There was a time in Crash Bandicoot fandom where this level was believed to be a sample of Crash 4. People were stoked when this was released. Clearly this level meant that Vicarious Visions was making Crash 4 and it was going to be just like N. Sane Trilogy - models and all - and they were going to keep all the Crash 3 power-ups like the Fruit Bazooka!
Then we finally got Crash 4, VV wasn't the one that made it, the art style had changed, and the level design was nothing like this. (The-Price-Is-Right-Losing-Horn.wav)
As far as Future Tense goes, it certainly is a Crash 3 level alright. Its place in Crash history - where it exists as a glimpse into a future that didn't end up happening - is more interesting than actually playing it. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, but its faithfulness ends up being its most notable trait, so I ended up having no strong feelings about it beyond "oh hey, this level has its own trophies", which was pretty neat.
And I guess you can collect the gem or relic to replace another gem or relic in Crash 3 if the Platinum is giving you trouble.
Then we finally got Crash 4, VV wasn't the one that made it, the art style had changed, and the level design was nothing like this. (The-Price-Is-Right-Losing-Horn.wav)
As far as Future Tense goes, it certainly is a Crash 3 level alright. Its place in Crash history - where it exists as a glimpse into a future that didn't end up happening - is more interesting than actually playing it. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, but its faithfulness ends up being its most notable trait, so I ended up having no strong feelings about it beyond "oh hey, this level has its own trophies", which was pretty neat.
And I guess you can collect the gem or relic to replace another gem or relic in Crash 3 if the Platinum is giving you trouble.