Review: Crash Bandicoot (PS1)

Graphics- 6/10
Sound- 7/10
Gameplay- 7/10
Replay Value- 4/10
Overall- 6/10

Crash Bandicoot became the mascot for the PS1, and this game showcases why. It is a fun platformer, but be prepared for a challenge because this game is very hard.

Crash Bandicoot has some decent graphics for the PS1. They will not win any awards, but they are good enough not to distract you from the game and make you say, "Wow, these are bad graphics. The most detailed part is the levels. The backgrounds all look nice and the animations flow very smoothly. However, the characters could have used some more touching up. The sound effects in this game are also pretty good. They are not glitchy and will not strangely overlap (See: Madden '07). The background music is also well done, and each tune fits well in each of the levels.

The gameplay for Crash Bandicoot is typical platformer. The team at Naughty Dog "borrowed" a lot of themes from Mario, but they added their own twist to fit in the game (collect 100 apples, not coins, for an extra life). However, be prepared to jump in this game. A LOT. Most levels have you jump from platform to platform to get to the end of the level. And because of this, you will die. A LOT. This is why the game is so frustrating and hard. It is often times hard to judge distances, making you jump too short or too long, resulting in a near-guaranteed death. This also brings the replay value down because you do not feel you need to replay levels if you will just die during them. Despite the jumping and dying, however, the game is pretty fun. If you enjoy a challenge, pick up this game. But if you don't, approach with caution.

Pros: Fun, smooth animations, nice level variety.
Cons: Little replay value, repetitive animations, very linear gameplay, very difficult.

Review: Eric