Review of Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

After the 2D Sonic games of the early and mid-nineties (which I was addicted to on the verge of obsession back then), Crash Bandicoot was the next step up. The levels are 3D, but are on a 2D pathway. The result is non-stop action. The plot of this game involves Dr Neo Cortex, a power-mad scientist, who fools Crash into collecting crystals for him (there is one in each section of each level) to power his latest weapon. To collect the crystals and ultimately face Cortex, Crash must make his way through varied levels which are filled with dangers such as slippery arctic environments, ruined temples, laboratories, deep pits full of giant rodents and many more. You even have the chance to ride polar bears and fly through danger with the help of a jet-pack. The game benefits from imaginative design of both levels and characters. Crash himself is the bandicoot answer to Stan Laurel. He is forever grinning, which is amazing considering his Hardy is his younger but tyrannical sister. There are also varied bosses, and humour abounds throughout the game.