Crash Bandicoot
2- Cortex Strikes Back
It's very rare that I will go
ahead and buy a new CD for a game when one gets worn out. I just have this
thing about re-paying for something that I had already paid for. It would
have to be a pretty awesome game for me to pay-again.
Well, I paid again for Crash Bandicoot 2. Me and my son played this game so much that it got completely worn out. This is only the second time this has happened in recent memory (The other was with Need for Speed III). To me, this in itself shows how good a game this is.
Crash 2, here's the story: After his defeat by Crash in the first game, Dr. Neo Cortex is back. This time though he wants to redeem himself, and save the world from the horrendous sun flare doom that is currently on it's way. Dr. Cortex, and his infamous old colleague Dr. N. Gin, begin to develop a new crystal powered Cortex Vortex that will capture the stellar energy, and harmlessly dissipate it. However, they need 25 crystals to provide the necessary power matrix. There's only one hero with any chance of getting the crystals.....It's Crash, and he's back to help his arch enemy Neo Cortex. Is this the beginning of a new life for Cortex?, or is it just an evil plot to lure Crash into a deadly trap. Only time, and gameplay, will tell.
So
that's it, the adventure begins. Now you must guide Crash through level
after level collecting crystals and gems. As in the first Crash, you
break crates, and boxes to collect Wompa fruit, while avoiding the level
hazzards and enemies which include: Ardvarks, turtlesm eagles, seals, and
an assortment of other creatures. Crash must overcome many obstacles before
he completes his adventure.
If
your unfamiliar with the Crash series, it's a hybrid 3D/2D adventure to
destroy your enemies, and collect crystals. It is 3D, but unlike
Super Mario in the sense that you cannot go anywhere. You are stuck to
a singular path although there is multiple branching (especially in Crash
2).
I won't explain Crash (1) in depth here, but I will say Crash 2 improves upon it's predessor in almost every way. There are more path, more enemies, more puzzles, bigger levels, hidden bonuses, new moves, and everything else you could imagine. It even has surfing, jetpacks, jetboards, and wild boars to ride. I tell ya, this game is Fun!!
Crash
2, not unlike Crash, is a graphical masterpiece. The shadows, light sourcing,
effects, and animation are all done to near perfection. You won't find
a much better looking game on any system, nor will you find a more highly
animated well done character. After all, this is the game that Sony uses
to sell systems.
The music is very well done, and highly ketchy. These tunes will be running through your head day in and day out after you play the game.
The game is hugh!! I made it to about 22%, and finally gave up. I probably would've finished it but my 6 year old son wouldn't give me the chance. He played just about all day, every day, when he could. I think he liked it so much that he beat it several times.
I
especially like the little touches like riding the wild boars, or flying
on jet packs. Well done, and pure fun. This game is cool because there
is always something a little different to do, yet it still remains the
same game. It never gets stale or boring. Doesn't seem to matter that it's
not a true 3D adventure. Heck, it's even analog compatible. Definetely
a plus. Control is near perfect.
The warp rooms are a great addition. They not only provide a way to re-do levels that you may have missed something in, but they also keep this game from being too linear (which is a major problem in most games like this).
To wrap it up, I'll just say that Crash 2 is one great game!! If you own a Playstation, or are thinking of getting one, I suggest you purchase this title. You can't go wrong with it.
RATINGS
GRAPHICS 98%
SOUND 98%
GAMEPLAY 98%
ORIGINALITY 95%
REPLAY VALUE 95%
OVERALL 97%
