I've been catching up with PS1 games I missed out on as a kid and Crash Bandicoot is a surprisingly great early 3D platformer. The emphasis of the platforming comes down to controlling your momentum through different stage challenges. In some stages, the best way to progress is to keep your momentum up and rarely come to a complete stop. In other stages, suddenly stopping and starting your movement is critical to making it through more tricky challenges. It's platforming really sang for me when I could get into a groove of near-constant momentum.

There are also plenty of secrets which encourage going back to levels and exploring for hidden gems. Secret hunting made me want to try for the 100% ending. I enjoy the aesthetic of the environments, but portrayal of Aku Aku and the native population of the islands is pretty insensitive.

Favorite Tracks:

Boulders/Boulder Dash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XQqRHQGzjs&list=PLL-sMa2lHYj3YhYFZ38o-6VOu68I6vbom&index=6

The Lost City/Sunset Vista: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfRchCjbhBg&list=PLL-sMa2lHYj3YhYFZ38o-6VOu68I6vbom&index=11