We Salute You,Oh Mighty Bandicoot!!

This was the very first game I bought for my Playstation, and I believe I made a wise choice.

Here's the plot: Crash was one of the lab subjects of Dr. Neo Cortex,a mad scientist.Cortex deemed Crash unworthy to be his minion and disposed of him in the ocean (He eventually is washed onto a beach where the gameplay begins.).Then Cortex prepares a female bandicoot,Tawna, Crash's girlfriend,for testing.You guessed it-Crash sets out at once to save her.

Clichéd plot aside,Crash Bandicoot is a pretty fun platformer.You guide Crash through a semi-linear level full of obstacles,of which there are many.In one level you must outrun a huge rolling rock a la Indiana Jones.In another you ride a hog and try to prevent it from running into enemies or spikes which can cost you a life.In still another level you have to go across a long bridge without stopping because the bridge will break and you'll fall to your death if you don't.

Besides the usual trying to complete a level are Gems that you can (and should) collect.You collect Gems by breaking every single box in a level including the ones in the bonus levels.Without them you won't have access to certain parts of the game.In other words,you'll never beat the game 100% if you don't collect all the gems.

The control and graphics are great.However,sometimes it can be hard to judge how long a jump you need to make,at least partly because Crash's body is always in the way of your view.This can be very frustrating,especially if you are attempting to get Gems (You cannot collect a Gem if you die in a level).

All in all,though,this is a very fun game and one of the best platformers for the Playstation.The sequels are great,too.There's no excuse for not getting this game if you're a platforming fan as this game can now be purchased for $20.00 or less at most places.