10 Video Game Rewards Unlocked By Dying
3. Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (Crash Bandicoot Series)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl isn’t the only title on this list to shower pity on unqualified players. Considering that the Crash Bandicoot series spawned at least a few famously challenging 3-D platformers – namely, the formative PlayStation trilogy – it’s absolutely warranted.
First implemented in 1997’s Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment kicks in when Crash dies half a dozen times in any given section. Beyond receiving a “pity” Aku Aku mask that activates invincibility, certain crates will become checkpoints if he dies another half a dozen times.
As for chase levels (when neither of those aids apply), whatever’s pursuing Crash will slow down.
Gratefully, saved games will remember his struggles, too, so those features will remain during rebooted playthroughs. Also, each sequel handles DDA differently – and no, we aren’t digging into all of that right now – so your mileage may vary.
According to director Jason Rubin, the creators’ “mantra became help weaker players without changing the game for the better players.”
Mission accomplished.