Review: Crash Bandicoot’s first time on a Nintendo console is a triumph

Platform: Nintendo Switch (also available on Xbox One, PS4, and PC)

Developer: Vicarious Visions, Toys for Bob, Iron Galaxy

Publisher: Activision

MSRP: $39.99

Crash Bandicoot was one of the most beloved characters of the 90s and early 2000s, giving PlayStation a much-needed mascot to compete against Nintendo’s Italian plumber. Come the mid-2000s, the character slowly faded into obscurity leaving die-hard fans wishing for a revival.

While Mario continued to dominate the gaming scene on the Gamecube, Wii, Nintendo DS, and so on, Crash died out and was nothing but a memory of a bygone era in the industry. In 2017, the character jumped back into the public eye with a collection of remakes of his first three adventures on PlayStation 4.

Fans and critics alike responded well to the character’s sudden reemergence but what fans were really craving was the chance to see him spring to life on Nintendo’s new console/portable hybrid, the Nintendo Switch. One year later, we finally have Crash Bandicoot on a Nintendo console (not including the DS games) for the first time, squashing a decades-long feud between the Bandicoot and the plumber.  The only question is… does he truly belong here?

The answer is simply yes, he fits in perfectly to Nintendo’s new console and one can only hope that if a new Crash game is in the works, they’ll bring it to Switch right away instead of making everyone wait a year after launch to take it wherever they want.

From visuals to gameplay, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy on Nintendo Switch feels exquisite. It still maintains it’s difficulty factor on the first game and has all of the integral pieces to feel like the original version, it’s another incredible achievement for the Nintendo Switch.

Of course, there are some compromises made here but nothing substantial enough to be considered complaints. The Switch version runs at 720p docked and 480p handheld and while that might sound like a nightmare, it still looks pretty remarkable and maintains its visual identity with its lower resolution. Part of this is thanks to the fact it’s running on a small screen so the image isn’t blown up enough for you to see how bad it may look on a proper TV.

The textures aren’t significantly weaker and it’s rather astonishing they managed to keep the game looking so eye-popping despite the massive hardware differences. The only visual elements that take a hit are the characters themselves but particuarly animals. As opposed to having that more dynamic hair/fur effect of the original version, the creatures have just simple textures laid over them now.

While Crash Bandicoot himself still looks alright even with a darker shade to him, other characters look almost flat or muddy. It’s not absolutely attorcious or anything but it’s very noticable espcecially if you played the PS4 version or own the new Xbox or PC versions. Even with that, Vicarious Visions did a bang-up job of keeping the platformer still looking and feeling competent.

If you’re looking for any substantial Nintendo Switch exclusives or changes such as motion controls, you won’t find them here. This is pretty much the same game on every other platform with all bonus levels and DLC included at no extra cost but truthfully, despite some small graphical downgrades, this feels like the best way to play Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.

Even when playing without a Pro controller, it feels incredibly smooth and is a joy to play. Sure, you may have to try to contain your rage filled outbursts when playing it on a plane or in public but it’s an authentic Crash Bandicoot experience on the go and on a Nintendo platform. It’s hard to ask for much more than that!

The Verdict

Whether you’re a longtime fan who played the PS4 version already or someone unfamiliar with Crash, this modernized version of three undeniably classic platformers feels at home on Nintendo Switch. Even with some hits in the graphics department, Vicarious Visions has captured the heart and soul of Naughty Dog’s iconic trilogy and made it playable just about everywhere for the first time.