Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy

Developer: Vicarious Visions
Release: Jun 29th 2018
Platforms:
Action
Nostalgic
Challenging
Polished
Control Issues
Technical Bugs
Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy Poster

" Nostalgic action platformer with stunning remasters and faithful gameplay but imprecise controls "

Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy Review

Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy is a remastered collection of the original three Crash Bandicoot games, delivering a nostalgic yet modernized platforming experience. Players appreciate the updated graphics and visuals, which bring the classic titles to life in 4K with enhanced animations and voice acting. The trilogy is praised for preserving the original gameplay's charm, while adding new mechanics and characters, such as playing as Coco in early games.

However, the game suffers from several technical and design issues. Common complaints include input lag, imprecise controls, and hitbox inconsistencies, which contribute to frustrating deaths and a sometimes unfair challenge. PC versions also face optimization problems, such as forced 4K windowed mode, V-Sync issues, and frame rate caps, which require manual fixes. Despite these flaws, the game remains highly challenging and rewarding for fans and completionists, especially during discounted sales.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the updated graphics and faithful remastering of the original trilogy, noting the sharp visuals and smooth animations.

The classic platforming gameplay and level design retain their nostalgic appeal, with many enjoying the added features like playing as Coco and new movement abilities in later games.

The trilogy offers challenging but rewarding gameplay, with a satisfying difficulty curve that appeals to both casual players and hardcore achievement hunters.

The inclusion of additional DLC levels like Stormy Ascent and Future Tense adds extra content and value.

Criticisms

Many players find the controls imprecise and input laggy, leading to frustrating platforming sections and unfair deaths.

Hitbox design, especially the elliptical character hitboxes, causes unexpected collisions and movement issues.

The PC port is criticized for technical problems including forced 4K windowed mode on startup, persistent V-Sync that cannot be disabled normally, and frame rate caps.

Some find the game overly difficult and punishing, especially when pursuing 100% completion and platinum relics.

Occasional bugs and crashes further detract from the experience for some users.

Pros

  • Stunning remastered graphics bring classic Crash games to modern standards.
  • Faithful recreation of original gameplay with added character options.
  • Challenging platforming that rewards patient and skilled players.
  • Includes all three original games plus additional DLC levels.
  • Smooth animations and high-quality voice acting enhance immersion.
  • Customizable performance options on PC for frame rate improvements.
  • Nostalgic appeal for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Cons

  • Controls feel imprecise and input lag causes frustrating deaths.
  • Hitbox inconsistencies lead to unfair collisions and movement issues.
  • PC port suffers from forced 4K windowed mode on launch.
  • V-Sync remains enabled even when turned off in settings.
  • Frame rate capped at 60 FPS without easy override.
  • Technical bugs and crashes reported by multiple users.
  • Difficulty spikes can be punishing, especially for platinum runs.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Your favorite marsupial, Crash Bandicoot™, is back! He’s enhanced, entranced and ready-to-dance with the N. Sane Trilogy. Relive all your favorite moments in Crash Bandicoot™, Crash Bandicoot™ 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot™ 3: Warped, now in fully-remastered graphical glory!

Release Date Jun 29th 2018
Publisher Activision
Developer Vicarious Visions, Iron Galaxy Studios
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (6,370)
92% Positive 8% Negative