Crash, Coco and the scientists
Follow the competing requests and understand who actually changes the play.
Original 1997 PlayStation release. The guides cover its movement, gem routes and Warp Rooms, not the 2017 N. Sane Trilogy remake. Coco is a story character here rather than a selectable campaign hero; remake time-trial relics are outside this guide.
7 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Character directory
Crash Bandicoot
Crash gathers Cortex's crystals while exploring the island's gem routes. His slide and belly flop change how he handles enemies and reinforced crates.
Coco Bandicoot
Coco investigates Cortex's claims and tries to contact Crash through the Warp Room system. She is not a selectable platforming character in this original release.
Dr. Neo Cortex
Cortex presents himself as a scientist trying to avert disaster. His requests drive the crystal campaign, and his later escape changes the finale into a pursuit.
Dr. N. Gin
N. Gin confronts Crash in a large machine. This battle uses Wumpa-fruit shots and openings in the machine's weapons rather than ordinary close-range spins.
Aku Aku
Aku Aku pickups protect Crash from ordinary damage. Preserve them for demanding routes, while still treating pits, crushing machinery and dangerous crate types carefully.
Polar
The small polar bear carries Crash through fixed-direction snow routes. Learn the track and line up crate jumps before accelerating into the next obstacle.
Dr. Nitrus Brio
Brio asks Crash for gems and opposes Cortex's crystal plan. His role explains why the game has a broader gem objective beyond the main crystal campaign.
Quick notes
- Keep Crash's role clear. Crash is the platforming hero throughout the original campaign.
- Listen to Coco's investigation. Coco's laptop and messages make her the story's skeptical ally.
- Separate Cortex's crystals from Brio's gems. Cortex asks for crystals; Brio asks for gems and challenges the crystal plan.
- Prepare for N. Gin and protect Aku Aku. N. Gin's machinery battle asks for a different attack, so read the battle guidance when that encounter begins.
The original Coco provides story support; Crash remains the playable campaign character.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.