This review is about the remastered version included in the N. Sane trilogy. I am not talking about the original game, so keep that in mind.

Playing Crash Bandicoot for the first time was truly something wonderful. As a massive fan of the Donkey Kong Country games, this game oozes as nearly as much charm as those do, and it plays in a very unique way.
Crash is a 3D platformer, but it feels more similar to a 2D one. I really love this design. It can be annoying sometimes, but it allows for some really interesting jumps and segments in 3D planes.
The game also has such a fantastic soundtrack. The music is playful and fun, yet it always fits the vibe of the stage. Take Jungle Rollers, or The Lab, or the catchy as hell Main Theme. It's all so damn catchy, and it's just a treat to listen to.
Some people may cite the excessive difficulty as a flaw for this game, but I love it honestly. The stages are really damn difficult, but they feel extremely rewarding to complete. The only flaws with this game are the length and level variety. There isn't a ton of variety here, and there just aren't enough levels in the game. There are a few level themes, and they are expanded upon throughout each level with that theme. These levels range from "bridge" to "jungle" to "lab" to "ruins," they just don't feel all that creative. I also would wish for a bit more length in the game, there just aren't too many levels.
As is, Crash Bandicoot is a fantastic platformer, and while I can't speak for the original, the remake makes me understand what made this game, and series, a classic.