Dunno why it gains so much hate. It has decent reviews in release days, combines best of MK3 and Prince of Persia mechanics plus it's lore heaven. Only thing that is annoying is that 'switch side' button - that move lasts too long and it's hard to not getting hit.
Lore that has since been retconned. You have less telegraphing than PoP, little to none of the best gameplay mechanics of MK3 (nor the actually fighting game parts), and awful hit detection. Also, are we suddenly taking game journos as an actual proof of quality? There are tons of games that are pretty poor to play nowadays that reviewed fairly well.
it's much more fun than Crap Bandicoot.
I'd take Crash's smooth control over Croc's crappy tank controls and mediocre level design any day of the week. But I suppose I never played Croc with Glide.
It's not as good as Die Hard Arcade (that one was only for monocled Saturn owners, not PSX peasants) but still it's hard to find better 3D beat'em up on Playstation (after Urban Chaos).
There are at least better beat 'em ups, though. And the 3D nature isn't even used that well, the camera is stiff, and you get less freedom than some 2D brawlers. I also never played Die Hard Arcade much, just that excellent sequel, Dynamite Cop.
More games:
Tearring Saga (Fire Emblem but on PS1, same creator, full good english TL)
Honestly, Spyro. The remakes aren't that good.
Tomba (for whatever reason euromen still call it Tombi despite being wrong) or Klonoa if you want 2.5D Platforming.
Alundra for a decent Zelda clone.
Wild Arms is one of my favorite JRPGs on PS1, next to Legend of Dragoon.
I don't think we need to mention the top 10s or whatever that most people mention. But at the very least, Metal Gear Solid is still great.