Sega's quirky puzzle game, Crush stands out as one of the PSP's finest, thanks to its innovative gameplay and unique story.
Dan, the game's main character, believes that he may be suffering from insomnia, so he checks himself into a local clinic to get help. There, he meets up with Dr. Reubens, a specialist in possession of a device known as C.R.U.S.H. This invention delves deep into the psyche of whoever wears it. Players control Dan as he works his way through a series of virtual levels, built upon fragments from his mind. By completing each successive series of levels, dark secrets from his past begin to emerge. The game's comical story follows along with the puzzle action quite nicely.
Throughout each stage, Dan must collect a certain amount of marbles in order to open a portal that will transport him to the next part of his sleepy brain. On occasion, he'll need to avoid dangers, like cockroaches and tentacles. He'll also need to push objects around, such as metallic balls or cylinders. In order to finish each level successfully, Dan needs to make use of his newfound "crush" ability. He uses this power by stomping the ground, shifting the level from a 3-D perspective to a 2-D one -- and then back again. Viewing the action, the game's camera can shift to various angles, including overhead. The "crushing" talent also comes in handy for moving particular objects or squashing threatening cockroaches.
Crush starts out with a helpful tutorial so gamers learn the basics. It has a gradually building difficulty scale that may leave some gamers overwhelmed with later levels. However, the game has unlimited continues, so it never turns frustrating or impossible.
Sega has created something special with Crush. Its spectacular gameplay and solid presentation should keep players up well into the night -- ironic considering the sleep deprivation theme. It's so strong a game, that the company should consider releasing it for other platforms, crushing all typical expectations in the process.
Final Score: 9 (out of 10)
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