5 Crystal Dynamics Games You Forgot Were Awesome

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So, Crystal Dynamics actually started way back in the day making games for the 3DO – yeah, that console! It’s crazy how much they’ve grown since then. They really hit their stride with the reboot of Tomb Raider, and that’s what most people know them for. But honestly, they’ve made a bunch of other really good games too, across all sorts of genres. They’re seriously talented developers, and I wish more people would give their other titles a shot!

Here are five underappreciated Crystal Dynamics games.

5) Crash ‘N Burn

Forget the 2004 version of Crash ‘N Burn – this is a completely different game. Back in 2004, Eidos, who owned Crystal Dynamics at the time, tried to remake the original 3DO racing game, but they used a different developer, Climax Racing, instead of the original team. That decision didn’t pay off, as the new version was a significant downgrade.

The 1993 game Crash ‘N Burn came bundled with Panasonic’s 3DO console and was designed to show off the system’s graphical capabilities. Many considered it the best-looking game on the 3DO when it first launched. The main criticism of Crash ‘N Burn is its misleading title – despite the name, it isn’t a demolition derby or combat racing game. Crystal Dynamics actually created a visually impressive racing game.

4) Pandemonium 2

The first Pandemonium game was created by Toys for Bob and published by Crystal Dynamics. When it came time to make a sequel, Toys for Bob was already working on The Unholy War, an unusual fighting game with strategy elements. Because of this, Crystal Dynamics developed Pandemonium 2 themselves.

To be honest, the sequel didn’t deviate much from the first game. Aside from the redesigned characters – which are a major downside – it feels more like an expansion pack with new levels. I ranked it a little higher because the graphics are improved. Overall, both games are worth checking out if you enjoy hidden gem platformers.

3) Project: Snowblind

Released in 2000, Deus Ex from Eidos Interactive revolutionized the shooter genre. It stood out by giving players incredible freedom to tackle challenges in any way they chose, allowing for unique and inventive solutions. Following its success, many other game developers, like Crystal Dynamics, attempted to create similar immersive experiences.

Interestingly, Crystal Dynamics nearly created another game in the Deus Ex series. Back then, both Crystal Dynamics and Deus Ex were owned by Eidos, and the game, originally called Project: Snowblind, began as a Deus Ex installment. The team ultimately decided to go in a different direction, but the influence of Deus Ex is still apparent. The game still strongly emphasizes player choice, and despite being shorter than other titles, Snowblind remains a very enjoyable experience.

2) Gex: Enter the Gecko

Just to clarify, if you’ve played these next two games, you likely have strong memories of them. While they don’t perfectly match the main focus of this article, they’re among Crystal Dynamics’ most impressive creations and deserve more recognition. Gex: Enter the Gecko was a huge step forward from the first game, establishing Crystal Dynamics as a maker of fantastic 3D platformers.

The game is so good thanks to the talented comedic writers behind it. Rob Cohen, a writer for classic episodes of The Simpsons, crafted many of Gex‘s memorable lines. Dana Gould, who also later wrote for The Simpsons, voiced the character, bringing his own unique humor to the role. Crystal Dynamics then combined this sharp writing with strong platforming mechanics, making Enter the Gecko a standout title of its time. However, it’s best to avoid the Nintendo 64 version.

1) Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver

The Legacy of Kain series is truly unforgettable for anyone who has played it. While critically acclaimed and considered one of the best from the late 90s and early 2000s, it hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. The first game, Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, was created by Silicon Knights, but a disagreement with Crystal Dynamics led to Crystal Dynamics taking over development for the following installments.

It’s a good thing they followed through with it. While Silicon Knights’ original game was excellent, Soul Reaver is truly one of the all-time greats. Amy Hennig’s direction combined with the innovative way the game shifted between planes made it special, but the real breakthrough was the engine. It streamed data so smoothly that it eliminated loading screens on the PlayStation, which was revolutionary. The story did end on a bit of a frustrating note, but Crystal Dynamics eventually delivered a satisfying conclusion a few years later.

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2026-03-21 00:10