Crash Bandicoot

The Video Game Critic (A)

Your goal is to traverse a series of hazards while smashing crates and defeating animals with well-timed spins and pounces. In most stages you run "into" the screen, but in a few you run "out" of the screen, and there are even some side-scrolling levels. From its shimmering water stages, to Indiana Jones-inspired giant rolling boulder stage, Crash Bandicoot's 3D world is loaded with fun surprises. If this isn't a Playstation classic, what is?

Gaming Target (9.3 out of 10)

Pick it up again if it's in a corner collecting dust somewhere. Or maybe you sold it to help pay for some other game, there's plenty of used copies floating around. Or maybe you're like me and never had a PSone. Whatever your situation, there's a reason Crash Bandicoot has achieved classic status: it's a great game.

NowGamer (9.1 out of 10)

Initially, it feels like a hybrid of all the other platformers out there, and to a degree it is. However, get to some of the later levels and you really start seeing some spectacular effects, with an immense amount of tasks to accomplish, enemies to avoid or kill, and bonuses to reap. The game has a good learning curve, and although some of the sections can be excruciatingly frustrating to get past at first, a little concentration will usually get you through leaving you feeling rewarded for your efforts. It’ll take the average player several weeks to complete Crash Bandicoot fully, with all the bonus sections and hidden areas. The game can be completed partially without the bonuses or hidden areas, but then you’d be missing around a third of it – and believe me, those hidden areas are some of the best bits. Crash Bandicoot is a worthy addition to any collection, but the frustrating save feature (as explained elsewhere in this review) is the only thing that ruins it.

Game Informer Magazine (9 out of 10)

For starters I wouldn't have called a character supporting a CD-ROM unit 'Crash'. Maybe Loading or Laser Boy would have been more appropriate. Nonetheless, this game is right up my alley, pure action/platform mayhem. The further you proceed the tougher it gets. This title will attract old school gamers along with the new generation of astro kids. The graphics are very comparable to the N64. The 3D realism is balanced perfectly with the gameplay. I actually felt like I was jumping along lily pads up a jungle river. This is a game that all action/platform gamers must experience. It's not completely original, but the overall feeling after playing is truly unique.

Retro Spirit Games ( )

Nevertheless, Crash Bandicoot is still great game, providing hours of fun and bags of challenge, just be prepared to lose your temper now and then. It's a game that's well worth returning to today for some quirky platforming that sits comfortably between the old school 2D affairs and the later 3D games that would go on on to replace them as everyone embraced third dimension... at least until indie games would make 2D platformers popular all over again! A true retro classic.

Mega Fun (86 out of 100)

Nüchtern betrachtet, bringt der wirbelnde Koyote Crash nichts Neues in die ohnehin karge Landschaft der Hüpfspiele auf der PlayStation: Das Spielprinzip erinnert stark an Tazmania, die Übersichtskarte der Insel wurde von Mario „entliehen“, und die Sache mit der rollenden Steinkugel (Indy laßt grüßen) wurde auch schon mehr als einmal in Videospielen verbraten. Trotzdem: Durch die tolle 3D-Grafik und die technische Perfektion hebt sich Crash Bandicoot deutlich von allen bisherigen PlayStation-Jump'n Runs ab. Wenn der fette Wanst des Level-Bosses Papu Papu realistisch schwabbelt wie Mutters Götterspeise, oder das Wasser des Konsolen- Flußlaufes von dem eines echten kaum zu unterscheiden ist, macht auch ein Hüpfspiel klassischer Machart einen Mordsspaß. Beachtet aber bitte, daß Crash außer Hüpfen und seiner Wirbelwind-Attacke über keinerlei weitere Fähigkeiten verfügt.

GameSlice Weekly (86 out of 100)

With the varying perspective, great levels such as a boulder chase, and interesting enemies such as Nitrus Brio -- fully animated with 3D polygons -- Crash Bandicoot has variety on its side. It also is one of the most beautiful works of art on any system, complemented with a catchy soundtrack and good sound effects. Indeed, Crash may not be the game we look back at in ten years as the start of a new revolution in gaming, but in the glut of PlayStation titles, it succeeds where Sony wants it to: it's a must buy for any system owner. As an aside, let's hope that Sony will allow Naughty Dog to be more experimental with the design of Crash Bandicoot 2, probably due for release September 9, 1997.

TigerChainsaw (8.5 out of 10)

Crash Bandicoot kicked down the door for Sony announcing to the world that he was the reason to purchase a PS1. Filled with iconic music, exciting but brutal platforming, and stocked with secrets for replayability, Crash Bandicoot was a must-play for all PS1 owners.

Absolute Playstation (8.5 out of 10)

A really excellent platform game, perhaps one of the best ever made. But very few games ever manage to live up to the hype...This one comes close though. Here, in addition to building up this game as a "competition killer" you have the introduction of a new Playstation mascot title to boot. The former is where it falls a little short of expectations. This title will probably sell by the bucket loads, as it should, but I would not rank it up there with Mario 64...sorry (although the graphics will certainly give it a run for it's money!). It is certainly nice though to see Sony grasp a new mascot for their wonderful system. Naughty Dog is already hinting at a Crash 2 and maybe this time it will be a true unrestrictive 3D environment. But for those of you that like platform games, this one is a MUST BUY. It's fun, fast and it's got attitude!!

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) (33.5 out of 40)

So here it is: Sony's hot mascot. The marsupial from down under that uses his hooked toe to clean the lice from his fur...er, is that a special move? I like Crash. It's not the best action game I've played, but it's a lot of fun. It's like the original Mario with some 3-D effect thrown in. Note that it is not a 3-D environment per se, but it does have certain 3-D elements. What's nice is that the game isn't always from the same viewpoint. Sometimes you play in a Side View Mode, other times you're behind Crash then other times CB is running at you. Crash himself is a very cool character and so are many of the enemies.

Video Games (82 out of 100)

Insgesamt gesehen macht Crash Bandicoot richtig Laune, motiviert auch anständig. Die gesamte Ausführung des Spiels zeugt von Qualität. Für Freunde von Jump‘n‘Runs ist deises Teil deshalb hochinteressant.

GameTrip.net (8 out of 10)

Une véritable révolution lors de sa sortie, Crash Bandicoot est une référence absolue, un must de la plate-forme, on se doit de l’avoir essayé, au moins pour mourir en paix.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) ( )

The typical platform elements have been so precisely placed, giving he game a real skill-testing edge. Excellently graded gameplay, but to be honest, it's perhaps too technical for me. On PlayStation I prefer the lighter fun of Jumping Flash 2 (I think it's more unique too). But that game is too easy and Crash provides a lot more game. In many ways Crash is exactly what Sonic would be if he were on the PlayStation. Graphically superb, technically perfect and surgically challenging, but not so cuddly to play. Flawless, but perhaps a bit charmless too.

Push Square (8 out of 10)

Crash Bandicoot delivers a blast of nostalgia, and if you grew up with the zany character, it’ll forever hold a place in your heart. However, through a modern lens, its inconsistent difficulty and length issues are letdowns, which the franchise’s fantastic sequels fortunately addressed. Still, as a cornerstone in the PSone’s library, there are plenty of reasons to overlook these flaws in favour of its vibrant art direction, audio, and overall outlandish creativity. You may only get an evening’s entertainment out of this classic, but it’ll always be a splendid bash when you spin and dash with Crash.

VicioJuegos.com / uVeJuegos.com (75 out of 100)

Para poner punto y final a este análisis y como resumen del primer juego de la trilogía Crash Bandicoot creada por Naughty Dog, no queda más que felicitar a las personas que lo han hecho posible y recomendar a aquellos jugadores que todavía, y están tardando, no lo han probado. Quizás no es sobresaliente ni el mejor de los tres, pero sí es una muy buena manera de entrar de lleno en los juegos de plataformas complicados a la par que divertidos, además de estar protagonizado por alguien tan carismático como Crash, capaz de mantenerte enganchado al mando de esta veterana consola. Luego llegarían la segunda y tercera parte, logrando que la calidad vaya in crescendo. Pero eso, amigos míos, en otro análisis.

Game Revolution (B)

Basically, I recommend... no, urge you to buy this game. Golf fans, this means you. Despite a lack of originality, it is fun to play, large enough to keep you occupied, and the best platformer out right now. Bottom line, this game is the beginning of a new character who will probably become a classic video game figure. It will also be the first in a series of Crash games and products. What was the first thing you did when Independence Day came out? Saw it. And when you saw the Chia pet commercial? Bought it. (just a joke--hee,hee). I think you get the point--now, go get the game.

Entertainment Weekly (B)

But the game's tasks — jumping over logs and pits, collecting apples, and battling cranky skunks and crabs — are mundane and derivative. Still, the vivid backgrounds (such as the realistic running water) and multi-perspective angles save it from mere mediocrity. Neither crash nor smash, Bandicoot is just a solid game that really is no match for Super Mario 64.

IGN (7.5 out of 10)

Cool perspectives aside, Crash really shines when it comes to the graphics. Gorgeous backgrounds and silky smooth animation make this one of the best-looking titles available for the PlayStation. The control is generally pretty good, though it is a little sluggish in some of the levels. Generally, though, Crash is a great game. Sure it can be a tough sometimes, but isn't that what platform games are all about? A must have.

RetroGame Man (7 out of 10)

In summary, this is a 3D platformer on the PSX that is challenging, fun, and still looks pretty good. There are some parts that have not aged well – including lack of analogue joystick control and some poor controls on the 2D levels – but overall, there is still a lot of fun to be had here! If you can find a reasonably priced copy, I would recommend gamers to give this one a shot.

Edge (7 out of 10)

Whether or not developers Naughty Dog secretly hoped Sony would take on Crash Bandicoot as their official mascot is open to debate. Sony themselves are officially denying taking on the antipodean rat as the popular face of corporate video gaming (probably until they see if it sells or not). Whether Sony are happy about it or not, Crash Bandicoot’s “interactive cartoon” pretensions and the fact that it’s the strongest character-lead game in the PlayStation’s roster during the Christmas season, mean it has been dragged, kicking and screaming into a three-way war with Sega’s NiGHTS and Nintendo’s much lauded Super Mario 64 this autumn.

GameSpot (6.8 out of 10)

For months, Sony insisted that Crash Bandicoot was NOT their new mascot. For months, Naughty Dog Software insisted that Crash Bandicoot isn't Sony's answer to Super Mario 64. For months they went so far as to say that the games are completely different and shouldn't be compared. But the comparison is irresistible. Crash may not offer the graphical smoothness or versatility of Mario's vast new world, but its brilliantly colorful and complex jungle environments boast true diversity of shape and texture - kind of a tiki room Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Look beyond the pretty pixels, however, and Crash weighs in at only slightly above average.

Retro Game Reviews ( )

If you enjoy trial and error gameplay you might enjoy Crash Bandicoot but for me it was like banging my head against a brick wall. The core mechanics are great but rarely did I find myself enjoying the experience due to its glaring flaws with camera positioning and save points.