Recs.
Updated
Crash is back in an old adventure coated in 2017 paint! Crash and his sister, Coco, are facing off against the evil Dr. Neo Cortex, and it's up to the marsupial to save the world from his cruel tyranny.
Specs
Pros
Pro The remaster improves upon the original gameplay.
Crash Bandicoot was a platformer at heart, but since it was made on the PlayStation 1, it suffered from very limited controls due to the absence of the analog sticks that were introduced with the PlayStation 2. With this remaster, the controls have been updated to a much tighter standard. The game now plays seamlessly despite the evolution in controller.
Pro The game features a brand new, never-before-seen level.
The level, labeled 'Stormy Ascent' is a DLC level. It was originally in development during the early years of Crash Bandicoot's production, but it was deemed too difficult for the demographic it was trying to appeal to. Upon the game's release, this 'secret' level was released as a separate entity to provide players with a new feeling of difficulty. On top of this, it gives the hidden level a sense of officialism in the eyes of the public.
Pro The single disc is comprised of three separate games.
N. Sane Trilogy is just that: a trilogy. The full base game features Crash Bandicoot, Cortex Strikes Back, and Warped. What were once three separate games have all been remastered at the same time. This averages out to about $13 per game, dramatically lower than most in today's market as of writing this.
Cons
Con The racing stages are downright lazy.
In Warped, the third installment of the trilogy, there are a few racing stages where Crash gets onto a motorcycle for a race. The player is subject to horrible handling where the motorcycle can only veer left or right. There's no real form of acceleration nor reactive handling. In summary, it feels stiff and dated. From the same company that made Crash Team Racing, it's a far cry from any real racing game experience.
Con Aside from a single level, there is no new content.
The trilogy offers three old, remastered games for the player to enjoy. However, when it comes to new content, it falls horribly short. Aside from the one DLC level, Stormy Ascent, it brings nothing new to the table. There are no new power ups, no new levels, and no new secrets. The games are simply remade with a new graphical overhaul.
Con The overhaul to the game is to its detriment.
The game has been built from the ground up, so the controls have been updated to fit modern hardware. However, not everything was carried over from the old game. There are notable collision issues when jumping onto the edge of the platform, causing players to slip and fall when they would have landed in the old game. This became an issue for a game where pinpoint accuracy is a must and played into the intensely heightened difficulty.