You know the feeling you get when you play a game and know that this will never get old? Yeah, that’s me and the original Crash Bandicoot. While it’s not the most popular game out of the original trilogy, the original Crash Bandicoot offers more even today than you might think.

While movement in the sequels is far more energetic, refined and expansive, adding slides, ducks and upgraded spin attacks (and even the ability to sprint), the original’s simple moveset allows for a concerted focus in the way level design is approached. The game was certainly never meant to be “sped-through”, at least not naturally. Each level’s platforming challenges are often excercises in precision and patience; gauntlets through which you test your overall gaming mettle. While it is always impressive to watch a speedrunner who knows the game like the back of their hand clear the game in an hour, even for casual players the joy of the 3D platformer is very much accessible here. There are always moments where you can stand and scope out the platforming; there are other moments of activity that don’t play as “flurries”, per say, but more as elements of a rhythm game. Following along with a moving platform as you jump over stationary obstacles; dodging the hissing steam emerging from pipes; ducking under rotating hogs on a spit… these are the things that make life worth living.

Many would claim the challenge of the original Crash is infamous. There are certainly a few levels that would agree with you. Slippery Climb. The High Road. Sunset Vista. These are not just challenges to be overcome, but mountains to be scaled. The herculean feat that is 100% completing a level like Sunset Vista is rarely rivaled in terms of joy experienced upon completion. It is a legendary marathon of a level – easily the longest level in the game, it is certainly one of the most challenging. It tests your knowledge of the level genre’s obstacles, as well as your basic mastery of Crash’s movement mechanics. How far he can jump is obviously vital, but there are other points to remember as well. His spin attack’s extra bursts of speed (as well as the knowledge you can only spin five times before he exhausts himself), say, or perhaps you need to learn how high he is propelled off of certain objects, like jumping lizards or bouncy crates.

For a game released in 1996, the game still plays marvelously, and each level is rich in graphical detail. Fascinating videos are abound about how Naughty Dog pushed the original PS1 hardware to its limits, creating lush environments and a character who just pops off the screen with his animated run and jump, as well as his worried facial expressions as he flees for his life away from a giant boulder.

Perhaps part of the game’s appeal lies in the fact I still have a PS1 on hand, with a well-worn copy of Crash Bandicoot sitting always by its side. The old PS1 jewel case never loses its lustre. Perhaps this is merely nostalgia speaking, but for me, Crash Bandicoot is a game that still has much to offer. A way for a platformer gamer not just to challenge themselves, but to experience one of the best games the original Playstation has in its library.

Tomorrow, I’ll be streaming the N-Sane trilogy version of this game (yes, it’s not quite the same is it, but I don’t have a video capture card for my PS1 yet), going for (or at least starting towards) 100% completion! This will be the second time for the N-Sane Trilogy version, but obviously first time on stream.
Come catch me here: https://www.twitch.tv/horrorgameanalysis