Episode 788: Crash Bandicoot - The Wilderness Years, Pt. I (Patreon)

Stuart: I have something of a strange obsession with the hinterlands of a popular franchise. Crash Bandicoot has gone through several distinct eras and—quite frankly—only one of them was particularly good, that being the original PlayStation run. Yes, variously, some subsequent entries in the series delivered, but they were primarily remakes. Even the latter games I’ve enjoyed, as discussed in this episode, have their flaws. But without contrast, there is no beauty in this world. I hope this little scrabble in the dark corners of the Crash Bandicoot series will entertain you as much as it did me.

A first-time caller on Retronauts joins us here, in the form of Sean Seanson, a skilled videosman from the YouTube. I was vaire fond of his work examining obscure and/or notable PlayStation games and decided to reach out, which was thankfully met with success. Obviously, ‘cos they’re on the episode, stupid. Also joining me is Thomas Nickel, who I missed very much! Welcome back, Thomas Nickel! May we pod again!

We cover a large number of games here, so large that I once again needed to make the call to split this into a two-parter, so expect these fabulous guests to return forthwith. And please enjoy the artwork by my dear pal Gobolatula of the excellent webcomic Please Forgive Me! The second part will follow with further artwork and some truly grim video games. And some good ones, maybe! I genuinely can’t remember. Whoa! That’s the thing Crash says (Crash Bandicoot).

Art by Gobolatula, edits by Greg Leahy

07:34 - Crash Bash: Polar Panic

16:27 - Crash Bash: Crash Ball | Warp Room

22:18 - Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex: Banzai Bonsai

36:09 - Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex: Crunch Time | Crash Bandicoot XS: Snow Job

44:56 - Crash Nitro Kart (PS2): Hyper Spaceway

54:52 - Crash Nitro Kart (GBA): Barin Ruins | Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced: Main Theme

1:08:08 - Crash Bandicoot: Fusion: Grin and Bear It

Closing - Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex: Wizards & Lizards