Note: The following is a heavy abridgment of a nearly hour-long video retrospective. For the full review, check out the video on YouTube!

1996’s Crash Bandicoot is one of the most recognizable PlayStation 1 games. Developed by Naughty Dog, the 3D/2.5D platformer follows the adventures of its titular character as he ventures to rescue his girlfriend, Tawna, from the evil Doctor Neo Cortex and Doctor Nitrus Brio. Despite missing the PlayStation’s launch window by roughly a year, Crash Bandicoot is considered one of console’s early standout titles. In fact, the character is so synonymous with the hardware that he’s the console’s defacto mascot!

Upon its release, it garnered significant attention and became a centerpiece of that years holiday season with positive reviews also raining in from critics who praised its mechanics and graphics. The game went on to sell nearly 7 million copies, securing a spot among the top 5 best-selling PlayStation games of all time and is one of the few Playstation games that has been consistently available to players on each subsequent console by Sony.

Crash Bandicoot spawned two direct sequels by Naughty Dog, as well as multiple spin-offs and even a crossover with Spyro the Dragon over on the Game Boy Advance. The series has had its ups and downs, but Crash Bandicoot still remains a beloved character in the world of platforming due to his energetic and grungy vibe and how it represents the essence of mid-90s pop culture.

And yet… I’ve never played the thing! I mean, I technically did back in 2020 on the Nintendo Switch, but I only just recently sat down to play the original PS1 version. After sitting down with it and 100%ing the thing, I’m totally shocked that I waited so long to boot this game up. While many cite Crash 1 as being the hardest of the original trilogy, as well as the worst of the bunch, I had a blast with it! The colorful graphics, delightfully Looney-Tunes-esque animation and humor, and high difficulty were all welcome qualities for me. Sure, I think that the games save system is the pits and that it’s reward for completion is… well, bad… but I can’t say that those negatives deterred me from wanting to run through the game again immediately after the credits rolled!

Which is exactly what I did, by the way. I ended up blazing through the game a second time (sans completion) on it’s 2017 remake (Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy) that’s available on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch and thought that it was a fine adaptation of the game. A lot’s been said about that version over the years and how it’s technically harder than the original but, frankly, I think those statements have been subject to some hyperbole. What is true about the remake is that it’s a bit more slippery than the original. That’s all. It also boasts a smooth 60fps (vs the original’s 30), a save system that isn’t horrible, a cut level from the original game, and Crash’s sister Coco as an alternate skin. If you can’t nab the original version, it’s perfectly playable and even comes with Crash 2 and 3 for good measure too!

That said… man, that original hits different. There’s a sense of 90s nostalgia I get from it that nothing can beat. Even though my first Crash experience was in the early 2000’s with Wrath of Cortex, I really gotta hand it to the orginal in how pure the experience is. Something about that low-polygon art and heavily compressed music just feels definitely on brand for the character. It makes the game feel more cartoony and videogamey to me and, since this title was never aiming for realism, is the most appropriate way to enjoy it.

All in all, Crash Bandicoot for the Sony PlayStation is a remarkable game. It showcases the console’s capabilities and offers a memorable platforming experience that really has to be seen to be believed. With its engaging gameplay, endearing character designs, and 90s charm, Crash Bandicoot is a must play. Depending on how the upcoming Crash Team Rumble does critically, I might have to pick that up and continue to play through the series this summer!

To check out my full/detailed thoughts on the game, check out my review of it over on YouTube!