Kennyan

Games Worth Playing If You Haven't Before
(Or Again If You Have)

Episode 39: Crash Bandicoot (PSX)

When 3D platformers were becoming the new thing many of them emphasized on freedom of movement and designed levels with large open areas. With Crash Bandicoot, however, Naughy Dog crafted their levels to feel like they were the 3D equivalent of 2D platformers. A bit of an odd occurrence as this is the first game in the series and it thusly didn't have any previous 2D entries.

While the sequels provide some very welcomed improvements to mitigate players' frustrations there are a couple of things that I prefer from the original. Such as having a world map that gives you a more concrete feeling of adventuring across the islands, as opposed to the more sterile warp rooms. I also actually like the challenge of having to get all the boxes in a single life to get the gems, and the sequels removed that restriction making it significantly easier to get them. Though in general most people prefer the gentler system.

One of the major drawbacks is the fact that you do not get an opportunity to save unless you get a gem or complete a bonus level so if you had to quit playing unexpectedly odds are you'll have to replay some levels. And the camera can feel a bit off when you're moving towards it.

Ultimately all of the Crash games developed by ND are excellent, and you really should play every single one of them, but for me this one sits just a little bit higher than the sequels.

See you next time!

Previous: StarTropics

Collection Vol. I - Ep. 1-20

*Disclaimer: For multiplatform games I will list the system that I played it on*