Crash Bandicoot is a character who has known much heartbreak in his lifetime. Many write him off as a simple character whose lack of snazzy lone-liners and annoying as hell sidekicks make him a rogue in the platformer industry. Well I am here to set the record straight. The record that has been twisted, bashed, and warped for too long. Crash is just looking for a lasting relationship.

Before he ever sets foot on the video game screen, Crash has already known heartbreak. His creator, Dr. Neo Cortex , the one that, through many biological experiments, altered Crash at a DNA level so that he would become more human. However, Cortex was not happy with Crash, and he labeled him as a "failed" attempt and cast him into shadows. Ok so he cast him on a nice island with beaches. But still, abandoned!

In the first game, Crash meets up with a variety of characters. The most interesting at first glance would have to be Aku Aku, a floating mask deity of sorts that is a mentor to young Crash. Collecting an Aku Aku mask earns Crash a 'free hit', which can come in handy if you happen to screw up. 3 of them turns Crash invincible from all enemy hits and thus you run and jump and have a good ole time.

The sinister plot that unfoils in this game that one Dr. Neo Cortex, aforementioned creator of Crash, kidnapped his girlfriend, Tawna. Once again this madman has stripped away happiness from Crash's life. However this time Crash isn't going to take it lying down. He assembles an army of he, himself, and a floating mask who is absolutely worthless against bosses and goes out to kick some ass!

Going through a hut, waterfall, volcano, factory office, castle office, and finally atop Cortex's blimp, Crash is able to save his would-be mate from the clutches of Cortex. Now, why Cortex would bother such a devious kidnapping, we do not know at this time. Perhaps, like all cliche trilogies at heart, it will be revealed in time...

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
So, now we embark onto the next saga of Crash's life. However, since last we met our ever-smiling protagonist yet another relationship has fallen apart. His faithful girlfriend, no doubt cruelly tortured by Cortex to the point of insanity, has run off with Pinstripe.

A dramatic drawing of Crash's reaction can be found here:

http://www.naughtydog.com/crash/crash/images/gallery/production/crash1/pinstripe.jpg

Can't blame the guy for being a bit puzzled, I mean, what the hell? However, not all is lost for young Crash, he has, seemingly out of no where, gained a super smart little sister, Coco. Well, she's cute enough so Crash is happy now. Yet, once again Crash runs into his old nemesis, Dr. Cortex. However this time the sinister Doc is not so quick to be a bastard towards Crash. In fact he offers him his hand of friendship and gives him overly flattering compliments. However, this friendship is not as pure as it first seems. Cortex has a bit of a favor to ask of Crash. He wishes for Crash to collect 25 crystals from various worlds for some unknown, very vague reason. Seeing an another chance to make a friend, Crash jumps(and spins) at the chance to do whatever Cortex needs.