Gameplay
CB:OTR is an Endless runner so for most of the game you will be running through levels, smashing through crates, dodging path blocking items, sliding, ground-stomping and spinning your way down the paths.
The controls feel nice but the boss battles can seem a little repetitive after playing for several hours. Boss battles all follow the same concept where you need to run to the boss, smash the crates or enemies in his way, dodge attacks from the boss and then tap the screen a bit. The battles are entertaining for a while but playing the game for several hours in a row can lead to them feeling a bit dull. You don’t get punished for ending games early so this isn’t the end of the world.
A nice addition to the endless runner is the Wumpa Island HQ. This is a base that you need to develop over time by gathering resources on your runs. This also acts as the “home” area in the game where you can select to go on a run alone or with friends, change your skin, build things and more.
Multiplayer
The single-player game is quite entertaining but Crash Bandicoot: On the Run also feature multiplayer. It lets you join other players and go on runs together which is perfect for both friends and family members. Survival Runs let up to three players run at the same time to collect trophies but it does require you to be in a team. There’s a public leaderboard for trophies so there is a competitive element to this as well. Sadly, this mode only lets you play it a few times each day.
Difficulty
This new mobile game is aimed at the casual gaming market so isn’t as hard as the main Crash Bandicoot games making it feel rather easy at times. This can be both a good and a bad thing depending on how much of a challenge you enjoy in games. It makes it more accessible for kids though, and the different game modes and unique additions like Wumpa HQ keep things interesting.
Replay Value
There’s a lot of levels to play and re-play in this game. It does come with some other things to do which helps to extend its playtime. Collection Runs are a necessity so you can collect the ingredients needed to craft vials to defeat bosses. While each island provides different ingredients, there are only so many times you can start a Collection Run. You’ll need to return to that part of the game later in the day once the counter has been reset.
Each island also comes with unique challenges to complete. This involves re-playing levels to collect different items such as Relics and Gems. It helps to give players more things to do which is nice for achievement hunters.
Who is this suitable for?
Crash Bandicoot: On the Run uses the cartoon-style graphics, action and violence of the original games. This means it’s rated PEGI 3 on Google Play and is suitable for all age groups due to the mild content and over the top comical cartoon-style violence. The Apple Store on the other hand rates the game as suitable for age 9+. It does also contain microtransactions and in-app purchase options.
Will it work on my phone?
CB:OTR is available for both Android and Apple devices. It does require a modern phone to run well, but not a flagship device – any mid-range handset (or better) will perform admirably. To install you only need Android Version 5 or iOS 11, which means the vast majority of phones in circulation can run it. Since all iPhones made since 2016 still receive updates we can safely say you can install Crash Bandicoot on most phones. The current download size is 143MB on Android and 250.1 MB on the Apple App Store.
You do need to be connected to the Internet to play, even in single player mode. If your current contract isn’t up to the job take a look at our top SIM recommendations to find an easy upgrade.