Crash Bandicoot Returning This Autumn to Thwart Evil Text Messages

I remember when the word “extreme” could be used in conjunction with the word “sports” or “Doritos” without any irony. I also remember when mascot franchises were the hottest thing since the New Kids on the Block, when Spyro and Crash Bandicoot = PlayStation.

In this new age of multiplatform franchises, is there still room for an old-fashioned mascot game? I would say so – who doesn’t love a good mascot? – and Sierra would say so too. The company announced today a new Crash Bandicoot game dubbed Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant due for release this autumn for the Wii, 360, PSP, DS, and PS2.

Something of a follow-up to 2007’s Crash of the Titans, which found the ‘coot “jacking” enemies for their powers, Mind Over Mutant is shaping up to be a real chimera of a game, mixing elements of sandbox games, Pokemon-esque monster collection, and wrapping it all up in some bizarre plot involving…brainwashing text messages? Did I read that PR document right?

“Cortex has developed a text-messaging device which controls both mutant and bandicoot minds and it’s up to Crash to free his friends and stop the evil genius.”

A unique premise, if anything. Maybe Radical Entertainment has some satirical subtext here about how technology is destroying our lives…maybe they got Hideo Kojima to moonlight as a scenarist?

Crash is also going to be getting all Ash Ketchum on your ass. Crash of the Titans found him “jacking” enemies for their power, but in Mind Over Mutant he can “store his favorite monsters in his pocket, upgrade them and utilize their powers when they are most advantageous.” I choose you!

MoM will also feature a free-roaming (or “free-romping”) world to explore, a playable she-sidekick, and more.

Keep it at Kombo for more info and media as it comes our way (which will be a lot faster than at most other places, believe you me).