Best Crash in terms of replay value
User Rating: 8.5 | Crash Bandicoot 3: Buttobi! Sekai Isshuu (PSOne Books) PS
Crash Bandicoots greatly improves on the Crash Bandicoot formula, mixing elements from both the first and second game and then creating its own. Unlike the first game, this game more closely follows the second games approach with using warp rooms and collecting crystals to unlock new areas as well as the spaced bosses. However, it also increases the difficulty level a little so it isn't quite as simple as the second game and has more hidden areas. Overall it is very similar in gameplay to crash two, and it adds more abilities such as ability to triple spin and double jump and such, and there are more fun moments like motorcycle racing and dinosaur riding. The bosses are a lot more memorable and well-developed than the first two games, and everything feels overall more balanced. The storyline sticks close to the second game and cortex returns yet again. After beating a level you can also go back for the relic, which is a time limit you have to beat the level under. The secret stages are pretty fun once you get more gems and relics. Of course, the game isn't quite as strongly platform based as the first game, nor quite as difficult, but it does add much improvement. Level variety is decent but some levels feel like they get a little repetitive.
The graphics and sound are exactly on par with the rest of the series.
The replay is better than the first two due to the fact that you unlock fun secret levels and you can get relics and time yourself during levels. However, once you obtain all the gold relics and gems, this game has nothing left to really explore. Its still a pretty big leap from the first two games and has the most to do when you finish the main story. Now this game is by far not better than the first two in terms of enjoyability and nostalgia, I enjoyed all 3 games equally, but it does have slightly better replay value because of relics which is why it gets a slightly higher score than the first two games.
