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.
- Core Members
- Crash Bandicoot
- Extended Associates
- Tawna (girlfriend), Aku Aku (guardian)
- Affiliation
- Heroes / Wumpa Island Defense
- Origin
- Genetic Experimentation Victims created by Doctor Neo Cortex
- Status
- Active
- First Appearance
- Crash Bandicoot (1996)
- Base of Operations
- Archipelago 300 miles west of Tasmania / N. Sanity Island
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.
In Their Own Story
Crash's journey across the archipelago involved traversing native villages and overcoming significant obstacles to reach Cortex's stronghold. After defeating Brio in a potion-induced transformation battle, Crash escaped to Cortex's airship as the castle burned behind them. The climax saw Cortex boarding a hovercraft to attack with a plasma gun, only for Crash to deflect the energy bolts and send him plummeting from the sky. Tawna embraced Crash as they rode the airship into the sunset. An alternate ending reveals the fates of the defeated bosses: Papu Papu sold the castle remains to open a plus-size clothing shop; Ripper Roo pursued higher education and authored a book on rapid evolution; Koala Kong became a movie star in Hollywood; Pinstripe opened a sanitation company in Chicago; and Brio returned to bartending.
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.
- Crash is an eastern barred bandicoot who was rejected by the Cortex Vortex brainwashing machine just one day before it was scheduled to activate him as a general.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Bandicoot Family?
The core member is Crash Bandicoot, a genetically enhanced eastern barred bandicoot created by Doctor Neo Cortex in 1996. While originally intended as an army general, he was rejected and cast out to become a hero defending his island home.
What are the powers or roles of the Bandicoot Family?
Crash serves as the primary defender against Cortex's schemes, utilizing superhuman agility and spin attacks to destroy enemies. He is often aided by the mask spirit Aku Aku, who provides protection and guidance during battles.
How does the Bandicoot Family's story begin?
The saga starts when Crash fails a brainwashing attempt in the Cortex Vortex machine and washes ashore on an island west of Tasmania. He immediately sets out to foil world domination plans and rescue his girlfriend, Tawna.
Why is the Bandicoot Family important to the series?
They represent the central force of good that consistently thwarts Doctor Neo Cortex's attempts at global conquest. Their journey across various levels established the foundation for the entire franchise's narrative and gameplay.
Who are the extended associates of the Bandicoot Family?
Key figures include Tawna, Crash's girlfriend who was also created by Cortex, and Aku Aku, a powerful guardian spirit. Together, they form the essential support network necessary for Crash to succeed in his missions.
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