Growing up we all go through phases. Whether it is fashion pertaining to clothes and shoes or technology, our interests are forever changing. When it comes to games the same thing applies. Some games I still enjoy and some I do not, but the game I enjoyed playing the most was Crash Bandicoot! The concept of this game was for you, as the player, to complete all the tasks within each level in order to level-up and eventually beat the entire game. Each task had obstacles that you had to overcome in order to advance, some of which included dying or being injured. It was not until I saw the Ted Talk video that I looked at Crash Bandicoot in a whole new light when it came to the idea of morality.
Care/Harm: In Crash Bandicoot, both aspects of care and harm come into play. Going through each task set before them, Crash and/or his sister Cocoa had to try their best to get through each level without being harmed. Some of the obstacles included swimming through bodies of water, dodging swords and avoiding animals like rhinos. Although there were many dangers there was one item that kept the characters safe through it all and it was referred to as Aku Aku. Aku Aku is a spiritual witch doctor that served as Crash’s protector throughout the course of the game
Fairness/Reciprocity: When it comes to the act of being fair I would have to say that overall the game was quite fair. Sure, there may have been times when it seemed like I just couldn’t get past a level or two, but that wasn’t the game; I believed that that had to do with the skills I had or may have lacked at that particular point, but were taught and probably just forgot. After you complete each level crash gains more abilities that help him overcome more and more obstacles in his quest for the goal.
Loyalty/In-group: In terms of loyalty you typically think of others who are on the journey with you and whether or not they are really there to help or hinder you, but in the context and setup of this game the idea of loyalty does not come into play for Crash or his sister Cocoa.
Authority/Respect: Sure one could think of Crash as an authority figure and one who is respected by his sister and Aku Aku, but I believe the authority would be Crash’s evil enemy Dr. Neo Cortex. Throughout the course of the game Dr. Cortex is trying to build an army of beasts to try and conquer the world and Crash is trying to get to him in time. Other than those two characters, no one else has qualities of authority.
Sanctity/Purity: Lastly is the idea of sanctity and purity. Although these two qualities are quite heavily prevalent in the world today, and maybe in some games, it does not show it show in Crash Bandicoot at all and thus not applicable.
Sure, Crash Bandicoot is all about survival and the quest ‘til the end, but analyzing it through the aspects of morality you can see that it’s also about fairness, care/harm, and authority. Without these morals Crash Bandicoot probably would not be the game that it has become in terms of enjoyment and fun. (I highly recommend this game to those who have never played for once you play once; you are guaranteed to go back!)
