The world’s most reckless marsupial is back, and he’s got a score to settle!
Crash Bandicoot was a grand slam in 1996. The following year, they would CRASH the party yet again, with Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back. Naughty Dog knew they had something special, they wanted to deliver something bigger and better. Crash 2 is what basically cemented ND as the cool new kid on the block. This is a direct sequel to the original, as it literally picks up right after Cortex’s defeat at the end of the first game. The mad scientist CRASHES (okay I’ll stop) into a cave and discovers a new power source for his machines- ancient crystals. However, due to his crushing defeat in the previous title, he has NO allies left. Cortex is not discouraged, if he has no friends left for the mission, he must find…..an enemy. He captures our favorite orange marsupial and tells him that an alignment of planets soon to occur will unleash a force strong enough to destroy the world … DUN DUN DUN!. The crystals are the only method to contain the blast. Cortex says he has turned over a new leaf and needs Crash’s help to gather the crystals and save the world. Can Crash gather the crystals in time? Can he save the world? Has Cortex really reformed? (spoiler– no, of course not).Â
Crash 2, like its predecessor, is a 3D platformer. But Naughty Dog knew they couldn’t just repackage the original and call it a day. Not only does this game improve upon the original, I dare say it perfected Crash. The original game, while good, was about as smooth as pushing a shopping cart with a missing wheel on a brick road. This game oiled out all the kinks. Crash moves and plays fluidly and controls fantastically. Being able to control him with the analog stick in a 3D environment feels much more natural. However, you can still use the D-pad for the side-scrolling sections or just in general if you’re a neanderthal and that’s what you prefer (to each their own). Crash’s moveset has also been expanded – A belly flop to break open harder crates and a slide jump. The slide jump is particularly welcomed, now you can jump farther and higher. This makes platforming feel much more polished and forgiving.Â
Instead of moving in a straight line to progress, your hub is now a warp room. You can do the levels in any order you please. The gameplay is much more refined and just doing a basic playthrough is actually fairly easy compared to the first game. For all the completionists, you’re much more in luck. Gathering the gems is nowhere near as agonizing as Crash 1. All you have to do is break all the boxes and dying this time around does not penalize you. With that being said, 100% completing this game, while easier, is far from a vegemite sandwich. There are 42 gems in total and come in 2 – regular and colored. Like I mentioned before, most of the regular gems simply require breaking the boxes. The colored gems and some regular ones require a bit more… For example, obtaining a secret gem would require finishing a timed vehicle level or getting through a level WITHOUT breaking any boxes. Secret levels are introduced and lead to the colored gems. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any inconspicuous ledges or platforms. Other secret gems can be found in death routes, to access them you have to get to a certain point in the level without dying – you didn’t think they’d make it that easy did you? The bosses in this game, while creatively designed, are by no means a challenge. In fact, the final boss, in my opinion, is one of the worst and laziest I’ve ever seen. A huge blemish in what is otherwise a phenomenal product.
Crash 2 is one of the best sequels to any game ever made. The polished gameplay and design has helped this game age like fine wine. Naughty Dog stepped up their game as they always have and delivered a superior product all across the board. The original version of this is sadly not available for modern consoles, but thankfully, Vicarious Visions took pity on us and gave the phenomenal N.Sane Trilogy for modern audiences. Original or remake, this is a great game that more than warrants revisiting. Collect the crystals, gather the gems and show Cortex whose boss….again.
*Spin Attack*
Fil
Verdict: 9/10
https://crashbandicoot.fandom.com/wiki/Crash_Bandicoot_2:_Cortex_Strikes_Back
https://opencritic.com/game/4131/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy