Programmer critiques mechanics of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Andrew Gavin shared his perspective on the jumping mechanics in Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.

Programmer critiques Jump Mechanics in Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Andrew Gavin, the original lead programmer of Crash Bandicoot, recently criticized the N. Sane Trilogy remake on LinkedIn. He praised Vicarious Visions for capturing the essence and visuals of the original games. However, he highlighted significant flaws in how jumping mechanics were handled in the remake. Gavin explained that the original PlayStation game utilized a sophisticated system to manage jump height based on player input duration, providing a nuanced gaming experience. In contrast, the remake reverted to a simpler model that resulted in jump mechanics that he feels compromise the gameplay's precision.

Gavin's critique raises important questions about game design decisions in remakes. Although Vicarious Visions managed to preserve the visual style of the original, the failure to replicate its intricate mechanics could alienate fans of the franchise. This misstep highlights a growing trend in gaming where visual fidelity can overshadow critical gameplay features. Gamers increasingly expect that remakes will honor not just the aesthetics of beloved titles, but also the foundational mechanics that made them enjoyable.

Highlights

The reception of remakes like Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy depends not only on visuals but also on gameplay fidelity.