Evil old Crash has sustained a lobotomy surgery, and now he is friendly and totally harmless.
Seriously talking, it was a bad time, Crash had been a bit more easy than the previous editions, but there was no need to alter the game's character. Crash was supposed to be a challenge of precise controlling and synchronised movement. Now you stroll happily into the woods gathering thousands of "mojo" little balls, punching some hostile little goblins, and jacking big monsters, what is all the game is proud of. It couldn't be more childish.
On the other hand, if you have never played the PS Crash games, then you might actually find it enjoyable for some time, before you inevitably realise that it's a boring game. So, for those who have already bought it, put back quickly the cd into its case, and go find "Crash Bandicoot 3. Warped!" for PS, it's the best by far. Alternatively, I recommend "Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex" for PS2. One could say that it's an imitation of #3, but if you can't find the original, you 'll have to settle with the copy.