PlayStation
A Bizarre Cult Classic
Released in 1999 for the PlayStation and developed by Polygon Magic, Incredible Crisis stands out as one of the quirkiest games of its era. Published by Titus Interactive in the West, this offbeat title follows the misadventures of the Tanamatsus, an ordinary Japanese family, as they scramble through absurd challenges to get home in time for Grandma’s birthday. With its mix of frantic mini-games and outrageous scenarios, Incredible Crisis quickly earned cult status for its creativity and sheer unpredictability.
Graphics: Vibrant, Cartoonish Charm
Incredible Crisis‘ art style embraces colorful, exaggerated character models and environments that I feel come together like a surreal anime brought to life. Sure, the graphics aren’t technically groundbreaking (especially for the age of the game), but they effectively capture the zany, high-energy vibe of each scenario. From a collapsing office building to chaotic dance floors and runaway medical beds, the visual design keeps things fun and engaging despite some occasional blocky textures typical of the PlayStation era.
Controls: Simple but Occasionally Frustrating
Since Incredible Crisis is designed around a collection of mini-games, the control schemes vary from task to task and can range from simplistic and responsive to down-right frustrating and unresponsive. Most are straightforward, involving quick button presses or analog stick movements. However, some challenges require overly precise timing, which can become a real problem when the game expects you to be quite reactive. The difficulty spike in later levels may test even the most patient players, but still, I felt that the chaotic fun often makes up for these rougher moments.
Sound: A Jazzy, Energetic Masterpiece
The soundtrack is 90s bliss, composed by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. It’s a standout feature, infusing each scene with infectious energy. The upbeat jazz tracks match the frantic pacing of the gameplay perfectly. However, after several fails and countless restarts in some of the tougher min-games, the repetition of some of the music can begin to get a bit grating. To be fair though, that would probably happen with any soundtrack in that kind of situation. The array of sound effects are equally exaggerated, heightening the game’s comedic tone. The voice acting, though extremely sparse, adds a fun charm to the bizarre family escapade.
The soundtrack is 90s bliss and a standout feature.
Replayability: Short but Sweet
Incredible Crisis is a relatively short game, with most players likely able to finish it in just a few hours. If I didn’t mess up so many times, I probably would have finished it in under 2 hours. However, with the sheer variety of mini-games at-hand and the outrageous, head-scratching storyline – it all comes together in an entertaining little package of mini-games that’s worth replaying a few times. For those achievement hunters out there, acquiring higher scores in specific challenges provides an additional incentive for all the completionists out there.
Final Verdict: A Delightfully Absurd Experience
Despite its relatively short length and some undesirable control frustrations, Incredible Crisis offers a wildly entertaining experience unlike anything else on the PlayStation that I’ve experienced so far. This game is likely a title that has slipped under the radar for most people I’m sure, but with its unique premise, an energetic soundtrack, and a host of chaotic gameplay; it all comes together pretty well to make Incredible Crisis a memorable gem for those seeking something completely offbeat and something wholly unique and outside the box. It’s a game that is definitely worth checking out.
