Crash Bandicoot solidified his status as a beloved icon of the PlayStation console during the PS1 era, thanks to an impressive trilogy of exceptional 3D platform games that consistently maintained a remarkably high standard of quality.
The games on PS2 are satisfactory, but it’s sorely missed that Naughty Dog isn’t in control anymore. Fortunately, Crash Bandicoot 4 made an impressive return, offering a challenging yet enjoyable platforming experience.
The Crash games stand out due to their vibrant characters, yet they wouldn’t be so memorable without exceptional level designs.
Keeping this thought in mind, let me share some outstanding games from the series that are sure to entice you into playing either the originals or the “N-Sane Trilogy”. In fact, the trilogy can be found on Game Pass, so there’s absolutely no reason left not to enjoy it!
Even though the list is arranged in order, the outstanding levels of Crash Bandicoot make it challenging to objectively rank them since most stages in these terrific games are quite good.
10. Slippery Climb
The Ass Kicker
The challenging stage “Slippery Climb” stands out in the original “Crash Bandicoot,” often ranked among the most difficult levels, trailing only behind “Sunset Vista” or “High Road.
As a thrill-seeker, I must say, what sets Slippery Climb apart is its chilling ambiance. It’s like treading the ominous ramparts of a haunting castle amidst the clamor of thunder and rain, always on guard against a plunge into oblivion. The stakes are high in this game, as it seems there’s quite a distance between safety nets.
As you progress through the level, jumps become increasingly tricky, making it tough to grab the Relic if you’re playing at high speed. I really enjoy the backstory associated with this one. Interestingly, Stormy Ascent, a level with a similar theme, was considered too difficult and excluded from the initial release.
Fortunately, Vicarious Visions fixed that in the N-Sane Trilogy!
9. Toxic Waste
It’s OK To Bob Your Head
Toxic Waste is a relentless obstacle course, consisting of tight passages, where even the slightest mistake can lead to being squashed by tumbling or rebounding drums.
For several reasons, I have a soft spot for Toxic Waste, but let’s delve into its soundtrack. It’s an amazing piece, significantly heavier than most tracks in the game. The soundtrack from the N-Sane Trilogy is simply outstanding and manages to uphold the original’s brilliance.
In this game, the authentic level stands out because you have to keep progressing despite barrels that are always rolling or jumping towards you. This results in some incredibly nerve-wracking leaps since you can’t pause for a moment due to hazardous sludge on both sides of the pathway.
8. Ruination
The Aztec Refined
The motif of Aztec culture holds a significant role within the universe of Crash Bandicoot. It’s prominently displayed across the initial two islands in the original game, even though certain levels may not fully capture its essence.
In Crash Bandicoot 2, you’ll find various settings, yet it revisits the Aztec theme with Ruination. The stage exhibits enhancement in every facet. Its design is imaginative, and the nocturnal setting amplifies the threat posed by the fiery perils.
As a devoted player, I can’t forget the captivating enemy pool from Crash 2. It’s home to both frilled lizards and bush babies – creatures that are equally adorable and unsettling. The stunning visuals, coupled with an infectious bouncy soundtrack, make this level one of the standouts in the game.
7. Orient Express
Running Levels Perfected
In the initial series of Crash Bandicoot video games, each title features its unique take on level designs that are similar to auto-running stages, during which you’re propelled forward on a creature without the ability to halt your progression.
In Crash 1, the hog stages are terrific, while the polar bear stages shine brilliantly in the sequel. However, the Orient Express stages seem to demonstrate all the skills and knowledge the team accumulated from their past projects.
In the game Orient Express, you assume the role of Coco, who travels on a charmingly small tiger over the majestic Great Wall of China. This scenario might seem absurd, yet it is, and the gameplay can be quite intense, particularly when you’re trying to win the challenging Time Trial Relic.
In a bustling environment, it seems that deaths occur equitably since the Tiger is swift and agile, making for an engaging experience. The scenery is stunningly beautiful, offering various paths if one can master the timing of their leaps.
6. Heavy Machinery
Feel The Burn
Many fans speak highly of Heavy Machinery in the original Crash Bandicoot and with good reason.
Heavy Machinery is set in a factory and is played almost entirely from a 2D perspective.
Dangers such as piping hot pipes and conveyor belts are introduced at an appropriate pace, offering numerous imaginative methods to add excitement to the setting.
The stage is expansive as well, featuring suspended platforms that guide you further into the factory, unveiling fresh obstacles along the way. Every aspect of Crash’s toolkit, including precise jumps and timing, is put to the test. Moreover, there’s an extra challenge called the N.Brio Bonus Stage for those who wish to truly prove their skills.
5. Unbearable
The Perfect Combination
Any Crash Bandicoot collection wouldn’t feel right without a classic chase level, where you dash forward while relying heavily on your quick reactions.
In many levels, a boulder pursues Crash, but in Unbearable, they swap that lethal rolling ball with an enraged giant polar bear instead! This fierce polar bear is way more exciting than the boulder, and tracking down the Relic on this stage is loads of fun.
Instead, you take the valuable baby polar bear as your mount for the concluding part of the contest in a thrilling battle between large and small. It’s an unforgettable stage during Crash Bandicoot 2, undoubtedly the best in the third warp room.
4. Off Beat
The Modern Choice
Crash Bandicoot 4 faced a significant challenge, as it followed in the footsteps of the original games and the remastered N-Sane Trilogy, and needed to surpass the quality of the PlayStation 2 games that came before.
Luckily, Toys for Bob managed to meet the task with “It’s About Time”. Although I find the level designs of the earlier games more appealing, I must acknowledge the inventiveness found in some of the newer stages.
Off Beat stands out as an exemplary display of ingenuity, with its captivating city/carnival setting filled with spectral trumpet players and acrobats juggling fish on unicycles! The stage earns its place on the list for several reasons. One notable aspect is that many elements synchronize with the music, which subtly incorporates rhythm game mechanics without feeling contrived.
As a diehard Crash Bandicoot enthusiast, I must say that this stage is undeniably one of the most visually striking levels in the entire franchise for me. Not only does it boast an enchanting design, but it also offers an incredibly challenging experience for those who aim to smash every box.
3. The Eel Deal
Worse Than Drowning
The Eel Deal forces Crash into a confined, terrifying labyrinth of pipes, with invincible electric eels making each body of water lethal.
The Eel Deal traps Crash within a narrow, panic-inducing network of pipes, as indestructible electric eels convert every water pool into a deadly pitfall.
The course could be considered a bit complex but it does divide at multiple points. If your goal is to collect the Gem, you might need to retrace your steps. Towards the final part of the game, the usual gameplay mechanics alter as well. In this section, Crash needs to cling onto railings and dodge relentless metal sentinels that seem to glare menacingly as he swings by.
The Sewer levels could potentially receive a slightly higher rating from me due to them featuring my preferred soundtrack within the game. However, this is a stage that I find myself replaying frequently, and I value the diversity in gameplay styles it offers.
2. Future Tense
Let Vicarious Visions Cook
The “N-Sane Trilogy” showcases meticulously revamped stages, which clearly demonstrate the dedication of a fervent development team to preserve what made the originals so cherished. Moreover, the talent of the level designers is evident, as demonstrated by Future Tense.
In the Trilogy, Future Tense stands out as the unique original part, sharing the same location as Gone Tomorrow from Crash Bandicoot Warped, but during daytime. The stage is extended and more difficult than most, yet it doesn’t drag on excessively.
To conquer the stage, Crash needs all his equipment, and some intriguing secrets are cleverly concealed within it. What captivates me most is the application of mirrors, reminiscent of the Ice levels in Crash 2, but they work brilliantly here. The main drawback is that I’d be thrilled to pay for more stages like this one.
1. Dino Might!
No Animal Is Safe From Bandicoot Rides
In the game Crash Bandicoot 3, the ancient marshlands stand out as notable levels, despite the fact that the rotating fish adversaries appear somewhat incongruous.
Dino Might delivers an enjoyable blend of the elements that make Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped such a cherished memory. It features 3D platforming along with engaging 2D scrolling segments, plus an exhilarating chase scene where you encounter a Triceratops!
I particularly enjoy the baby dinosaur in Dino Might! as a mount that allows me to leisurely traverse levels. Unlike other rideable creatures in the series, this one is not hindered by obstacles such as tall grass, which typically impedes progress when traveling on foot.
This stage isn’t the most challenging, but it offers a mix of various elements and is incredibly fun if your goal is to achieve the Platinum Relic.
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2025-03-28 16:10