Jak and Daxter is a fantastic trilogy, especially 2 and 3 which aren't pure platformers. Many people prefer the "more pure" 1 but I found it simplistic and didn't play it much so my opinion on it is incomplete (and I'm not a big fan of pure platformers). I enjoyed Jak much more than Crash. For me it's Spyro > Crash. Jak > Ratchet.

I couldn't get into Ratchet or Sly (having only played the first games, and barely), but millions loved them so they're worth checking out.

Actually was meaning to respond to Curl’s response, but yeah, this hit it on the head for me. I had an absolute blast playing through N’sane Trilogy, but It’s About Time just never clicked for me. Maybe I’ll have to give it another shot pne day, but hearing all the complaints regarding 100% completion (which I’d argue is essential to do whenever playing a Crash game, as that’s where 90% of the challenge comes from), I’ve decided to leave the game untouched at least for the foreseeable future. Though my mind could be changed.

Also on the note of 90s platforming mascots: Already through Spyro 1 & 2, and 38% through Spyro 3: YotD. Easily some of the most platforming fun I’ve ever had! Wow. I liked Astro Bot (PS5), but man, these 90s trilogies are just untouchable (besides by, well, Nintendo ofc).

If I'm not mistaken, in Crash 4, there are 6 gems in each level. 3 of them you get by collecting enough Wumpa fruits, one of them is a secret gem, other you get by finishing the level without dying three times, and the last gem you get by destroying all crates. And there's still the Relic.

This is just too much for me. Crash 2 and Crash 3 were perfect on the matter.

The gameplay and level design is absolutely outstanding. I don’t know if there are too many collectibles, but they are definitely way too hard to get. I had a blast when I finally gave up on 100 % and just made my way through the game. It is one of the hardest games I have ever any-percented, I can’t even imagine how tough it would be to 100 %.

Yeah I didn't play Crash 4 to 100% it, I just played it to get to the end, and in doing so I had an amazing time.

The way I see it, if a completionist approach isn't the best way to play it, then just don't play it that way. Just kick back and play it casually.

Can't go wrong with the original PS2 trilogies.

Sly, Jak, and Ratchet each gave me some of my most memorable gaming moments as a kid. I think Ratchet would be my favorite with how consistent each entry is when it comes to releases. But I always liked Sly Cooper the most when talking strictly about that PS2 era of gaming. That said, I have yet to start Astro Bot, and I think it could completely change my opinion on this lol.