Play Crash Bandicoot Purple : Ripto's Rampage Online

I picked up Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage for my Game Boy Advance back in 2004. It was developed by Vicarious Visions, a studio that handled a lot of the handheld titles in that era. This was a time when you'd see a lot of these crossover platformers, and this one specifically throws Crash into the world of Spyro the Dragon to deal with a team-up of their respective villains.

You primarily control Crash, running and spinning through a series of themed worlds. The main goal is to stop the villains' plan by collecting crystals and gems scattered across the levels. The gameplay is built on screen-by-screen exploration, where you jump between platforms and break crates, mixed with simple combat where your spin attack is the main tool. You also engage in mini-games, like shoot-'em-up sections or puzzle challenges, which break up the platforming. The pacing is generally quick, though some of the mini-games can be surprisingly difficult. It feels like a condensed, portable version of a console platformer, straightforward to pick up for short bursts.