Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Hands On – A Return For Those Who’ve Been Hungry For A Crash Game

The newest, fan requested Crash Bandicoot game titled Crash Bandicoot N’Sane Trilogy isn’t actually new at all, but a complete remake of the original three games in the trilogy. This platforming trilogy is getting a complete makeover from developers Vicarious Visions which may come as a total surprise to those hoping that developers Naughty Dog would have some hand in this pet project. Alas, the foundation of the N’Sane Trilogy is still the original framework lied out by Naughty Dog, just not brought up to present day standards. So getting that feel for the beloved bandicoot from the original trilogy will still be completely intact, it just won’t make your eyes bleed on that HDTV you’re sporting around.

As mentioned before, Crash Bandicoot N’Sane Trilogy is a complete remake. That means every level you loved as a child should be reflected in almost every way, identically. That also includes the story and every hidden item that was in the original game. This also means the crushing difficulty is back as well. And for those who’ve forgot how hard some of these games used to be in the past, get ready for a crash course in nostalgia.

Dr. Neo Cortex, a mad scientist — to the umpteenth degree — is experimenting on his latest victim, a bandicoot he wants to turn into his general and lead his Cortex commandos. Sending the strapped down bandicoot into a vortex, something goes wrong and it escapes by crashing out of the lab window. The voices are new, some of the cinematics have been changed around a bit from the original, but the overall impression compared to the original is still there in its fullest form. There’s never a moment when the game’s redux to the original opening feels out of place or in other words: not like a Crash game. So fans should be happy with the transfer.

"The smooth graphics and magical designs of the beach are well crafted. Grass flutters in the beach breeze, pillar ruins have aged moss and the graininess of the sandy path really add more textures of life into the old, flat colors."

The game starts off at N. Sanity Beach where Crash washes up on shore the next day after escaping the Dr. Cortex. Now it’s funny and very strange at the same time.  It’s like reliving a memory when seeing the beachfront for the first time. Those same, familiar boxes and ocean debris are all just right there like in the original. The crates that contain the fruit that every Crash veteran knows to jump on, spin into it for maximum fruit intake. 100 fruits equals an extra life. Also, there’s a free life in another crate right from the start.

But old nostalgia isn’t the only thing the N’Sane Trilogy is after. It’s also going for new fans as well. The smooth graphics and magical designs of the beach are well crafted. Grass flutters in the beach breeze, pillar ruins have aged moss and the graininess of the sandy path really add more textures of life into the old, flat colors.

Crash himself is excellent looking too — though some fans may not be a fan of his new appearance, his smooth curves, well textured facial features and the hands and feet just open up what the creators of the game originally envisioned when creating this classic character.

But for those who will be truly new to this game, watch out. The trilogy doesn’t just bring back the classy zaniness of the original story along for the ride, but the difficulty spikes that were in a lot of games from gaming’s past. I never found out if there was a difficulty setting, but for what was available to play, the platforming is no Super Mario Bros. but a game based more towards teens and young adults. Not only is there the standard platforming but the pits, climbing, and puzzles of how to get to certain areas return as well.

"Overall, Crash Bandicoot N’Sane Trilogy proves to be a return for those who’ve been hungry for a Crash game."

One of the best parts about being younger and playing this classic game on the original PlayStation was listening to those hilarious tunes from the music selection. They’re back and completely updated to sound more clean. And you’ll realize that the music fits just perfectly as it did from the original.

Overall, Crash Bandicoot N’Sane Trilogy proves to be a return for those who’ve been hungry for a Crash game. With the beautiful levels, clever level designs that have some difficult puzzling moments from time to time, it’s interesting to see how this game looks in the world of today. Does it provide the best possible experience for a modern day Crash game? Not exactly. Will it be enough for those who’ve been looking for a new Crash game? Maybe not. Sure, replaying the games from our younger days seems all good and fun. Remakes and remasters seem to be a cornerstone for this generation, especially on the PlayStation 4 platform. But if you just want some good old classic fun, or if you’re new to the series and want to jump in from the beginning, then Crash Bandicoot N’Sane Trilogy might be right up your ally.