Criticism of Crash Bandicoot remakes surfaces

Andrew Gavin, co-creator of Crash Bandicoot, comments on the remake's key issues.

Crash Bandicoot co-creator criticizes jump mechanics in remakes

Andrew Gavin, a key figure in the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy's development at Naughty Dog, recently shared his views on the remake trilogy. In a LinkedIn post, he expressed disappointment with the jump mechanics in Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, which launched in 2017. Although he praised the remakes for their visual fidelity and faithfulness, Gavin stated that the jump controls were fundamentally flawed, a serious issue for a platforming game. He noted that the remakes use fixed-height jumps instead of the more complex system employed in the original, which allowed for varied jump heights based on how long players pressed the button. This change leads to awkward jumps and detracts from the gameplay experience, even with modern graphics.

Gavin's critique highlights how small design choices can greatly impact gameplay. He emphasizes the original game's nuanced jumping system, which responded dynamically to player inputs. This feedback underscores a broader conversation about game design, where the details that developers sometimes overlook can greatly influence player satisfaction. While the visuals of the N.Sane Trilogy impress, the stagnation of gameplay mechanics raises questions about creativity and importance in the gaming industry. If remakes do not preserve the essential elements that make these games enjoyable, they risk alienating both fans and newcomers alike.

Highlights

This critique reminds developers of the importance of preserving core mechanics in remakes.