C.R.U.S.H. (PSP) Review
Posted by Andrew Mellick on 07.09.2007
In the swirling mass of puzzle games that is the PSP library, can yet another head scratcher make a place for itself on the handheld? Read on to find out!
C.R.U.S.H.
Let’s face it, the PSP could stand for Playstation Puzzle considering all the puzzle games that continue to be released for it. So when I heard that there was yet another puzzle title called CRUSH coming to my doorstep, I was less than enthusiastic. Until I popped it in that is.
Here is the story. You are this guy named David and you’ve got problems. For some reason no matter how hard you try you cannot sleep. So you enlist some professional help for your problem, this is where the game picks up. Your wearing this weird helmet thing and you hear the voice of the “professor” as he explains to you what it is and what you are about to do.
Apparently this little invention is called CRUSH, basically with the device you go into a hypnotic state, this allows you to enter your psyche and find keys to unlocking your past and what is causing all the unrest. Can you battle your inner demons and unlock the key to a good nights sleep? More importantly, will the game keep your attention long enough to make you want to?
Graphics:
Here’s a look at a sprawling level in 3D.
The game has a nice look to it and it helps the game walk that line between creepy premise and humorous dialog. The cut scenes are cell shaded and set up in a comic book style a la MGS: Portable Ops. The look comes across very stylish.
As far as in game action goes, the graphics fall some where between realism and cartoon like. It’s a good balance for a game like this. David’s movements in the level look natural and smooth. What is perhaps most amazing is that despite the fact that David can cause the level to go from 3D to 2D in several different directions, the game suffers no slow down or glitches because of it. There are some very large levels in here and the fact that developers took the time to ensure that the transition between dimensions worked smoothly is refreshing. Overall the game runs tight the whole way through. I didn’t run into any frame rate issues or slowdowns.
The only issue I would take with the game graphically is the color scheme. There are fairly significant portions of levels that are this covered in a washed out green color. It can be off putting to crush a level from top down and instantly be enveloped in this disgusting greenish slime color. While the color choice was poor it by no means makes the game unplayable as objects and goals are clearly marked.
Gameplay:
Ingenuity in gaming like this doesn’t come along very often. The simple ability to change dimensions in various aspects in each level opens up a whole world of possibilities. Perhaps the hardest thing to get used to in this game is just how many ways you can change the specs of a level to reach your desired goal. However, once you have it figured out, it makes for a truly fun gaming experience.
The story in this game does well to draw the player in. Most times the story line in puzzle games are little more than an after thought. However, Sega was able to create an intriguing tale and interwove it beautifully throughout the game. It helps to give the added desire to beat that next level and see what happens in the story.
The difficulty in this game is a bit lopsided and may turn off some gamers. Sega provides tutorials throughout the game. However, when the tutorial is through the difficulty is ramped up significantly. It’s not so much a difficult game overall, its more that the difficulty takes extreme jumps every so often; leaving the player to muddle through a level or two for an hour to get the hang of things again.
Sound:
You can CRUSH your environments into 2D as shown here.
CRUSH features some top notch voice acting. While the vast majority of the dialog rests with David and the professor, their passion and comedic timing make the cut scenes fun to watch.
The levels of the game feature soundtracks that match the area they are located in as well as the haunting memory tied to them. For example, while playing through a stage located in an amusement park type area, the level takes on a carnival type soundtrack. However, certain parts of the soundtrack are slowed down to create that ominous feeling that the game is going for. It’s a nice touch and makes each level that much more unique.
The game features a variety of sound effects. These effects fit the games cartoon/creepy atmosphere perfectly and some have just a bit of a comedic touch. For example, if you crush in an area where your player cannot, David gets pushed against the wall for a second and lets out a weak yelp.
Lasting Appeal:
The game offers no multiplayer options, which is a disappointment, considering how simple it would be to set something up. All it would take is a dozen extra versus levels and the ability to race other competitors to the finish and that would be it. Or perhaps a co-op type level, where you have to reach your partner who in turn takes over and has to find you, kind of like passing a baton through the level
But alas, nothing like this made the game so you are left with the single player mode. Which is nothing to sneeze at mind you but a little time in the multiplayer department could have made this game even better.
The game is very fun and addictive however, there is really nothing to bring you back to play it again, other than the standard “collect everything” or “beat your time” stand bys. Honestly this is one area where I think the game loses ground. Its still a solid play and just one time through is enough to keep you busy for a while.
Fun Factor:
Some of these levels get pretty tricky.
CRUSH is very fun and refreshingly addictive. I’m not a huge fan of puzzle games. My desire for them usually drops off pretty fast. However, with CRUSH I found myself going back for more.
The game manages to walk the line of challenging and fun very well, other than a few noticeable spikes in difficulty you’ll have to work through. It will keep drawing you back uttering that familiar phrase “one more level”.
More than the satisfaction of completing a level the games engrossing story will keep you glued to the controls. It’s rare to see such a strong story in a puzzle title and it really should be noted just what a great job the developers did in putting the whole thing together.
The 411:
If you hate puzzles and I mean hate them, then stay away from this game. If you love puzzles get this game and if you fall in the middle then I’d still give this one a go. Granted the lack of multiplayer is disappointing and the jumps in difficulty are enough to put your PSP through a wall, but in the end your desire to keep going far outweighs your frustration.
On a system that is saturated with puzzle games already, this one manages to somehow stand head and shoulders above with the likes of Lumines. It’s fun and addictive with a great story to tie it all together. For the PSP it’s a perfect fit.
Graphics
7.5
The graphics are solid, but that wash out green is just gross
Gameplay
9.0
Very inventive and addictive
Sound
8.5
Solid voice acting and a soundtrack which fits the story perfectly
Lasting Appeal
6.0
No multiplayer or added levels makes this title a one trick pony
Fun Factor
8.5
There are a few spikes in difficulty but overall this game is a blast.
