The Crash Bandicoot series is obviously geared toward a younger audience, but that doesn’t mean Crash’s abilities should be taken lightly. In-universe, he’s saved the world numerous times and dealt with threats that many other protagonists wouldn’t be able to do.
Overall, Crash isn’t the strongest character you can find. There are a significant amount of villains that can easily take him on and walk away the winner. Still, Crash does have good chances against some other antagonists, a few of whom might come as a surprise. With that in mind, here are five villains he can beat, and five others he probably should avoid picking a fight with.
10 Can’t Beat: Azazel (Tekken)
Easily the most overpowered character in the Tekken series, Azazel is considered a nuisance by fans for being nearly impossible to beat. He’s got every ability you can think of, ranging from enormous strength, death rays, and the ability to stun someone indefinitely.
Crash Bandicoot would need to write down his will before confronting Azazel because there’s no doubt this will be his doom. There’s nothing he can even try to cause Azazel any damage, and this will be a very short fight indeed.
9 Can Beat: Doctor Nefarius (Ratchet & Clank)
Crash Bandicoot is relatively similar to the series Dr. Nefarious comes from. Considering he gets beat regularly by the likes of a robot and a creature along the lines of Crash, the latter shouldn’t have much of a problem winning this fight.
Dr. Nefarious can be considered to be around the same ballpark as Neo Cortex, so Crash won’t need to do any real improvisation other than his usual antics. Since Nefarious likes to be methodical in his attacks, he won’t see Crash’s buffoonish behavior coming and will be down for the count.
8 Can’t Beat: Darth Vader (Star Wars)
Although it’s unlikely, given Darth Vader’s exceptional skills with the lightsaber, one could argue that Crash could dodge that weapon in this fight. However, there’s no running away from The Force, which will allow Darth Vader to capture Crash wherever he might be.
Crash has no defense to this form of offense, no matter how much he might jump or twirl around to avoid it. Unfortunately for him, Darth Vader won’t take long to put the Force choke in effect, finishing this fight in a fatality.
7 Can Beat: Team Rocket (Pokémon)
There are more than dozens of cute Pokémon out there, all of whom have been able to defeat Team Rocket. These trainers really aren’t the cream of the crop, and even if they were, Crash can conceivably defeat Pokémon on his own.
After all, he is kind of like a Pokémon himself, having a unique power and skill that will allow him to combat the Pokémon Team Rocket use. There’s also Team Rocket’s inherent ineptitude, which Crash can take advantage of.
6 Can’t Beat: Sephiroth (Final Fantasy)
The many memes poking fun at his behavior might make people underestimate him, but Sephiroth is pretty powerful in his own right. He’s got the ability to fly, is a master swordsman, and his speed is off the charts.
Crash could try and counter his speed using his own twirling ability, but he will most definitely be lifted off his feet by Sephiroth. This will leave the fight decided right there, as Sephiroth will keep combat in the air where Crash will easily get slashed into oblivion.
5 Can Beat: Big Boss (Metal Gear Solid)
This is one of the more mismatched match-ups to think of. Not because of the differences in attributes, but also because of their styles. Big Boss has actually contended with huge A.I. enemies and superpowered beings, yet Crash’s smaller size is what will be his advantage.
It’s hard to see him being able to catch Crash at any point, and the latter’s spinning ability can humorously send Big Boss flying away. Shooting at Crash probably won’t reap better results either due to Crash’s speed.
4 Can’t Beat: Nemesis (Resident Evil)
Out of all the scary enemies in this series, the Nemesis monster might be the most terrifying. Being vastly super-powered in strength, durability, and imbued with weaponry, this monster is nothing to scoff at.
Crash won’t have anything to land a dent on Nemesis’ armor, with his agility being his only advantage. However, considering Nemesis won’t be put down for the count, it’s only a matter of time before one of its timed hits ends up knocking Crash out.
3 Can Beat: Pyramid Head (Silent Hill)
This monster is responsible for bringing the most horror-inducing moments in the Silent Hill series. The catch, though, is that it preys on a person’s inner fears, which means Crash doesn’t have anything to be scared of.
The bandicoot’s kooky nature will allow him immunity over Pyramid Head, making any of its slicing attacks invalid since Crash will have no fear of it. This might be the one chance for gamers to see Pyramid Head being made a mockery of, and Crash can beat him in a cinch.
2 Can’t Beat: Thirteenth Colossus (Shadow Of The Colossus)
There’s something of a debate over the powers of the Colossi from this game due to the fact that they got killed by a scrawny teenager. However, that protagonist was nimble and driven by his quest, bringing down even the flying Thirteenth Colossus.
While Crash could have a chance against the land-based Colossi, he doesn’t have a hope against this one. Giving Crash his jet pack won’t do any good either, seeing as it’s through the use of strategy that this monster’s weak spot has to be attacked. There are better odds of this Colossus eating Crash than it losing to him.
1 Can Beat: Donkey Kong (Super Mario)
On paper, Donkey Kong supposedly has enough power to punch the moon off orbit, yet he’s still regularly lost to a plumber. Crash has faced galactic level threats himself, and the quirky nature in both series makes these two opponents evenly matched in mentality.
All Crash needs to do is take a page out of Mario’s book and dodge Donkey Kong’s attacks. The latter is terrible in his recovery rate, so a few jumps straight to his head should knock him out enough for Crash to employ bigger weapons and win this fight.
NEXT: Ranking The Best ’90s Platform Games
