Danny suffers from sleeplessness. He finds himself as a test subject in the insane Dr. Reubens’ crowning achievement, C.R.U.S.H. (or Cognitive Regression Utilizing pSychiatric Heuristics, if you prefer). C.R.U.S.H. induces hypnosis, allowing them to explore their psyche and confront their deep, dark secrets.
Crush is a puzzle platformer featuring platforming features. It appears to be a third-person platformer at first. Still, you’ll quickly discover the game’s hook: as Danny, you can “crush” the scenery depending on the camera direction, giving you a new viewpoint on a previously impossible situation. Huge gaps shrink to the size of a few footsteps or perhaps vanish. Tall structures may be crushed flat, allowing you to stroll over previously inaccessible terrain. You can overcome the level sideways, like in a 2D platformer like Super Mario Bros., or top-down, like in Bomberman, by moving the camera with the D-Pad.
However, there are certain limitations. When crushed, not all blocks can be crossed. Furthermore, some blocks you can stand on in 3D do not exist in 2D. Then there are animals based on Danny’s fears: enormous cockroaches roam some levels and must be destroyed before Danny can progress. Some blocks have terrifying appendages that swat Danny when he comes too close. Some leagues even come to life and patrol the 3D levels, mirroring Danny’s childhood terror of constructing blocks.
