Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Crash 2 basically takes everything good from the first game and expands upon it with new characters, levels, bosses, everything was improved and polished to a sheen. Gameplay wise it retains the simple and effective linear stages but this time gives a hub world and lets you choose the order in which you progress. Each level has a crystal needed for progression and has a certain number of boxes you can break for an optional gem. Each level has its own boss that offers a different challenge from the last.

The graphics and animation: Dated by modern standards but its important to note how much personality crash has in his design and animations because it speaks to the core of how to properly create a video game character. The little hump dances he does when he wins help illustrate his goofy personality, crash has the demeanor of a goofball but with all the subtlety of a tom and jerry cartoon. The fun nature of crash helps balance out the hilariously violent death animations which see crash being disintegrated, flattened, electrocuted, eaten, you name it but it never gets old or stops being funny.

The controls: crash 2 introduces the slide which can be chained into a jump in order to gain momentum, it can also be used to hit enemies which makes movement a very smooth experience. Its very easy to get a grip on because of how simple it is but it also helps that the controls by themselves are very responsive and tight, you can tell a lot of time was put into how they feel. The new addition of analog functionality was also a welcomed addition that really took advantage of the ps1 hardware.

The music: Fantastic. All you need to know about the music for crash 2 is that it perfectly fits the tone and describes what the game is going for, a unique absurdity that only the lovers of cartoon level goofiness' can understand. Just listen to the title theme, its impossible not to smile while hearing it.

The characters and voice acting: Clancy Brown is(once again) phenomenal as Cortex, he gives off a lex luthor vibe without taking himself too seriously, he makes a great villain. The other characters are mostly completely new designs, the most notable being N gin and Polar with returning ones like nitrous brio and crash's sister. All these characters are great performances for what they are and most importantly fit the world they are put in.

Crash 2 reaches dizzying heights yet Naughty Dog makes it all seem so effortless and that's what true style is. I have a ton of respect for all of the developers who made this game possible. All killer no filler.

Crash Bandicoot 2 is one of those games that has one playing for hours. The bosses are fun, and Crash gets to ride bears on some levels. The only annoyances are the levels are the same and some parts are extremely hard to beat. Overall this game is very good.

Let me start off by saying, that I am a HUGE fan of Naughty Dog's Crash Bandicoot games. 1, 2, warped, CTR, and CB are all pretty sweet games. But overall, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is my favorite of them all. Let me tell you why.

1) The Levels: Overall, this game has twenty-five levels of non stop fun. Though elements from the first game were used, there were new level types such as taking a jetpack and travelling through a space ship, and old elements were reinvented as well. For example, you run from a boulder in the first one. In the second one, you run from a huge polar bear. Pretty sweet and fun levels.

2) The challenges: Now believe me when I say that this game is freakin hard at times. At least, if you wish to get a 100% finish. Multiple traps, tricks, secret passage ways, if you want it all, be prepared to look around quite a bit. Well, not a bit. A lot!!! For example, you know those nitro boxes that you can't touch? Well in a level, there is a pile of them, set up to look like stairs. You can actually hop on those ones and not blow up. Get to the top of the pile and you end up in a secret warp room. I'm sure you wouldn't think about diving in a hole and uncovering a bonus room. Yup, very challenging.

3) The Characters: We are introduced to some of the Major characters in the series. Coco Bandicoot, Crash's lil sis, N. Gin, and Tiny Tiger. We also get to see Ripper Roo again. One of the particular bosses didn't last. The komodo bros. I think they were in CTR, but that's it.

Overall (Yeah, I use that word a lot) This game is freaking awesome! 10 out of 10, baby! Favorite and best Crash Bandicoot game ever!!!

CRASH BANDICOOT 2: Cortex Strikes Back! (1997) is one of the greatest Crash sequels, brought to players by Naughty Dog (Crash, Jak and Daxter, Last of Us). Crash 2 is the game that I played for hundreds of hours as a child, and it still holds a very strong and special place in my heart. The nostalgic force is strong with this one.

"Crash Bandicoot is on an adventure to collect crystals and help Dr. Neo Cortex save the world, or so it seems."

The game is a puzzle platformer, and has excellent level designs, characters, boss fights, and story. The level become progressively more challenging as the game goes on. The music and sounds effects are iconic and so well done. This game has such a great, unforgettable OST.

Crash Bandicoot 2 is by far one of the greatest games of all time, in my humble opinion, and my personal favorite in the series.

I got this game along with Sony PlayStation 1 for Christmas in 1997 when I was seven years old. I always loved that PS1 game. It is one of my favourite PS1 games of all time and it is my favourite Crash Bandicoot game in the series of all time as well. It has nice graphics, great gameplay and catchy music. I kinda missed playing it. I'd really love to play it again someday.

I have it on PS4 as its remastered version in Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. Its remastered version looks incredible. I like its both original and remastered versions. I cannot prefer so who cares which one is better anyway?!

It's probably one of the best PS1 games of all time.