How One Crash Bandicoot Level Helped Build Naughty Dog

ign.com Sep 25, 2026

How One Crash Bandicoot Level Helped Build Naughty Dog

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 25, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Naughty Dog’s early Crash Bandicoot level “Boulders” introduced the now‑ubiquitous chase‑toward‑camera sequence, a design choice that shaped later titles like Uncharted and A Plague Tale. Developed in 1994 for the nascent PlayStation, the level solved a camera‑control dilemma by keeping the view behind the character while still showcasing Crash’s expressive face. The technique became a staple of third‑person action games, embedding itself in Naughty Dog’s DNA and influencing cinematic level design for decades.

💡 Why It Matters

· The chase sequence pioneered a visual storytelling tool that lets players feel the urgency of a character’s escape, a mechanic that remains central to modern action‑adventure titles.

Capsules Gaming

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PS5 Version of Acclaimed Adventure Game Gets 2026 Release Date

Feel Free Games’ Luma Island, originally launched on PC in 2025, will reach PlayStation 5 and Xbox in 2026, adding cross‑platform multiplayer for up to four players. The cozy adventure blends homesteading, farming, fishing, and exploration, taking players into jungles, caverns, and temples without stamina limits or inventory caps. The PS5 version’s release date remains unconfirmed, but the PS Store page is live, allowing users to wishlist the title while awaiting an official launch announcement.

💡 The game’s cross‑play feature expands its community reach, enabling shared experiences across major consoles and potentially setting a new standard for indie titles.

playstationlifestyle.net · Sep 25

PS5 Remaster of Classic Shooter Earns Solid Reviews, Out Now on PlayStation…

A 1998 shooter, SiN, has been remastered for PlayStation 5 as SiN: Reloaded, released via the PlayStation Store. Nightdive Studios, a subsidiary of Atari, updated the game with HD textures, 4K resolution, and 120 FPS support, while retaining the original mission and adding an extra mission pack. Critics give it a 72/100 on OpenCritic, and PlayStation users rate it 4.59/5. The remake offers modern controls, new vehicles, and branching story choices that affect gameplay outcomes.

💡 The release demonstrates how classic titles can be revitalized for new hardware, offering both nostalgia and fresh technical polish. It also shows that a well‑executed remaster can attract a new generation of players while satisfying long‑time fans.

eurogamer.net · Sep 25

Arc Raiders announces a new PvE “test” to accommodate its surprisingly friendly…

Embark Studios announced a limited PvE matchmaking test for Arc Raiders, running from 13‑20 October, allowing players to choose a non‑violent mode. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal cited a growing 37 % of players preferring cooperative play, compared to 34 % PvP‑focused. The test will support solo, duo, and trio queues, omit PvP‑specific map features, and reduce loot value to reflect lower risk. Embark will monitor economy and matchmaking times, noting the test is not a permanent mode but signals serious consideration.

💡 The move acknowledges a shift in player behavior that could reshape extraction shooters, prompting developers to balance competitive and cooperative experiences.

ign.com · Sep 25

The Next Halo Game From Halo Studios Was Reportedly Still Years Away,…

Microsoft terminated Halo Studios’ planned next game, citing its long development timeline, and transferred the Halo franchise to Activision. The move follows a broader studio reshuffle that also moved Rare and World’s Edge under Activision. Halo Studios, rebranded from 343 Industries, had announced multiple new titles on Unreal Engine, but leadership upheavals and past launch issues prompted the cancellation. Activision is forming a dedicated team to create the next mainline Halo, while Microsoft focuses on other flagship IPs.

💡 The shift signals a strategic pivot in how major gaming franchises are managed, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape between Microsoft’s Xbox and Activision’s Call of Duty. It also raises questions about the future direction and creative control of a culturally iconic series.

gamesradar.com · Sep 25

Game of the Week – At just $18, Nighthawks is exactly what…

Nighthawks, a text‑based vampire RPG from Wadjet Eye Games, launched this week at $18 and quickly proved ideal for the Steam Deck. The game features five Acts, ten companion characters, and multiple endings, all navigable via a special handheld‑mode that adapts the UI for small screens. Reviewers noted flawless performance, with joystick scrolling and touchscreen support working intuitively despite the title lacking official Steam Deck verification. Play sessions average under 20 hours, and the narrative‑driven combat‑light design suits travel or couch play without draining the Deck’s battery. The title blends visual‑novel storytelling with RPG mechanics, offering replay value through varied companion quests and skill builds, making it a compelling budget pick for portable gamers.

💡 Nighthawks shows that high‑quality, narrative‑rich indie games can thrive on handheld PCs without formal verification, expanding the Steam Deck’s library beyond traditional “Verified” titles.

playstationlifestyle.net · Sep 25

GTA 6 Gives Fans a New Way to Enjoy Vice City Ahead…

Rockstar Games announced a premium pre‑order collectible titled “Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection,” allowing fans to experience the game’s Vice City setting before its release. The set, inspired by Leonida’s TV show Macca the Gator, includes assorted memorabilia and is priced at $400 through the official Rockstar store while supplies last. The announcement coincides with the rollout of exclusive tracks from Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album, featuring artists such as Travis Scott, Metro Boomin, and Keith Richards; six of the 34 songs are already streaming on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with the full album available for pre‑save and slated for vinyl and CD release. Rockstar confirmed the game’s launch date as November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

💡 The collectible creates a tangible bridge between the franchise’s iconic setting and its upcoming launch, deepening fan engagement and generating early revenue ahead of the game’s release.