure lovers.