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Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

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The evil Dr. Neo Cortex is back with a vengeance .. this time ... to save the world? And he's asking for helo from his arch-nemesis, Crash Bandicoot? Or is it just some conniving plan to lure Crash into a deadly trap for his own evil bidding? Find out as Crash takes on a whole new adventure that'...

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Developer
Naughty Dog

Released on
1997

Size
1 Player

Version
PlayStation

Requirements
Sony Playstation

Downloads
Action

Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment

ESRB Rating
E - Everyone

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Description

The evil Dr. Neo Cortex is back with a vengeance .. this time … to save the world? And he’s asking for helo from his arch-nemesis, Crash Bandicoot? Or is it just some conniving plan to lure Crash into a deadly trap for his own evil bidding? Find out as Crash takes on a whole new adventure that’s out of this world!

Taking place on a fictional group of islands near Australia, Crash Bandicoot 2 follows the adventures of the anthropomorphic bandicoot Crash. Crash is abducted by series villain Doctor Neo Cortex, who has seemingly turned over a new leaf and wants to save the world. Crash is thrust into several parts of N. Sanity Island in order to gather Crystals that will allow Cortex to contain the power of an upcoming planetary alignment and keep the planet from being destroyed. Crash is joined by his sister Coco, who is suspicious of Cortex’s true intentions, and by Doctor Nitrus Brio, who tries to persuade Crash to gather Gems instead of Crystals.

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back received generally positive reviews from critics and was considered to be superior to its predecessor. Much of the praise went to the game’s graphics, control and music, with major criticisms varying between the trial-and-error gameplay, lack of level variety, easy boss levels and lack of innovation. The game went on to become one of the best-selling PlayStation video games of all time and replaced its predecessor as the highest-selling Western title in Japan at the time, selling more than 800,000 units in the country by April 1998. A remastered version was included in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy collection, released on the PlayStation 4 in June 2017.

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Overview & History

Released by Sony Computer Entertainment in 1997 for the original PlayStation, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back refined the groundbreaking 3D platforming blueprint established by its predecessor. Developed by Naughty Dog, the narrative kicks off with the supposedly reformed villain, Dr. Neo Cortex, apparently saved from his fiery doom in the first game. He enlists our marsupial hero Crash to gather 25 hidden Crystals scattered across various warped planetary zones, claiming it is the only way to harness enough energy to save the Earth from an impending planetary alignment. Little does Crash know, his cunning sister Coco and the sinister Dr. N. Gin are trying to warn him that Cortex actually plans to enslave humanity using the Cortex Power-stone Vortex. Pushing the limits of arcade-style precision platforming, this sequel introduced smoother progression via the central hub known as the Time Twister Room, secret exits, and rideable mechanical mounts, cementing its legacy as a golden-age platforming masterpiece.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike traditional side-scrollers, the gameplay utilizes a signature dynamic "z-axis" perspective where Crash frequently runs directly toward or away from the camera, dodging massive rolling boulders, snapping carnivorous plants, and subterranean hazards. The control set expands Crash's repertoire significantly beyond the basic spin and jump: players can now slide across slippery surfaces, execute a body slam to smash through reinforced crates, high-jump by bouncing off an enemy mid-spin, and crawl through tight spaces. Levels are split into linear zones packed with Wumpa fruit, TNT and Nitro crates, and elusive bonus rounds hosted by Cortex's rival, Dr. Nitrus Brio. Navigation varies wildly, with levels forcing players to ride polar bear cub Pura through bamboo forests, strap on a jetpack through zero-gravity space stations, or flee from giant rampaging dinosaur fossils in pitch-black caves, demanding sharp reflexes and perfect timing to achieve 100% completion.