(NAPSA)—Like favorite movie actors who return for a sequel, certain video game characters resonate with players and continue to be successful year after year. Two of those video game icons are throwing themselves into the holiday mix this year. Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, both of whom have entertained a generation of gamers and wonlegions of fans, are making their way to stores just in time for the busy holiday season. And though most video games are aimed at the younger set, more and more adults are taking the time to see what the kids are up to—and even playing along. According to a 2007 survey among adult “family gamers,” 92 percent overall (and 95 percent of grandparents in particular) said that they felt video games provide an opportunity to “bond with, or better relate to” their children or grandchildren. In Activision’s “Crash: Mind Over Mutant,” a rejuvenated Neo Cortex is taking over the world one brain at a time. Crash now has the ability to control and store his enemies as he fights his way through a free-roaming Wumpa Island with Coco, his kid sister— fully playable for the first time in the cooperative mode. Armed with his quick-wits and lightning agility, Crash must free his friends, the Titans, and save the day. Activision’s “The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon” Two iconic video game characters are back in all-new adventures that the whole family can enjoy. marks the culmination of the popular “Legend of Spyro” trilogy. In this epic quest, players will see two elements never before seen in the Spyro universe—Spyro can now fly at any time and dropin/drop-out co-op with his new female ally Cynder. Spyro is also making his debut on the PlayStation 3, making this the deepest and most impressive Spyro adventure yet. The game marks Spyro’s 10th anniversary as a video gameicon, and features an all-star voice cast including Elijah Wood, Christina Ricci, Gary Oldman, Blair Underwood, Wayne Brady and Mark Hamill. Both games are available for all gaming platforms, including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS and PS2, and can be found at all major retailers that sell video games.
