Crash Team Rumble review (PS5)

Crash Bandicoot returns in a bit of a departure from his usual platforming roots with Crash Team Rumble, a team-based multiplayer game developed by Toys For Bob and published by Activision. This unexpected twist on the Crash franchise introduces a 4v4 battle format that revolves around collecting and depositing Wumpa Fruit. And while the inclusion of live service elements raises some concerns, the game manages to deliver addictive gameplay and a variety of strategic options that kept us engaged. We’re not sure if it’ll reach the same status as Crash Team Racing, but we had fun with this on a PlayStation 5.

Crash Team Rumble successfully adapts the Crash universe into a team-based multiplayer experience. The objective is simple: two teams compete to collect and deposit 2000 pieces of Wumpa Fruit before their opponents. The gameplay loop is addictive, with matches lasting around five minutes, and the inclusion of hazards, enemies, and power-ups adds to the chaotic fun. The game strikes a balance between simplicity and strategy, allowing players to choose from different roles and characters with unique powers. The controls are intuitive, especially if you’re used to playing core Crash Bandicoot games, making it easy to jump in and enjoy the fast-paced action.

Visually, Crash Team Rumble captures the cartoony spirit of the franchise. The animation is fluid, and the characters are filled with personality, each possessing their own distinct powers and playstyles. The maps, reminiscent of miniature Crash Bandicoot platforming levels seen in the last mainline game, feature vibrant colors and engaging designs. The audio complements the visuals, enhancing the overall experience.

While Crash Team Rumble focuses on multiplayer gameplay and has a lot less single player appeal than the regular Crash games, the premise of competing teams collecting Wumpa Fruit and defending their drop zones creates an engaging backdrop. The inclusion of iconic characters from the Crash universe, each with clear roles and unique abilities, adds depth to the gameplay as well as replay value.

Crash Team Rumble excels in delivering an addictive gameplay loop that keeps players engaged. The simplicity of the premise combined with small strategic elements allows for enjoyable teamwork and satisfying moments of sabotage. The characters are well-designed, each offering distinct playstyles and adding variety to the matches. The visuals capture the franchise’s spirit, and the controls are intuitive, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.

But while fun, Crash Team Rumble lacks in terms of content and modes, which may leave some players craving more variety – especially since this isn’t a free to play title despite the monetization mechanics that are in place. The absence of single-player options and the inclusion of a battle pass, despite containing unlockable cosmetics, may deter certain players. We’ll have to see how players take to the live service elements and how they’ll affect the long-term appeal of the game.

Crash Team Rumble is a surprisingly addictive multiplayer experience that successfully brings the Crash universe into a team-based battle format. While it may lack in terms of modes and single-player options, the core gameplay is solid and enjoyable. The variety of characters, engaging maps, and seamless integration of role-based gameplay create a fun and chaotic experience. With its appealing visuals and intuitive controls, Crash Team Rumble is worth a try for fans of the franchise and multiplayer enthusiasts alike.

Score: 7.3/10