Bandicoot Family

A rejected experiment turned hero on a mission to save his girlfriend and stop world domination.

The Bandicoot Family is defined by Crash Bandicoot, a genetically enhanced eastern barred bandicoot created by the mad scientist Doctor Neo Cortex in 1996. Originally intended to serve as the general of Cortex's army for world domination, Crash was rejected by the "Cortex Vortex" brainwashing machine and cast out of the castle. He washed ashore on a smaller island within an archipelago located 300 miles west of Tasmania. There, he resolved to foil Cortex's plans and rescue his girlfriend Tawna, another female bandicoot also created by the doctor. This journey across 32 levels established the core narrative of the series, where Crash battles through native villages and defeats hostile leaders like Papu Papu.

Quick Facts

Core members: Crash Bandicoot
Extended associates: Tawna (girlfriend), Aku Aku (guardian)
Status: Active
First appearance: Crash Bandicoot (1996)

Lore & Background

The story begins in a secluded archipelago west of Tasmania where Doctor Neo Cortex utilizes an "Evolvo-Ray" to alter local wildlife into anthropomorphic soldiers. Among these creations was Crash, whom Cortex selected as his army's general. However, just one day before the scheduled activation of the "Cortex Vortex," Crash became attached to Tawna and was subsequently rejected by the machine. After plummeting from the castle to the ocean, he washed up on an island aided by Aku Aku, a witch doctor spirit and guardian of the archipelago. While Cortex prepared Tawna as a replacement general, Crash embarked on a trek spanning several months. He defeated key henchmen including Ripper Roo, Koala Kong, Pinstripe Potoroo, and Doctor Nitrus Brio, who transformed into a giant green monster. The conflict culminated in an airship battle where Crash deflected plasma gun bolts back at Cortex, sending the doctor falling from the sky while he and Tawna escaped on the vessel.

Reader's Guide

The Bandicoot Family's primary conflict involves Crash traversing 32 levels to defeat Doctor Neo Cortex. The gameplay is viewed from a third-person perspective where the camera trails behind Crash, though specific levels feature forward-scrolling boulder chases or traditional side-scrolling sections. Players must collect Wumpa Fruit (100 grant an extra life) and break crates containing Aku Aku masks; collecting three consecutive masks grants temporary invulnerability. Tokens of Tawna, Cortex, or Brio found in roughly half the levels lead to bonus rounds. Clearing a level without losing a life and breaking all crates yields a gem, with six colored gems unlocking previously inaccessible areas. Collecting all 26 gems unlocks a special epilogue sequence.

Did You Know?

The main character was originally tentatively named "Willy the Wombat" before being renamed Crash Bandicoot for his habit of destroying crates.
The game's Japanese release required extensive retooling of gameplay and aesthetics to achieve commercial success in Japan.
Two specific levels involve Crash mounting and steering a wild boar that accelerates uncontrollably while he maneuvers around obstacles.