I kind of agree with you but maybe the breaks in 2/3 make other people appreciate the platforming more. 2 didn’t deviate from platforming too much and had really cool stuff like fusing chase sequences into levels with more platforming though. I think 3 is really good but it’s too gimmicky and without the time trials it would be a huge letdown.
Plus better controls in the later games, I don’t have an issue with the controls in 1 at all but they’re definitely more rudimentary so I can see how people would find them awkward.
I actually prefer this to 2 and 3. Aside from the atmosphere and buildup to the ending, obviously the level design was much more experimental, and I honestly feel like it has a super unique charm because of that. Every level in 1 sticks out in my memory, more than the other games, even though I grew up with 2 and 3. They all feel unique and it’s only in this game you could have funny stuff like The Great Hall. I really like the pace of not only the levels but the game overall. 2 isn’t that far behind though. 3 is still good but too inconsistent compared to the others. Also I actually don’t mind the save system in 1 whatsoever, pretty much every level gives you a chance to save and I honestly think people are just bad at 3d platformers if they think this is that hard lol.
It's always confused me why this isn't unambiguously considered the best of the first three of this reason. It's just the good part.