The mascot side of things is one factor, undoubtedly.
), but one where those slightly simpler graphics allowed for more expansive, inventive gameplay.
Mario 64 was the game to blow the platformer wide open.
Crash Bandicoot, meanwhile, effectively did the opposite.
Obviously that’s slightlyover-simplifying.
It’s just good in a different kind of way.
Even then it’s tempting to slip into well-worn arguments.
It’s good like a popcorn movie is good!
It’s low art!
It’s ironically good!
Tempting, but I don’t think any of these really get it right with Crash.
They’re just issues.
Here’s the magic.
There’s another way something can be brilliant specifically how video games can be brilliant.
Scrolling Bluesky the other day stay with me reader I saw an extract ofan interview with Willem Dafoe.
We want to see something that isbeyondthat.
Cinema is not just about telling stories.
Everybody clings to this.
Telling stories, telling stories, telling stories!
Thats the experience."
Listen, I warned you.
Popular in terms of what’s talked about, watched, shared as well as played.
Or the The Game of Sisyphus.
Or Getting Over It with Bennet Foddy.
These are games that are not, I would say, particularly good.
you’re able to probably see where I’m going.
Sub in Flappy Bird).
Mothers and fathers and siblings and that one mate who still thinks it’s immature.
I don’t have the words for it I’m not Willem Dafoe but I think it’s there.
The clue is in the word.
I should probably talk about Crash Bandicoot for a bit.
I love this game.
Doing so would just slightly miss the point.
