Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy's Jump Mechanics Criticized by Original Developer Andrew Gavin

Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, the acclaimed remaster of the iconic PlayStation platformer series, remains a hot topic among Nintendo Switch and multi-platform gamers.

Developed by Vicarious Visions (now known as Blizzard Albany), the trilogy brought the nostalgia-filled adventures of Crash Bandicoot back to life with painstakingly updated visuals and new hardware performance.

Released in June 2017, the collection quickly garnered critical and commercial success across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and eShop, praised for its fidelity to the original level designs and animation. However, industry veteran Andrew Gavin, co-creator of developer Naughty Dog and a key figure behind the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy, recently shared insightful commentary on the remake’s design choices.

In a detailed reflection posted to LinkedIn, Gavin applauded Vicarious Visions for capturing the visual essence and spirit of the PlayStation classics.

"The N.Sane Trilogy successfully recreated nearly every aspect of the original games, especially the visual style and overall mood," Gavin said, noting the high standard set by the revamped graphics and animations. Yet, Gavin’s analysis also turned a critical eye to the trilogy’s core platforming mechanic: the jump controls.

He explained that while the original PlayStation games had to work within the constraints of digital input (no analog sticks or sensitivity), Naughty Dog innovated by programming a system that subtly measured the duration a player held the jump button.

This allowed precise, variable jump heights, essential for the game’s tight, challenging platforming.

"In the original, we devised a dynamic method that interpreted the player’s intent over a fraction of a second, translating digital input into surprisingly nuanced jumps," Gavin recounted. Conversely, Gavin observed that Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy abandoned this nuanced mechanic.

"The remake implemented fixed jump heights, resulting in jumps that feel larger and less controlled compared to the originals," he explained.

According to Gavin, since many of the game’s platforming segments required precise, shorter hops, the change made specific sequences feel more awkward and less satisfying—a rare case where modern hardware did not lead to a gameplay improvement. Despite his criticism of the platforming feel, Gavin emphasized his appreciation for the dedication and craftsmanship that Vicarious Visions brought to the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy.

He asserted, "Even with these mechanical changes, the passion and respect for the original trilogy are evident." Since its release, Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy has sold millions of copies worldwide and remains a favorite on the Nintendo Switch, where fans can experience all three remastered games both at home and on the go.

The trilogy stands as both a loving homage and a reminder that even advanced technology must carefully preserve the subtle design touches that defined classic gameplay.

For platforming purists and Crash newcomers alike, the N.Sane Trilogy offers a vibrant, nostalgic return—albeit with a jump that may feel a little different than you remember.

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