Over the years, Sierra has done its best to keep the Crash Bandicoot franchise from losing its luster. Ever since acquiring the popular platforming hero from Sony Computer Entertainment of America, the company has released eight action-oriented and cart-driving games featuring the wily marsupial and his friends. Most of these games weren't bad, yet they didn't compare with developer Naughty Dog's previous releases for the original PlayStation. However, at its recent Gamers' Day event, Sierra showcased a brand new game in the series, Crash of the Titans, which looks to be a much more inspired effort.

Story-wise, the game resembles previous Crash games. The fiendish Dr. Cortex, along with his assistant Nina, have captured creatures around Crash's island and mutated them into monsters. Crash, no stranger to Cortex's plans, sets out to stop him, with the help of many combat-fueled techniques and a magical Tiki mask.

Radical Entertainment, a team clearly experienced in creating platforming games and tasked with creating Sierra's ninth Crash game, added a couple of additional game play elements to make this game feel a bit dissimilar to previous Crash releases. The Bandicoot can still execute his traditional spinning attacks, but can also pull off more acrobatic maneuvers, along with punches, kicks and counter-moves. During his journey, Crash can also purchase additional attacks and combos, which can be strung together. He can also surf along smooth surfaces riding on the Tiki mask and glides through the air with helicopter jumps, which comes in handy for the more complex platforming sections of the game. Instead of using a traditional control set-up (like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2 versions), the Wii version of Crash of the Titans requires players to wave their arms in particular motions to perform special moves, such as spinning their Nunchuk around for the helicopter spin or throwing their fists around for attacks.

Crash's most notable power, however, lies within the new "jacking" ability. After striking enemies with a few well-timed hits, he can jump onto their back, slap the magical Tiki mask on their face and take control of their unique abilities. On one level, Crash hops onto the back of a unique creature that throws glowing energy balls, while the next has him sabotaging a large gorilla-like beast with a vicious rolling attack. Jacking offers a nice twist on the typical platforming game play, and also allows Crash to access areas he can't reach on his own. The beast's rolling attack, for example, knocks down a large wooden gate that won't budge otherwise.

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