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Crash Bandicoot 1996
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Clever, fun levels and an incredible sense of atmosphere have allowed Crash Bandicoot on PS1 to stand tall even decades after its release.
As far as hot takes go, I'd like to say that I really prefer this game's atmosphere to what I've seen frrom the N Sane Trilogy. I know that it's always nice to see a beloved game from the past get a complete graphical rehaul, but man do I think the newer visuals in the Crash series fall flat in comparison to the original.
I recently completed the base game, and honestly...this version of Crash Bandicoot 1 is just so gorgeous on the PS1. Equipped with my CRT setup, I couldn't help but get totally immersed in the island as I enjoyed one tightly designed level after the next. It's not just that Crash Bandicoot is more abstract as a low-poly game...it's that the island is darker, moodier, and more sinister in its original form. The spooky temples feature pitch-black backgrounds and the blood red sunsets add a sense of terror to the environments. Crash looks like a prickly, psychotic weirdo rather than a cutesy mascot, and the upbeat soundtrack can be often subdued and ominous.
In an age where it feels like platformers are synonymous with joy, this first CB game still holds up because it revels in the abrasive. I'd say the level design adds to the intensity as well. I love that Crash's levels are filled to the brim with death traps, yet the game rarely ever feels like it's trying to bombard the player. The lack of a time limit is actually a huge plus for this game, as nailing a few tricky jumps might have you begging for just one moment of peace so you can think through the upcoming obstacle course.
In terms of "problems", the only thing holding me back from calling Crash Bandicoot one of my favorite games ever is that the movement system isn't super fulfilling for me. It truly is satisfying to hear that sweet, sweet wooshing sound of a teleporter greet you near the end of every level, and breathe a sigh of relief alongside Crash as you exit...but the lack of momentum or any fun physics quirks means Crash's movement never really reaches beyond basic running and jumping.
And yeah, while that might give me some pause about coming back to Crash Bandicoot for those last few boxes, it doesn't push me away completely. It's a solid game that's oozing with atmosphere, confidence, and excellent design.
As far as hot takes go, I'd like to say that I really prefer this game's atmosphere to what I've seen frrom the N Sane Trilogy. I know that it's always nice to see a beloved game from the past get a complete graphical rehaul, but man do I think the newer visuals in the Crash series fall flat in comparison to the original.
I recently completed the base game, and honestly...this version of Crash Bandicoot 1 is just so gorgeous on the PS1. Equipped with my CRT setup, I couldn't help but get totally immersed in the island as I enjoyed one tightly designed level after the next. It's not just that Crash Bandicoot is more abstract as a low-poly game...it's that the island is darker, moodier, and more sinister in its original form. The spooky temples feature pitch-black backgrounds and the blood red sunsets add a sense of terror to the environments. Crash looks like a prickly, psychotic weirdo rather than a cutesy mascot, and the upbeat soundtrack can be often subdued and ominous.
In an age where it feels like platformers are synonymous with joy, this first CB game still holds up because it revels in the abrasive. I'd say the level design adds to the intensity as well. I love that Crash's levels are filled to the brim with death traps, yet the game rarely ever feels like it's trying to bombard the player. The lack of a time limit is actually a huge plus for this game, as nailing a few tricky jumps might have you begging for just one moment of peace so you can think through the upcoming obstacle course.
In terms of "problems", the only thing holding me back from calling Crash Bandicoot one of my favorite games ever is that the movement system isn't super fulfilling for me. It truly is satisfying to hear that sweet, sweet wooshing sound of a teleporter greet you near the end of every level, and breathe a sigh of relief alongside Crash as you exit...but the lack of momentum or any fun physics quirks means Crash's movement never really reaches beyond basic running and jumping.
And yeah, while that might give me some pause about coming back to Crash Bandicoot for those last few boxes, it doesn't push me away completely. It's a solid game that's oozing with atmosphere, confidence, and excellent design.