History Videogame / CrashBandicoot3Warped

** Subverted for Cortex and Uka Uka; when they have seemingly failed, Cortex laughs and apologises calmly for not throwing the necessary tantrum, but, as Uka Uka points out, [[spoiler:now they can just swipe all of your Crystals from ''you'']].

*** "Hot Coco" requires you to [[spoiler:drive into a sign with an alien head on the side of the road in "Road Crash"]], which will warp you to the level.

** Most of the platforming levels in the game that contain the [[HairTriggerExplosive volatile Nitro crates]] have a detonator at the end to destroy them, although an exception to the rule is "Flaming Passion". The bazooka is required to destroy the Nitros in the level's bonus round, which may not be obvious at first glance.

*** "Eggipus Rex" is accessed by [[spoiler:entering the Yellow Gem path in "Dino Might!", and then getting carried away by the second pterodactyl in the triceratops chase. Every other instance of this enemy has them behave like a hazard, and this one isn't distinguished from the others at all]].

* SlapstickKnowsNoGender: Coco suffers similar comical abuse as Crash whenever [[TheManyDeathsOfYou she loses a life]].

* EverythingsBetterWithPenguins: A penguin is taking a stroll through the Ice Age arena when Crash battles Dingodile. Though identical to the enemy penguins in ''Cortex Strikes Back'', this one is just an InnocentBystander.

* KonamiCode: Entering up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, square on the title screen unlocks a demo of ''VideoGame/SpyroTheDragon''. As an homage to this, inputting the same code with ''Crash 3'' selected on the menu in ''VideoGame/CrashBandicootNSaneTrilogy'' unlocks a trailer for ''VideoGame/SpyroReignitedTrilogy''.

''Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped'' is the third installment in the ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot'' series and the last ''Crash'' PlatformGame on the [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation Sony PlayStation.]] It was released on Halloween 1998 in North America and on December 1998 in Europe.

''Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped'' is the third installment in the ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot'' series and the last ''Crash'' PlatformGame on the [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation Sony PlayStation.]]

* AdvancedMovementTechnique: In the ''N. Sane Trilogy'' version, it's possible to make a variation of the hobslide with the Death Tornado Spin once it's acquired. It's executed in a very similar way (slide, spin cancel, jump, land before the spin finishes), but the spin must be kept going after Crash/Coco lands. The Death Tornado Spin cannot be reliably chained, but the speed boost it gives lasts for much longer. You'd want to perform this variant with as little air time as possible, as the Death Tornado Spin slows Crash/Coco to a crawl until they land. Warped speedrun categories that allow for major glitches, as well as Relic run categories, may depend on sequence breaking and either skipping or leaving the N. Tropy fight for as late as possible partly due to hobsliding: once the Death Tornado Spin is obtained, chaining regular hobslides becomes nigh impossible to pull off reliably, and you want to get all the levels where the regular hobslide is faster than the Death Tornado Spin out of the way before N. Tropy.

''Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped'' is the third installment in the ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot'' series and the last ''Crash'' PlatformGame on the [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation Sony Playstation.]] This game built upon the strengths of the first two games and added more vehicle-based levels (with the player taking control of a bi-plane, bike, jetski or a tiger cub named Pura, at any given time), new abilities that are earned by beating the game's bosses, and a Time Trial mode to keep players coming back to the levels to see how fast they can go. This game also marks the playable debut of Coco Bandicoot, Crash's little sister from the previous game, though most of her levels are vehicle-based.

* EscapeSequence: The [[EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs triceratops]] in the prehistoric levels. Yes, a ''triceratops''.

* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning:
** Crash gets an upgrade to his SpinAttack once he defeats N. Tropy. Not only can he spin for much longer, making for massive damage in some levels, but he can even [[InstantFlightJustAddSpinning glide with it if he spins at the top of a high jump]]. Combine this with the DoubleJump upgrade, and the result is pretty impressive.
** In the FinalBoss battle, Aku Aku and Uka Uka do a lot of spins in their battles. It could be bad for Crash, though, as they're the main obstacle of the fight.

* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: The prehistoric levels introduce Baby T, who Crash rides around with increased aerial mobility, and even adopts in the GoldenEnding alongside Coco adopting Pura.

This game, along with the [[VideoGame/CrashBandicoot1996 first game]] and ''[[VideoGame/CrashBandicoot2CortexStrikesBack Cortex Strikes Back]]'', were [[VideoGameRemake remastered]] on the UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 4}}, UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch, UsefulNotes/XboxOne and PC with updated graphics and new features, as part of the ''VideoGame/CrashBandicootNSaneTrilogy''.

This game, along with the [[VideoGame/CrashBandicoot1996 first game]] and ''[[VideoGame/CrashBandicoot2CortexStrikesBack Cortex Strikes Back]]'', were [[VideoGameRemake remastered]] on the UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation 4}}, UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch, UsefulNotes/XBoxOne and PC with updated graphics and new features, as part of the ''VideoGame/CrashBandicootNSaneTrilogy''.

[[caption-width-right:313:[[{{Tagline}} He's back... AND he's ready.]]

* BonusStage: Like in the second game, Crash can find '?' platforms which take him to bonus stages. These are quite forgiving; there are no enemies, no lives are taken if you die, and whether you fall or are blown up, the player is plonked right next to the platform to start again. A few 'Death Route' platforms exist, which are [[BrutalBonusLevel considerably harder.]] Not only do you have to get past the level up to that point without dying, but the stages themselves are tougher, can feature enemies, and generally play out like the regular levels UpToEleven. Hidden Gem stages also exist, which appear only when Crash has found the relevant Colored Gem. They vary in their difficulty, but otherwise are much like Death Routes.

* NostalgiaLevel: Tiny Tiger's boss fight and N. Gin's mecha battle are thematically reminiscent of their boss battles from the previous game, just cranked UpToEleven now.

* OnlySaneMan: N. Tropy is a completely evil bastard who creates time paradoxes [[ForTheEvulz for fun]], but he is the only antagonist to not suffer from chronic stupidity (Tiny and Dingodile), futile goals of [[TakeOverTheWorld taking over the world]] (Cortex and Uka Uka), or being [[MyFriendsAndZoidberg N. Gin]]. He does have a very stroppy temper, however, whereas [[spoiler:Cortex]] and even [[spoiler:Uka Uka]], while angry themselves, keep their cool and [[spoiler:[[MacguffinDeliveryService revert to plan B.]]]]

In the aftermath of ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot2CortexStrikesBack'', an evil elemental mask named Uka Uka is freed from his underground prison, and is revealed to have been the true mastermind behind Dr. Neo Cortex's schemes. With Crash in possession of all the crystals and gems on Earth, Uka Uka decides to recruit a scientist by the name of N. Tropy to create the Time Twister, a time machine which Cortex and Uka Uka can use to retrieve the crystals from past and future eras. With the help of Uka Uka's counterpart, Aku Aku, Crash and Coco race to the Time Twister to collect the crystals again before Cortex and Uka Uka get a chance to do so.

* HundredPercentCompletion: Getting crystals and gems and beating bosses contribute to the completion. This time, though, it can go to 105% if you manage to find 2 super secret levels and get the gems and relics from there, as well as the extra gem from Coco after you get all the gems including from those levels. At least 100% unlocks the true ending. Also a minor one in the Time Trials, where breaking all the time crates will subtract more seconds from your time in the end. This is often necessary for the Platinum relics.
* ActionGirl: Coco joins Crash in the gameplay for the first time. In practice, this means she tackles most of the UnexpectedGameplayChange levels, but still, riding a tiger, a jetski, and a space fighter, along with fighting N.Gin all by herself (well, Pura helps out too) is a definite step-up from being a simple computer hacker genius from the last game. The ''N Sane Trilogy'' remake upgrades this by making her a switchable skin for Crash in the on-foot and plane levels.
* AdvancedMovementTechnique: In the ''N. Sane Trilogy'' version, it's possible to make a variation of the hobslide with the death tornado powerup once it's acquired. It's executed in a very similar way (slide, spin cancel, jump, land before the spin finishes), but the spin must be kept going after Crash/Coco lands. This death tornado variant cannot be reliably chained, but the speed boost it gives lasts for much longer. You'd want to perform this variant with as little air time as possible, as the death tornado spin slows Crash/Coco to a crawl until they land. Warped speedrun categories that allow for major glitches, as well as relic run categories, may depend on sequence breaking and either skipping or leaving the N. Tropy fight for as late as possible partly due to hobsliding: once the death tornado is obtained, chaining regular hobslides becomes nigh impossible to pull off reliably, and you want to get all the levels where the regular hobslide is faster than the death tornado variant out of the way before N. Tropy.

* AirborneMook: Floating carpet enemies in Hang 'Em High drift eerily in your path. And of course, enemy planes in the warplane level.

* AnachronismStew: Mummies with flamethrowers are the least of Crash and Coco's worries, and the latter even gets to maneuver around [[UsefulNotes/TheGoldenAgeOfPiracy galleons in the Caribbean]] on a jet ski. The first is justified by [[spoiler:the secret warp room opened by relics being in the middle of Cortex's production line, churning out mooks to the various time periods]], while the second could be the heroes using the Time Twister to bring them there.
* AncientEgypt: There are four levels set in Ancient Egypt: Tomb Time, Sphynxinator, Tomb Wader, and Bug Lite. The fourth warp station is themed around Ancient Egypt as well. The levels feature many stereotypical traits like sphinx decorations, deadly traps like spears and crushing objects, and hieroglyphic drawings in the walls.

** As with the prequels, if you start losing too many lives, the game takes pity on you and you respawn with an Aku-Aku mask for protection. Lose a few more lives, and a normal crate in the level will turn into a checkpoint crate. It should be noted that this doesn't come into play during time trials, however.

** As an ObviousRulePatch, the game introduced ''steel'' checkpoint crates for alternate routes which don't contain boxes, making such routes not necessary for the box gem and that alternate route gem much easier to obtain.[[note]]Although one route with such crate only contains extra lives, not a gem. On two other routes, if a steel checkpoint has been activated, the main level path cannot be re-entered without exiting the level.[[/note]] This game also adds a tally of the total crates needed on your hub (and when you press Triangle), making it easier to keep track.

* ArabianNightsDays: The Hang 'Em High, High Time, and Flaming Passion levels, all set in what is presumably Abbasid-era Baghdad; the second warp chamber in the central warp station is themed around the Middle East as well. Flying carpets are common in the levels, serving as platforms that help Crash cross large pits. Interestingly, all three of them contain colored gems, making it the only setting that contains more than one colored gem.

* Area51: One of the secret levels is called "Area 51?". It's a motorbike level where Crash has to race flying saucers with his bike to the finish to get the first-place prize (a gem), and it's set at dark midnight. Interestingly, the existence of this level is teased in an earlier motorbike level that features a roadsign that warns about the presence of aliens in the zone; [[spoiler:hitting it unlocks a secret level, but it's ''not'' this one]].

** Previously counting as a source of extra hit points to prevent Crash from being a OneHitPointWonder (in addition to being the source of an InvincibilityPowerUp and, within the Japanese version, the guide on how to play the game), it was this game that established Aku Aku as the BigGood behind Crash and Coco's actions, serving as a GoodCounterpart to Uka Uka (who's revealed to have been guiding Neo Cortex's actions [[TheManBehindTheMan the whole time]]).

** Not as flagrant as in ''Crash Bandicoot 2'' but there are a few instances. Tomb Time, for one, has a fork for a normal path and a path that is only available with the purple gem, and both paths have crates; you get the idea. Future Frenzy's alternate entrance returns Crash to the middle of the main level, requiring him to traverse to the start to get the crates.
** Inverted with Gone Tomorrow, where the platform at the end of the green gem path takes Crash back to the activated crate in the first portion of the level.
* BadassBiker: Crash, of all the Bandicoots. More specifically in the Motorcycle stages (Hog Ride, Road Crash, Orange Asphalt, and Area 51?). Official art (especially the cover for the PAL version seen above) shows Coco dressed as one despite her not being playable for the Motorcycle levels (see also [[https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/crashban/images/a/a3/Crash_motorcycle.png/revision/latest?cb=20140724230727 here]]), suggesting she might have been planned to be usable in them earlier in development.

** One of the abilities Crash can unlock is pulling a bazooka that fires wumpa fruit out of hammerspace. The only downside to it is that he can't move while it's out.
** N.Gin's HumongousMecha is also armed by equally humongous gatling guns on its arms.

** The Bug Lite level at the fifth Time Twister area is an Ancient Egypt level set at nighttime. It brings back the concept of the nighttime jungle levels in ''Crash 2''. Fireflies are the light source, and you have to hurry past the enemies to the next firefly before the current one flies off, or you're left stranded in the dark.
** The level Area 51? at the secret Time Twister area is a motorbike racing level set at night, the only lights are your headlights, the police cars, and your enemies (which are flying saucers).

* BonusStage: Like in the second game, Crash can find '?' platforms which take him to bonus stages. These are quite forgiving; there are no enemies, no lives are taken if you die, and whether you fall or are blown up, the player is plonked right next to the platform to start again. A few 'Death Route' platforms exist, which are [[BrutalBonusLevel considerably harder.]] Not only do you have to get past the level up to that point without dying, but the stages themselves are tougher, can feature enemies, and generally play out like the regular levels UpToEleven. Hidden 'Gem' stages also exist, which appear only when Crash has found the relevant coloured gem. They vary in their difficulty, but otherwise are much like Death Routes.

* BreakingTheFourthWall: If Crash gets hit by the double-headed lab assistants in the level Double-Header, he literally gets [[CameraAbuse smacked into the screen]], [[GlassSmackAndSlide slides down it]], and the screen turns black, losing a life.

* BuildLikeAnEgyptian: The Tomb Time, Sphynxinator, Tomb Wader, and Bug Lite levels.

* ChallengeRun: When you re-enter a level after you collected its Crystal, there'll be a floating clock near the start. Pick it up to activate TimeTrial mode where a timer starts ticking. Some of the crates are changed to "time crates", which, when broken, will stop the timer for a few seconds (depending on the crate's number). As you'll be put right at the start if you die in a Time Trial, taking the trial would thus be not just a SpeedRun but a NoDamageRun as well. The rewards for finishing quickly are Time Relics, which comes in grades (in order): Sapphire, Gold and Platinum. These are required for OneHundredPercentCompletion.
* ChangingGameplayPriorities: The running shoes awarded for defeating Cortex change everything. The first main chunk of the game consists of reaching the end of levels and obtaining crystals. After obtaining the running shoes, however, the game becomes all about completing challenges and time trials for 100% completion.
* CharacterisationClickMoment:
** This is the first game in which Aku Aku is story involved and is given full speaking lines besides his power up calls, establishing himself as a gentle elder mentor for the bandicoots and stepping up as the BigGood when Uka Uka is released. Amusingly though, this role had been established for a while in the Japanese games, [[RegionalBonus where he gives gameplay hints to Crash]].

* ChekhovsGunman: In a sense, N.Tropy. By defeating him, Crash receives an urgent message from Uka Uka and Cortex berating him for incapacitating the only person able to maintain the Time Twister. After the final boss battle on OneHundredPercentCompletion, [[spoiler:the Time Twister goes haywire]]. In Aku Aku's own words: "[[spoiler:The Time Twister machine could not hold itself together.]]" Might count as a BrickJoke or as a bit of TakeYourTime.

* CheckPoint: If Crash opens a crate marked with a 'C', it becomes the new checkpoint in case he dies. These are required to get a level's Clear Gem, and alternative paths and Skull Routes would instead have steel Checkpoint boxes that are not required towards the total.

* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: Ripper Roo finally vanishes, along with the Komodo Brothers and Nitrus Brio. [[note]]It's only temporary as they all appear in ''VideoGame/CrashBash'', with Roo, Komodo Joe and a reference to Brio also appearing beforehand in ''VideoGame/CrashTeamRacing''.[[/note]]

* CollectionSidequest: At first, the gems and relics appear to be this, since you don't need them to reach the final boss, but to complete the game, and to complete the story, they all need to be collected.

* ComedicUnderwearExposure: When Crash gets hit by a scimitar in the Middle East-inspired levels, his pants are cut off, revealing his [[GoofyPrintUnderwear pink polka-dot boxers.]]
* CompletionMeter: Like the second game, ''Warped'' shows how many crystals/gems you need to get in each level, the amount of crates you've broken, and how many they are in each level (this time you no longer need to wait until you reach the end, just press Triangle). You can also see your completion percentage by pausing the game or going to the load/save screen.

* ContinuityNod: The destruction of Cortex's space station is what frees Uka Uka, and some of N.Gin's dialogue refers to his boss battle against Crash in the previous game.

* CoolAndUnusualPunishment: Some of Crash's 'death' animations count, such as [[FelonyMisdemeanor being kissed by an enemy frog who turns into a prince]]. Crash also gets to dish this out on those GoddamnBats Egyptian monkeys in the tomb levels, by jumping on their heads for extra fruit. Cortex and N.Tropy get [[spoiler:turned into babies and sent to an unknown location when subjected to the Time Twister's malfunction]] at the end of the game. [[spoiler:Uka Uka ends up being caught in a painful-looking tug of war between them.]]
* CoolGate: The Time Twister works by pressing a button to a designated level and then the projector will project a ball-o-warp that you then jump into. Pretty compact for a warp gate, right?
* CosmeticAward: Completing the game by gathering all the Crystals and Gems and scoring either the Gold or Platinum rank from all the levels in Time Trial mode (including the two super secret levels) earns the player an extra gem and a snazzy fireworks display along with a 105% mark on their save game. That is all.

** The Slot Crate was introduced in this game. The crate switches back and forth between two or three icons, much like the reels on a slot machine. When Crash gets close to it, the reels spin faster. Depending on when Crash opens the crate, the effect will differ -- so, for instance, if it shows a '?' icon when he spins it, he'll get a goody (usually fruit), whereas if it shows a 'TNT' icon when he spins it, it behaves like a TNT crate and explodes (just jumping on it when TNT is showing will start the standard countdown, which is required for a puzzle). If Crash doesn't open it before the reel acceleration reaches its peak, the Slot Crate changes into an indestructible Iron Crate, thwarting any attempt to break all the crates and get a gem.
** Also introduced are the time crates. During time trial mode, several crates except Nitro, Iron, and TNT crates are transformed into yellow crates with either a '1', a '2', or a '3' on its face. Break the crate and the timer freezes for however many seconds were indicated by the crate. This feature was later reused in ''Videogame/CrashTeamRacing''.

* {{Cyborg}}: N.Gin makes a comeback. The [[spoiler:Lab Assistants]] are revealed to be this in the [[spoiler:secret Warp Room]].

* DefeatByModesty: Getting hit by a scimitar in the medieval Arabia levels will cut Crash's pants off, causing him to shamefully slink away while attempting to cover his [[GoofyPrintUnderwear pink boxers with red hearts]] (if Crash is hit by the lab assistants who swing their scimitars, they'll giggle at him for it).

** Similar to the previous game, if the player neglects to collect a crystal the first time they play a level, Aku Aku will notify you and ask you to try again, up to three times. He will remind you slightly more urgently if you fail a second time.
** The secret level Hot Coco is a circular stage, with its exit not far behind your entry point... barricaded by a wall of Nitro crates. You'd think, if you have an Aku Aku mask when you enter, you could just crash through the Nitros and go to the exit, right? Nope -- because the level you access this from is a motorcycle level, you'll never have a mask upon entering. To get rid of the Nitros, you have to find the Nitro switch crate (the green ! steel crate) and smash it.

** Zigzagged for the relics. Crash was given a greater Crash Dash speed boost in the PAL version to compensate for the fewer frames per second than NTSC. As such, relic times in the PAL version's platforming levels are generally one or two seconds faster compared to NTSC. This makes getting Relics easier in on-foot levels, but harder in other levels -- for instance, Rings of Power is much easier on ''NTSC'' than PAL.

* DisconnectedSideArea: There are two levels that require an alternate entrance to get the gems. Fortunately, unlike the previous game, the alternate entrances are easier to unlock (or at least it's clear on how you unlock them, namely having the appropriate amount of relics).
* DiscOneNuke: A glitch involving the demo allows you to start the game with all 5 upgrades without you having to defeat any boss, making the earlier levels more easier and allowing you to easily get platinum relics before you even beat Neo Cortex.
* DoABarrelRoll: Pressing the SpinAttack button in warplane levels let you do this, making it easier to make sharp turns. Doing this in Rings Of Power while you PassThroughTheRings gives you a speed boost.

* DownTheDrain: For some reason Crash still has SuperDrowningSkills in the Tomb Wader level. Here, the entire level is set in an [[BuildLikeAnEgyptian Egyptian tomb]], the waters in the passageways of which rise and fall at various points. In the lower sections, the floor is flooded, but fluctuates between being knee deep for a few seconds to being raised up several feet for another few seconds, and then back again. Part of the challenge is to find higher ground, such as a cube of steel blocks or a floating platform, to stand upon and wait for the water level to drop to a manageable level.
* TheDragon: Cortex suffers a bit of VillainDecay due to being [[DemotedToDragon bumped down to this by Uka Uka]], but he still qualifies as the FinalBoss. N. Gin is ''his'' Dragon in turn, while N. Tropy qualifies as one of the {{Co Dragons}} to either Cortex or Uka Uka.

* EscapeSequence: The [[EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs triceratops]] in the prehistoric levels Yes, a ''triceratops''.

%%* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: The prehistoric levels.
* EverythingsBetterWithPenguins: A penguin is taking a stroll through the Ice Age arena when Crash battles Dingodile. Though identical to the enemy penguins in ''Crash Bandicoot 2'', this one is just an InnocentBystander.

* ExpressiveMask: Aku Aku has a new cutscene model to accommodate the facial expressions which would otherwise be impossible, for his standard gameplay model is essentially a block of wood with the bits painted on (Japanese players got one for ''Crash 2'' that was later used in ''[=CTR=]''. Uka Uka is also an expressive face, but he does have a non-expressive gameplay face which appears during the FinalBoss battle. That, and the two of them literally are masks.
* ExtendedGameplay: You can claim to have 'beaten' the game after collecting the crystals and defeating the final boss, but after that the player can go back and find the gems and relics as well. As usual, the best ending comes with getting the gems before fighting Cortex.
* FakeDifficulty: Downplayed. The Platinum Relics demand nearly frame perfect precision to obtain, which becomes unfair in the Relic stage "Area 51?", which doesn't even have the decency to let you see more than three feet ahead of you. However, Platinum Relics are nothing more than a BraggingRightsReward, and obtaining gold relics is enough to achieve OneHundredPercentCompletion.
* FakeTrap: Although not as prevalent in this one when compared to its predecessor. Running into [[spoiler:the second pterodactyl on the yellow gem path in "Dino Might!"]] doesn't kill you but instead [[spoiler:transports you to the secret level "Eggipus Rex"]].

%%* GameOverMan: Cortex and Uka Uka.

* GangplankGalleon: The jet ski levels Makin' Waves, Tell No Tales, Ski Crazed, and the secret Hot Coco are set on the ocean with pirate ships and [[SeaMine Sea Mines]] abound.
%% * GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.

* GottaCatchThemAll: The crystals are needed to reach the last boss, while the gems and relics are needed to complete the game.

-->'''Dingodile:''' ...Ya thrashed me, mate. No worries. But you'll soon be up against ''much'' worse...
-->'''N.Tropy:''' ...My time is up. But yours, soon will be, too...
* GroundPound: Crash begins this title with the same belly flop he has in the second game. In addition, by beating the first boss, Crash gains a Super-charged Body Slam attack, with enough force to smash several metal-enforced crates in one go and release a shock wave.

*** "Eggipus Rex" is accessed by [[spoiler:entering the yellow gem path in "Dino Might!", and then getting carried away by the second pterodactyl in the triceratops chase. Every other instance of this enemy has them behave like a hazard, and this one isn't distinguished from the others at all]].

* {{Hammerspace}}: After getting his Bazooka, Crash keeps it in his back pocket, despite it being almost twice the size of him.

* HumongousMecha: N.Gin as usual, and he claimed to have made "a few modifications" to it. This time, RockBeatsLaser of the previous game just isn't going to cut it.
* IdleAnimation: Leave Crash for a while and he plays with his yo-yo, juggles some wumpa fruits, or does the Crash Dance.

* InfiniteOneUps: The wumpa fruit in [[spoiler:the secret level Eggipus Rex don't disappear like they usually do in Time Trial mode. As you [[AntiFrustrationFeatures don't lose lives]] in this mode, you can farm the wumpa fruit for more lives]].

** The knight lab assistants in medieval stages attempt to lift swords off the ground. When they succeed, they yank the sword with such strength that they spin in a full circle with it before dropping the blade back on the floor and needing to pull it up again.

* LuckBasedMission: Collecting relics (especially platinum) in the jet ski levels can be this, because the waves are randomly generated and getting midair and sunken crates sometimes require a precise ramp jump that is affected by the water level. The plane levels have a hint of this as well; the objective targets move predictably to a point, but the random enemies can easily screw up the precise timing you need for platinum relics.

--->'''Dingodile:''' Right... Now you've gone and done it, [[spoiler:them crystals are mine!]]

---> '''Cortex:''' Gather another 5 crystals, and you will yet again foil my plan...[[spoiler:or will you?]]

* MedievalEuropeanFantasy: The theme of the levels Toad Village, Gee Wiz and Double Header is a stereotypical despiction of 15th century Europe (specifically Great Britain and Rome). The first warp chamber is based on this setting as well. Features include oversized frogs in Toad Village (as well as magicians that can turn Crash into one in Gee Wiz), swordsmen, tents in the levels' landscapes, and (in Double Header) ogres with two heads. The boss battle against Tiny Tiger takes place in a parodied version of the Roman Colosseum.

* MetropolisLevel: Future Frenzy and Gone Tomorrow take place in a futuristic city, with pathways between skyscrapers so tall that the ground can't be seen from the playable area.

** One of the enemies in the Bone Yard and Dino Might! levels is the Bandifish, orange-and-blue fish-like creatures with a distinct resemblance to Crash (it's implied they're his prehistoric ancestors). They flop around and randomly perform {{Spin Attack}}s, and if Crash gets too close, they [[SwallowedWhole eat him]].

* MortonsFork: "And in fact, we're furious! But, it seems you have overlooked one small detail, you little orange delivery-boy! Now that you have [[spoiler:gathered all the crystals, all we have to do... is take them from you!]]" Crash just can't win, can he?
* MultipleHeadCase: The 2-headed giant mooks in the level Double Header. In the Japanese version, however, they only have one head each.

* NeonCity: The "future" levels take place in a futuristic city full of neon signs of Neo Cortex and his associates.

* NintendoHard: Even despite the fact that it (mostly) doesn't have secrets as GuideDangIt head-desky as ''1'' and ''2'', it's still pretty hard to get [[HundredPercentCompletion 100% Completion]] here, not even talking about extra 105%, thanks to the time trials. Yes, you can get a hold of the Fruit Bazooka and a faster dash. And yes, you can restart the time trial as much as you want. But that won't really make the amount of hours spent on getting all the Gold Relics less ludicrous. In part because Time Trials need pure skill as opposed to getting really lucky/reading a guide (as with the gems in the second game). And let's not even get started on the ''Platinum'' Relics...
** ''Warped'' has the Egyptian levels being insanely difficult relics due to the [[ScrappyMechanic doors]]. They open and close at intervals, and it ruins your run if you get trapped behind one with it closed. Even worse is Tomb Wader with the rising waters that will be guaranteed to halt Crash's run.
** "High Time" and "Flaming Passion"'s gold and platinum relics due to the fire-throwing enemies, the guys who swing swords while advancing towards you, slow-moving carpets, and monkey bar segments.

** Also, the platinum relic in "Hot Coco" requires you go take a certain route where you had to make sure to get every single time crate. However, this was only in the PAL version of the game. Other versions had a much more lenient time limit due to an oversight by the developers.
* NoSidepathsNoExplorationNoFreedom: Since the gameplay was lifted from ''Crash 2'', this is hardly a surprise. Even the special levels feature this in some capacity. The exception is the super secret level Hot Coco, which is a really large circular stage, and you start right behind the exit, barricaded by Nitros.

* OffscreenStartBonus: There's a level called "Sphynxinator", where not only are there four boxes behind the starting point, but there's also a fork right after it: the left presents an apparently impossible-to-jump-over gap, while the right shows a (relatively) more benign path. The level can be [[OneHundredPercentCompletion completely cleared]] without even taking the left road. Why, you ask? [[DevelopersForesight Because the left road contains only metal crates and Nitro crates, the latter being still required despite having an appropriate trigger at the end of the level.]]

* PassThroughTheRings: The level Rings of Power involves Crash flying his bi-plane through them in a race against three other planes. SpinAttack the rings to get a speed boost, but watch out for the Nitro crates on the balloons. The name of the level is actually a ShoutOut to a previous Naughty Dog title.

* PlotCoupon: The game almost entirely revolves around collecting crystals and gems ''and'' relics.

* PowerCrystal: Obviously the crystals themselves.

* PowerupMount: Pura in the levels Orient Express and Midnight Run. He's slower and easier to maneuver with than Polar in the previous game. As well as Baby T who was first encountered in Dino Might! The latter gets a secret level dedicated to him, entitled Eggipus Rex.
* {{Prehistoria}}: The Bone Yard and Dino Might! levels as well as the secret Eggipus Rex. In the former two levels, Crash is chased by a large, scarlet-colored triceratops that aims to crush him, thus serving as the game's equivalent of the boulders and the polar bears from the first two games respectively. In the second level, Crash can also ride a friendly Baby T.

* RacingMinigame: The motorcycle races, where reaching first is required to win the Crystals that help Crash advance through the game (except in the secret level "Area 51?", where reaching first place instead rewards him with a Gem). There's also the level Rings of Power, an aerial race whose disputed prize is a Gem.
* RememberTheNewGuy: Despite claims of having no allies other than N. Gin, Cortex instantly recruits minions Tiny and Dingodile[[note]]He could be another mutated animal that Cortex created, but the game hints nothing at this[[/note]] to collect crystals after his plans from the second game fail. Granted, Tiny was in the previous game, but why he is now loyally serving Cortex instead of N. Brio is never stated (although he is dim enough to switch sides). Also, Uka Uka is supposed to exist in the previous games (implied with Cortex apparently being under him the whole time) and yet nothing in the previous games hints at his presence.

* RisingWaterRisingTension: The level Tomb Wader is set in an Egyptian catacombs where water floods up and drains down at intervals. When the water goes too high, you should find a tall footing for Crash to stand on and wait until the water drains, otherwise he'll drown in the water.
* RoboticReveal: [[spoiler:Cortex's lab assistant {{Mooks}} are revealed to be androids in the secret Warp area. This was actually {{foreshadow|ing}}ed in the two previous games, where some of them are able to generate electricity through their hands.]]

* SequenceBreaking: The "slide jump spin" trick from the previous game is still good for reaching things and places Crash shouldn't reach normally, and now the (legit) DoubleJump and Death Tornado Spin he can acquire can also help with the trick. One such use is to get the yellow gem in Hang 'em High without needing to unlock Level 27 (the alternate entrance to the level) or to get the second gem in Tomb Time when you normally need the purple gem (by jumping from its "exit"). You can even use it to jump over Dingodile's crystal barrier.

** The level Sphinxinator is named as a portmanteau of ''Sphinx'' and ''Franchise/{{Terminator}}''.
** The level Tomb Wader is named as a tribute to ''Franchise/TombRaider''. And fittingly, it's an Egyptian level.
** The level Orange Asphalt is named after the documentary film ''Red Asphalt'', which is about RealLife incidents of fatal car crashes. Fittingly, the level itself is motorbike-themed.
** A secret level in the game, Rings of Power, is a ShoutOut to [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Power_(video_game) an older Genesis game also developed by Naughty Dog.]]

* SlippySlideyIceWorld: The Ice Age arena where you fight Dingodile, as well as the level Mad Bombers which is set in winter. It's purely cosmetic in both cases as there's no slippry floors. This is a contrast to the previous game, where snowy/icy levels are abundant.

* SpaceZone: The fight against N.Gin takes place on the moon, and then to deep space.

* TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt: When you collect all the crystals, gems and relics, in the final battle Uka-Uka points out you've hand-delivered all the power sources they've been plotting for and intends to invoke this upon winning.
-->'''Uka-Uka''': Yes, it is true! The bandicoot has brought all of the crystals, and all of the gems to me! Ultimate power is mine! ''The world as we know it is about to end!''

* ThisIsThePartWhere: Cortex is supposed to be angry after all the crystals were collected by Crash before his minions did. Much LampshadeHanging follows.

* TideLevel: The level Tomb Wader has the water rising up and down at intervals in certain sections. Crash cannot swim, so when the water goes up, he has to quickly find a tall footing or a floating platform to keep himself safe.

* TimeTrial: The game introduces a mode which allows you to replay any level you have completed with a timer, with some of the [[CrateExpectations crates]] turned into Time Crates that stop the timer for a few seconds when broken. You are handed different colored Time Relics depending on how quickly you finish. Thankfully, you get the ability to dash after beating the FinalBoss.
* TitleScream: "Crash Bandicoot: '''''WARPED!!!'''''"
* {{Tomorrowland}}: The Future Frenzy and Gone Tomorrow levels. The final warp chamber is themed around this setting as well. In those levels, Crash has to venture across a passageway that goes through a futuristic city; as he does so, he will find missile-launching MechaMooks, laser barriers, and conveyor belts.

* TrampolineTummy: Knocking down the double-headed Lab Assistants in Double Header causes them to fall on their backs. In this state, Crash can bounce on their round bellies.

* TrickBoss: Doctor N. Gin starts in a robot not too different from the one he used in the game before (he even tells Coco he'd "made a few modifications" to the old robot he used in ''Crash 2''), which uses similar attacks to the old one. It goes down after you shoot the same areas, [[TurnsRed only for it to flee and dock with a much larger spacecraft]], complete with tougher weaponry and a new life bar.
* TropicalEpilogue: Suggested by Dr. Neo Cortex in the bad ending of the game as an idea of what to do now that he's been beaten yet again, shortly before [[TheManBehindTheMan his boss, Uka Uka]] reminds him they could still triumph by getting all the gems. The good ending, unlockable via HundredPercentCompletion, has instead the villains trapped in a past era after their time machine goes haywire.
* UnderTheSea: The levels Under Pressure and Deep Trouble. Crash uses a diving gear in them because he's otherwise unable to survive underwater (in other levels, water drowns him instantly).
* UnexpectedShmupLevel: The levels Bye Bye Blimps, Mad Bombers, and Rings of Power, which are set in around World War 1 as a sky dog-fighting (or, in the latter, a sky racing where you PassThroughTheRings). Also the fight against N.Gin where Coco rides a space fighter.

** The coal carriers in Midnight Run, the Bandifish in Dino Might!, the whirlpool generators in Deep Trouble, the two-headed beasts in Double Header, the anchor-swinging pirates in Tell No Tales, the scarabs and shield bearers in Tomb Wader, and the missile-firing robots in Gone Tomorrow.
** The second set of spears on Tomb Time's purple gem path, the only ones in the game to operate in three waves.
* VanityLicensePlate: Dr. Cortex's lab assistants in the motorcycle levels drive cars with license plates that read CRTX.

** N. Tropy puts on a smug, composed front when he first confronts the bandicoots, assured they won't touch any of his area's crystals. As you collect more and more, he gets increasingly infuriated, and by the time you collect them all, he throws a snit fit.
** Subverted for Cortex and Uka Uka; when they have seemingly failed, Cortex laughs and apologises calmly for not throwing the necessary tantrum, but, as Uka Uka points out, [[spoiler:now they can just swipe all of your crystals from ''you'']].

* BottomlessPits: FORGET Dr. Cortex or Uka Uka! The '''bottomless pit''' is Crash's true arch-nemesis!

* AncientEgypt: There are four levels set in Ancient Egypt: Tomb Time, Sphynxinator, Tomb Wader, and Bug Lite. The fourth warp station is themed around Encient Egypt too. The levels feature many stereotypical traits like sphinx decorations, deadly traps like spears and crushing objects, and hieroglyphic drawings in the walls.

** The different "Death Route" mechanics from [[VideoGame/CrashBandicoot2CortexStrikesBack the previous game]] also apply here.

* MedievalEuropeanFantasy: The theme of the levels Toad Village, Gee Wiz and Double Header is a stereotypical despiction of 15th century Europe (specifically Great Britain and Rome). The first warp chamber is based on this setting as well. Features include oversized frogs in Toad Village (as well as magicians that can turn Crash into one in Gee Wiz), swordsmen, tents in the levels' landscapes, and (in Double Header) ogres with two heads. The boss battle againsgt Tiny Tiger takes place in a parodied version of the Roman Colosseum.

* ArabianNightsDays: The Hang 'Em High, High Time, and Flaming Passion levels, all set in what is presumably Abbasid-era Baghdad; the second warp chamber in the central warp station is themed around the Middle East as well. Flying carpets are common in the levels, serving as platforms that help Crash cross large pits. Interestingly, all three of them contain colored gems, making it the only setting that contains more than one colored gem. Additionally, the second warp station is modeled after the same theme.

* BonusStage: Like in the second game, Crash can find '?' platforms which take him to bonus stages. These are quite forgiving; there are no enemies, no lives are taken if you die, and whether you fall or are blown up, the player is plonked right next to the platform to start again. A few 'Skull Route' platforms exist, which are [[BrutalBonusLevel considerably harder.]] Not only do you have to get past the level up to that point without dying, but the stages themselves are tougher, can feature enemies, and generally play out like the regular levels UpToEleven. Hidden 'Gem' stages also exist, which appear only when Crash has found the relevant coloured gem. They vary in their difficulty, but otherwise are much like Skull Routes.

** Dingodile is defeated by exploiting his surroundings. He is protected by a barrier of crystals, which Crash can't yet jump over. There are no gaps until Dingodile starts blasting through the barrier with his flamethrower. N. Tropy also leaves [[FloatingPlatforms Floating Platform]] trails from one side of the arena to the other after his attacks, leaving Crash free to attack him.
** N. Tropy has you at the far end of the arena from him, and thus you can't do a thing, not having a distance attack. Until he switches the platforms to create a direct trail to him... and then takes that moment to catch his breath and stop attacking you.
* BossOnlyLevel: Boss Fights are started by stepping onto the button and then jumping into the warp ball like a level would.

* CompletionMeter: Like the second game, ''Warped'' shows how many crystals/gems you need to get in each level, the amount of crates you've broken, and how many they are in each level (this time you no longer need to wait until you reach the end, just press Triangle). You can also see your completion percentage by pausing the game/going to the load/save screen.

* DefeatByModesty: Getting hit by a scimitar in the medieval Arabia levels will cut Crash's pants off, causing him to shamefully slink away while attempting to cover his [[GoofyPrintUnderwear pink boxers with red hearts]] (if Crash is hit by the lab assistants swinging their scimitars, they'll giggle at him for it).

* GroundPound: Crash can perform this move like in the second game. In addition, by beating the first boss, Crash gains a Super-charged Body Slam attack, with enough force to smash several metal-enforced crates in one go and release a shock wave. Crash also starts with the Belly Flop from the second game.

** The secret levels in the [[spoiler:third time travel area]] almost certainly need to be performed either by accident, or with a guide. One is pretty obvious as you need to [[spoiler:hit a specifically distinctive sign in a motorcycle level]], and another has a trigger where you have to get to a [[spoiler:colored gem path, and then die on a certain enemy, which -- instead of killing you -- would take you to a secret stage]].

* HalfDressedCartoonAnimal: In addition to the eponymous character, Tiny dons some customized Roman armor for his boss battle, but otherwise his apparel hasn't changed much. Dingodile wears only a pair of yellow trousers. Oh yeah, and that flame pack on his back. This is averted by Crash himself in the Motorcycle stages, which have him wear a leather jacket too.

* InfiniteOneUps: The wumpa fruit in [[spoiler: the secret level Eggipus Rex don't disappear like they usually do in Time Trial mode. As you [[AntiFrustrationFeatures don't lose lives]] in this mode, you can farm the wumpa fruit for more lives]].

** The knight mobs in medieval stages get their sword stuck in the ground, who try to pull it out, only to spin around due to the weight of the sword and get stuck again. The sword swing during their spin is harmful for Crash.
** In the first boss fight against Tiny Tiger, Tiny tries to stab Crash with his trident, but gets it stuck, making himself open to Crash's attack.

* MedievalEuropeanFantasy: The theme of the levels Toad Village, Gee Wiz and Double Header is a stereotypical despiction of 15th century Europe (specifically Great Britain and Rome). The first warp chamber is based on this setting as well. Features include oversized frogs in Toad Village, (as well as magicians that can turn Crash into one in Gee Wiz), swordsmen, tents in the levels' landscapes, and (in Double Header) ogres with two heads. The boss battle againsgt Tiny Tiger takes place in a parodied version of the Roman Colosseum.

* NewWorkRecycledGraphics: The game uses the same engine from ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot2CortexStrikesBack'', which in turn uses a modified ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot1996'' engine, so a lot of models and sprites are recycled between games. According to designers from the series, Creator/NaughtyDog also allowed later developers to use assets from their games for authenticity purposes (this is especially noticeable with the Eurocom developed ''VideoGame/CrashBash'').

* PromotedToPlayable: Coco, in some of the non-platforming levels. This is also the reason why she's a HeroicMime in this game. In the ''N-Sane Trilogy'' remake, she's available in more levels.

** Cortex decides to lower his energy shield at the same time he blows open a hole in the floor with mines for no apparent reason.

* {{Tomorrowland}}: The Future Frenzy and Gone Tomorrow levels. The final warp chamber is themed around this setting as well. In those levels, Crash has to venture across a passageway that goes through a futuristic city; as he does so, he will find MechaMooks that shoot him missiles, laser barriers, and conveyor belts.

* TrampolineTummy: You can do this with the double-headed Lab Assistants in Double Header.

* TrickBoss: Doctor N. Gin starts in a robot not too different from the one he used in the game before (he even tells Crash he'd "made a few modifications" to the old robot he used in ''Crash 2''), which uses similar attacks to the old one. It goes down after you shoot the same areas, [[TurnsRed only for it to flee and dock with a much larger spacecraft]], complete with tougher weaponry and a new life bar.
* TropicalEpilogue: Suggested by Dr. Neo Cortex in the bad ending of the game as an idea of what to do now that he's been beaten yet again, shortly before [[TheManBehindTheMan his boss, UkaUka]] reminds him they could still triumph by getting all the gems. The good ending, unlockable via HundredPercentCompletion, has instead the villains trapped in a past era after their time machine goes haywire.

** The coal carriers in Midnight Run, the Bandifish in Dino Might!, the whirlpool generators in Deep Trouble, the two-headed beasts in Double Header, the anchor-swinging pirates in Tell No Tales, the scarabs and shield bearers in Tomb Wader, the missile-firing robots in Gone Tomorrow.

* WordSequel: Whereas the second game used RevengeOfTheSequel in its title, this game resorts to only having "Warped" as its subtitle. This refers to the overarching TimeTravel concept.

[[caption-width-right:313:[[CoversAlwaysLie Shame this wasn't in the actual game.]]]]

* ArabianNightsDays: The Hang 'Em High, High Time, and Flaming Passion levels.

* {{Backtracking}}: Not as flagrant as ''2'' but there are a few instances. Tomb Time, for one, has a fork for a normal path and a path that is only available with the purple gem, and both paths have crates; you get the idea. Future Frenzy's alternate entrance returns Crash to the middle of the main level, requiring him to traverse to the start to get the crates.

* BeamOWar: Aku Aku and Uka Uka have one of these during the first phase of the final boss fight. It's possible for Crash to get caught in the beam and get toasted.

* BlackoutBasement: Surprisingly, only two levels qualify -- the first being the Bug Lite level at the fifth Time Twister area,[[note]]which is an Ancient Egypt level set at night time. It is essentially identical to the BlackoutBasement level in ''Crash 2'' except set in a different level theme. Fireflies are the light source once more, and you have to hurry past the enemies to the next firefly before the current one flies off, or you're left stranded in the dark.[[/note]] and Area 51? at the secret Time Twister area[[note]]A motorbike racing level set at night, the only lights are your headlights, the police cars, and your enemies, which are flying saucers.[[/note]].

* BonusStage: On occasion, Crash can find '?' platforms which take him to bonus stages. These are quite forgiving; there are no enemies, no lives are taken if you die, and whether you fall or are blown up, the player is plonked right next to the platform to start again. A few 'Skull Route' platforms exist, which are [[BrutalBonusLevel considerably harder.]] Not only do you have to get past the level up to that point without dying, but the stages themselves are tougher, can feature enemies, and generally play out like the regular levels UpToEleven. Hidden 'Gem' stages also exist, which appear only when Crash has found the relevant coloured gem. They vary in their difficulty, but otherwise are much like Skull Routes.

* BossArenaIdiocy: Dingodile is defeated by exploiting his surroundings. He is protected by a barrier of crystals, which Crash can't yet jump over. There are no gaps until Dingodile starts blasting through the barrier with his flamethrower. N. Tropy also leaves [[FloatingPlatforms Floating Platform]] trails from one side of the arena to the other after his attacks, leaving Crash free to attack him. Seriously, this reeks of TacticalSuicideBoss as well.

** Similarly Tiny is given a speaking role for the first time in this game, and has switched to actively working for Cortex here, setting up his standard characterisation as a dopey, loyal henchman to Cortex.

* DiskOneNuke: A glitch involving the demo allows you to start the game with all 5 upgrades without you having to defeat any boss, making the earlier levels more easier and allowing you to easily get platinum relics before you even beat Neo Cortex.

* DownTheDrain: For some reason Crash still has SuperDrowningSkills in the Tomb Wader level. Here, the entire level was set in an [[BuildLikeAnEgyptian Egyptian tomb]], the waters in the passageways of which rose and fell at various points. In the lower sections, the floor is flooded, but fluctuates between being knee deep for a few seconds to being raised up several feet for another few seconds, and then back again. Part of the challenge was to find higher ground, such as a cube of steel blocks or a floating platform, to stand upon and wait for the water level to drop to a manageable level.

* TheDragon: Cortex suffers a bit of VillainDecay due to being [[DemotedToDragon bumped down to this by Uka Uka]], but he still qualifies as the FinalBoss, so it doesn't translate directly into BadassDecay. N. Gin is ''his'' Dragon in turn, while N. Tropy may qualify as one of the {{Co Dragons}} to either Cortex or Uka Uka.

* EvilMask: Uka Uka.
* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: The prehistoric levels.

* GameOverMan: Cortex and Uka Uka.

* GenreRoulette: Tiger riding, jet skiing, scuba diving, races, aerial combat, and one spaceship-on-mecha fight break up the routine.

* GoofyPrintUnderwear: Several of Crash's death sequences reveal that he wears pink boxers with red hearts. The Wizard enemies in the medieval levels have white boxers with pink dots.

* GroundPound: By beating the first boss, Crash gains a Super-charged Body Slam attack in this game, with enough force to smash several metal-enforced crates in one go and release a shock wave. Crash also starts with the Belly Flop from the second game.
* GuideDangIt: The secret levels in the [[spoiler:third time travel area]] almost certainly needed to be performed either by accident, or with a guide. One is pretty obvious as you need to [[spoiler:hit a specifically distinctive sign in a motorcycle level]], and another had a trigger where you have to get to a [[spoiler:colored gem path, and then die on a certain enemy, which -- instead of killing you -- would take you to a secret stage]].

* HundredPercentCompletion: Getting crystals and gems and beating bosses contribute to the completion. This time, though, it can go to 105% if you manage to find 2 super secret levels and get the gems and relics from there, as well as the extra gem from Coco after you get all the gems including from those levels. At least 100% unlocks the true ending. Also a minor one in the Time Trials, where breaking all the time crates will subtract more seconds from your time in the end. This is often necessary for the Platinum relics.

* ImmediateSequel: The game starts with the remains of Cortex's space station from the second game crashing on Earth, releasing Uka Uka from his prison.

* IronButtMonkey: Crash, if you keep dying while playing him. [[VideoGameCrueltyPotential If you're doing this on purpose just to see]] TheManyDeathsOfYou, [[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f5UYGcaGVGs please stop for the poor bandicoot's sake!]]

* KonamiCode: Using this on the title screen unlocks a demo of Spyro the Dragon.

* LeftStuckAfterAttack: The knight mobs in medieval stages get their sword stuck in the ground, who try to pull it out, only to spin around due to the weight of the sword and get stuck again. The sword swing during their spin is harmful for Crash.

* MacGuffinDeliveryService: Part of the [[spoiler:MortonsFork]], Crash ends up [[spoiler:being this at the end]]. Thank goodness for TakeAThirdOption, eh?
** It's even hinted at earlier on:

* MarathonBoss: N. Gin has a total of 13 hits he can take. For comparison, every other boss takes 3 hits; N. Gin himself in ''2'' only took 5.

* MedievalEuropeanFantasy: The theme of the levels Toad Village, Gee Wiz and Double Header.

* OffscreenStartBonus: [[spoiler:Missing four crates in Sphynxinator? Look behind you when you start the level]].

* [[OneManArmy One Bandicoot Army]]: Seriously, think a moment about how many more {{Mook}}s Crash beats up in this game. Cortex ''did'' design him to be a SuperSoldier, after all.

** InfiniteOneUps: The super secret level Eggipus Rex has no crates, just lots of floating wumpas and a Time Trial clock. Oddly, unlike in other levels, taking the clock will NOT make the wumpas go away. So you can just grab it, get as much wumpas as possible to the end, then die and go back to the start of the level -- dying in Time Trial doesn't cost you a life. Result: repeatable life grinding.

* {{Prehistoria}}: The Bone Yard and Dino Might! levels as well as the secret Eggipus Rex.

* TomorrowLand: The Future Frenzy and Gone Tomorrow levels.

* TrickBoss: Doctor N. Gin starts in a robot not too different from the one he used in the game before (he even tells Crash he'd "made a few modifications" to the old robot he used in ''Crash 2''), which uses similar attacks to the old one. Needless to say, it goes down after you shoot the same areas, [[TurnsRed only for it to flee and dock with a much larger spacecraft]], complete with tougher weaponry and a new life bar.
* UnderTheSea: The levels Under Pressure and Deep Trouble.

* UniqueEnemy: The coal carriers in Midnight Run, the Bandifish in Dino Might!, the whirlpool generators in Deep Trouble, the two-headed beasts in Double Header, the anchor-swinging pirates in Tell No Tales, the scarabs and shield bearers in Tomb Wader, the missile-firing robots in Gone Tomorrow.
** And there's the second set of spears on Tomb Time's purple gem path, the only ones in the game to operate in three waves.

* UsefulNotes/WorldWarI: Crash and Coco's airplane combat levels, in which they fly a biplane and a single-winged fighter plane respectively, seem to be set in this period.

* UniqueEnemy: The coal carriers in Midnight Run, the Bandifish in Dino Might!, the two-headed beasts in Double Header, the anchor-swinging pirates in Tell No Tales, the scarabs and shield bearers in Tomb Wader, the missile-firing robots in Gone Tomorrow.

* NiceJobBreakingItHero: What the game's plot revolves around, as Crash's actions at the end of ''Cortex Strikes Back'' are what led to the freeing of Uka Uka.
** After defeating N. Tropy, Uka Uka and Cortex deliver this due to the instability of the Time Twister machine.