Crash Bandicoot is back in a 3D handheld adventure that involves saving his island from the diabolical duo of Neo and Nina Cortex. The omnipotent ones have transformed the local animals into hulking mutants in a mad bid to gain control over the region. Though Crash has been in relaxation mode for quite some time, he hasn't let his acrobatic skills atrophy. He's even acquired a few new moves to tip the scales in his favor. The wonder-from-down-under can now engage in frenzied fisticuffs, using combinations of flying kicks, flurrying punches, and dizzying spins to subdue his foes.

Crash can also ride atop the mutant animals, up to 19 in total, after weakening them in combat. This "jacking" mechanic lets players use each creature's powerful attributes and attacks in battle. Though the DS game features many elements from the console versions, there are differences. The handheld version features completely new titans to control, five boss characters to defeat, and nine distinct areas to explore, each offering two to three levels apiece. The controls take advantage of both the touch-screen interface and microphone, and Nina Cortex is featured in a prominent role as a playable character. An assortment of unlockables can also be earned from games of pachinko, and eight touch-screen "events" and bonus maps are available for play as well.