Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy – Game Review

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy brings back Crash Bandicoot, the iconic platforming hero, in a stunning remaster of three iconic games. Originally released in the mid to late 1990s, the original Crash Bandicoot series captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. With its colourful graphics, quirky characters, and challenging gameplay, Crash Bandicoot became a staple of the PlayStation era.

Now, the N. Sane Trilogy revitalizes those nostalgic adventures for a new generation. You’ll dive into three iconic titles: Crash Bandicoot, Cortex Strikes Back, and Warped. Each game has been beautifully remastered with updated visuals and improved controls, making the experience feel fresh yet familiar.

As you guide Crash through vibrant worlds filled with dangerous enemies and tricky obstacles, you’ll encounter classic gameplay mechanics that defined the series. The remaster also includes new features, such as the ability to play as Coco, Crash’s sister, in all three games.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement. Get ready to jump, spin, and collect Wumpa fruit as you talk a walk down memory lane with Crash Bandicoot!

Three iconic games, one entertaining and connected story

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy brings together three classic adventures that follow our favourite bandicoot. With each of the games, the story is entertaining, though it’s straightforward and predictable. The humour and charm of the characters in each entry shine through, making each game in the series enjoyable.

In the first game, Crash Bandicoot, you help Crash escape the evil clutches of Dr. Neo Cortex. Cortex has kidnapped Crash’s girlfriend, Tawna, and plans to use her in his wicked experiments. As you make your way through lush jungles and treacherous cliffs, you’ll face various enemies and collect Wumpa fruit to power up.

In the second game, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, the story takes a twist. Dr. Cortex tricks Crash into collecting crystals to save the world. However, his true intention is to harness their power for his evil schemes. Cortex Strikes Back features new environments, including icy mountains and futuristic levels, while battling Cortex’s minions. The plot thickens as you uncover Cortex’s trickery, adding depth to the adventure.

The final game, Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, introduces time travel. You join Crash and his sister, Coco, as they chase down the villainous Uka Uka, Cortex’s evil mask. You’ll travel through different eras, from ancient Egypt to the Wild West. Each level presents unique challenges and enemies, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Crash Bandicoot

Nostalgic challenges

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy offers a thrilling platforming experience that captures the charm of the original games. As much as I loved these games in the mid to late ’90s, the big question is how they hold up today. 

After revisiting all three games, I can honestly say they are just as fun to play as ever. The gameplay remains fast-paced and engaging, keeping you on your toes as you make your way through levels that are filled with obstacles and enemies. Each stage is creatively designed, with unique challenges that require quick reflexes and strategic thinking. You’ll discover hidden paths, secret gems, and various collectibles that encourage exploration.

However, just like the original games, Crash games can be quite challenging. Instead of a smooth increase in difficulty, you face a mix of easy and hair pulling hard platforming levels. This can lead to frustration, especially for newcomers. While the trilogy features modern graphics and lets you play as Coco in certain levels, some controls can still feel tricky at times.

Overall, I feel that Activision did a good job with Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, successfully combining nostalgia with modern gameplay. Crash Bandicoot’s charming characters and humorous elements keep the experience enjoyable from beginning to end.

Completely overhauled visuals rebuilt from the ground up

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy has impressive native 4k visuals and looks gorgeous. Each of the three game’s graphics have been completely overhauled from the ground up. And, each level is vibrant and colourful, filled with detailed backgrounds and smooth animations.

You can see the effort Activision’s Vicarious Visions put into updating the visuals to make them feel fresh and modern. Crash, Coco, and the characters in each game have never looked better! The notorious unfinished and previously unreleased Storm Ascent is included in this trilogy without having to unlock it.

And, a brand new level called Future Tense is also included. Designed and developed for Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, this new level includes new puzzles in the setting from Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is fun and enjoyable walk down memory lane

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a fantastic collection that brings back the charm of the original games while updating them for a new generation. The vibrant visuals and catchy soundtracks make the experience enjoyable and immersive. You’ll appreciate the effort Vicarious Visions put into the graphics, which breathe new life into Crash and friends.

However, the trilogy isn’t without its challenges. The difficulty level can be quite high, especially for newcomers. Some levels may feel frustrating, leading to moments of trial and error. While this challenge can be rewarding, it might deter some who prefer a more laid back and easy going gaming experience. Additionally, certain controls can feel a bit tricky, which may take time to get used to.

Despite these drawbacks, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy does a great job in capturing the essence of the original games. It balances nostalgia with modern gameplay, making it appealing to both longtime fans and new players. The engaging levels, charming characters, and updated visuals create a memorable experience. If you’re looking for a fun platforming experience that combines challenge and enjoyment, this trilogy is worth your time. In the end, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a reminder of why the Crash Bandicoot franchise remains a favorite amongst gamers more than 20 years later.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Review by @4ScarrsGaming

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Summary

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is a blast, and is a reminder of why the Crash Bandicoot franchise is still popular today. While it may be challenging at times, the revamped visuals and catchy music make every level enjoyable. Even though some controls feel tricky and the difficulty can frustrate newcomers, the fun of platforming and exploring keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, you’ll find plenty to love in this amazing trilogy compilation.

4.5

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4ScarrsGaming

Jon is a proud Canadian who has a lifelong passion for gaming. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry with more than 20 years experience. Jon is a strong believer and supporter in cloud gaming, he's that guy with the Stadia tattoo! He enjoys playing and talking about games on all platforms and mediums. Join the conversation with Jon on Threads @4ScarrsGaming and @4ScarrsGaming on Instagram.

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