Crashing onto new platforms.
Crash Bandicoot made a huge return last year on PlayStation 4. The N. Sane Trilogy was among the most polished and well-received remasters in recent memory, so it was exciting when Activision announced it was coming to every other platform in 2018. Crash has made several appearances outside of Sony’s machine, but never has the original trilogy graced some of these consoles. Developer Vicarious Visions also enhanced the game to take advantage of Xbox One X delivering the highest resolution and incredible HDR support this bandicoot has ever been seen in.
The N. Sane Trilogy contains the first three games and even the post-release DLC levels that were cut from the original game. Sadly no Crash Team Racing, but my hopes are still open for that. Jumping into this late 90s platformer on Xbox One was just as nostalgic as it was last year. This is the same game, but now more people can play, and that is always a good thing.
MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $39.99
It is best played in order to see the progression of the series. While the original feels light on ideas, its sequels expanded on each one in their own unique way. It is also worth mentioning that Crash Bandicoot is a hard game. Some of this has to do with the forced perspective. Sometimes it can be hard to gauge a jump or enemy location. This hasn’t changed, and I found myself spending more lives as the games progressed. There are some levels I still find nigh impossible. Of course some of that is probably my lack of patience and time.
The Xbox One X version looks simply stunning. Running at a native 4K resolution the worlds of Crash Bandicoot are vivid. The added HDR support is also some of the best I have seen implemented yet. Colors simply pop off the screen. Combined with the ridiculously cartoon animations this is one game that truly takes advantage of the increased horsepower of Microsoft’s console.
What stands out about this collection more than anything is the care that went into crafting it. Vicarious Visions could have simply ported these games, or even just added a new coat of paint, but they went the extra mile. They rebuilt all three games, even tweaking some of the vehicle segments for more modern standards. It shows when playing through these games that they were crafted by people who had a ton of respect for the original trilogy.
Even the cinematics have been redone in full 4K glory. This is one great-looking game, and deserves to be showcased. Especially being a genre that has had its ups and downs over the years.
With how easy it is to slap some new packaging and call a game a remaster is these days, it is refreshing to see one treated with such care. I am stoked that Xbox, Switch, and PC owners can finally play this amazing collection. Here is to hoping the upcoming Spyro collection is just as polished. Oh, and feel free to add some CTR to this package as future DLC. I won’t complain.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
