Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 23
  2. Negative: 2 out of 23
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  1. As long as you aren’t expecting another great platformer, Crash Purple works.
  2. It's fun to play, with just-cute-enough graphics and sound, it manages to be full of platforming charm and humour without ever overdoing it the way so many western platformers do, and some of the mini-games could sell by themselves.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    80
    Upon closer inspection this schizoid gameplay combination does seem to work.
  4. Each overworld that Crash visits is filled with platform elements that have been drawn out from generation to generation and have just ceased to be original any longer.
  5. With its strong minigames and well-made platforming mechanics, Crash Bandicoot Purple is a good, solid choice for fans of the genre.
  6. 75
    The library of mini-games alone makes the game a must have for anyone looking for hours of mindless fun. Add to that all of the cool extras unlocked when linked with a copy of Spyro Orange, and you end up with an awesome cross-franchise certain to leave you craving more.
  7. Pocket Games
    75
    When all is said and done, I wanted to keep playing these games to the end, because I was having fun, even though I had seen it all a dozen times in previous levels. [Summer 2004, p.34]
  8. The gripes are really mainly relating to the individual games, which for anyone remotely experienced will quickly become far too familiar and untaxing to warrant extended interest.
  9. 70
    Offers a lot of challenge and variety with a ton of single and multiplayer mini-games, and it's this that saves the entire design. It's just a shame that all of it is loosely constructed with a comparatively wimpy, underdeveloped overworld design.
  10. Nintendo Power
    70
    It presents a steady stream of minigames with tons of variety. [July 2004, p.122]
  11. Rather than having to find a save point or complete a level to save the game, Crash will update the save every time after a mini game which makes it perfect for a quick game while on the go.
  12. 69
    My biggest gripe would have to be with the lack of any record of your mini game times. This alone would serve to at least add a few more hours onto the gameplay, and that would be a large improvement over the 5 or 6 hours this game will last you.
  13. A great concept marred by a few design flaws and an overall lack of depth and content.
  14. It's all pretty simple. Crash collects Wumpa fruit, Spyro collects crystals, and they both jump over lots of spikes.
  15. Essentially, Crash Bandicoot is an average 2D platform game with excellent graphics and a few very enjoyable minigames that could have had so much more if more time and imagination was invested within it and the ‘fusion’ idea.
  16. 60
    Crash Purple doesn't come anywhere near the superb mayhem of "WarioWare," while the platform segments are poorly developed and feel like an afterthought.
  17. The platforming levels are derivative and uninspired. Though dull, these sections are broken up frequently by minigames that, more so than in "Spyro Orange," are frustrating and not very much fun at all. [June 2004, p.139]
  18. Play Magazine
    58
    When compared to its crossover cousin, "Spyro Orange," Crash Purple is clearly a superior game...It still feels cheap, but it's much easier to stomach. [June 2004, p.72]
  19. If you feel that 25 mini-games ranging from a bland tank blaster game to sheep shooting and a few multiplayer games are worth full price, I recommend this video game. Otherwise, stay away.
  20. A pretty lackluster package that could have been so much more if the platform elements, which previous games focused on, were given attention in the newest game. Instead, the platforming is mainly a way to get in between mini-games and offers no challenge at all.
  21. Mini-games aplenty, but where has all the adventuring gone? Where's the platforming action? Or the excitement? They're nowhere to be found in this game.
  22. Bottom line, this game was simply too short. It really felt like I was playing half a game, and essentially, I was. The two games really should have been put together in my opinion, and had the player alternate levels with Spyro and Crash.
  23. Flawed on such a basic gameplay level that I cannot in good conscience recommend it to anybody. I plead with you not to play this game.

Awards & Rankings

47
18
#18 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2004
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 35
  2. Negative: 9 out of 35
  1. Dec 29, 2020
    1
    This game sucks, The worst crossover in history why they have to disrespect such a legendary franchises. the story is terrible the minigamesThis game sucks, The worst crossover in history why they have to disrespect such a legendary franchises. the story is terrible the minigames are terrible it's garbage. Full Review »
  2. Jan 6, 2020
    10
    Es una buena alternativa a Marion party aunque en este caso no resulta ser mejor que este es una opción sólida para quien quiera jugarlo,Es una buena alternativa a Marion party aunque en este caso no resulta ser mejor que este es una opción sólida para quien quiera jugarlo, además tiene a spyro Full Review »
  3. Dec 19, 2018
    5
    While the visuals, gameplay, and presentation are all great for a GBA game, it's hard to ignore the repetitive mini games, short length, andWhile the visuals, gameplay, and presentation are all great for a GBA game, it's hard to ignore the repetitive mini games, short length, and subpar boss battles. At least this game still kind of feels like the actual great Crash GBA games, which is much more than what I could say for Spyro Orange, as that game literally has nothing for Spyro fans other than the Sprite model and that's it. Full Review »