Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

If the original 'Crash Bandicoot' blazed a trail through the jungle, 'Cortex Strikes Back' polished that path into something spectacular. Released barely a year later, it took everything the first game did and then elevated it with a newfound confidence, scope, and polish that cemented Naughty Dog's marsupial as PlayStation royalty.

The leap forward was immediate. Levels now branched into glacial caverns, toxic factories, and space-age laboratories, each infused with a richer, almost cinematic atmosphere. The camera work, still tightly controlled, felt more deliberate this time, framing moments of tension with the poise of a director rather than a designer. Crash's world no longer felt like a series of obstacle courses; it was a mischievous adventure film come to life, with you still sprinting headlong toward danger, now armed with belly flops, jetpacks, and a wry awareness that you were part of something grander.

For me, 'Cortex Strikes Back' deepened that early 'Crash' magic. It refined the chaos of the first game into rhythm: its pacing, its humour, even its tropical menace, all orchestrated with near-cinematic precision. It wasn't merely a sequel; it was a return to a world I'd first fallen into. Crash had matured, but without losing that manic sparkle that made us all fall in love with him the first time we picked up the controller.

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.

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.

I played this game during my trip to Texas. My cousin brought his Play Station to our hotel (We're almost 11! Except he's 1 month older). We played this a lot!!!! I stunk at this game for a while. Then I got the hang of it.

I've play the Crash Bandicoot games. They're fun.But CB2 is more fun!!!!

If you like video games with fun boss levels, wierd looking characters and 3D stuff, you'll LOVE this!

I know some people will say the original is beast and warped is the best but I believe the 2nd installment in the Crash series beats all. Even the if the new crash games are average, they still don't have the hype and enjoyment like this one.

Gameplay: 10/10 - The gameplay is by far excellent and there is nothing wrong with the controls. Everything is very stable and you can move crash or an animal around freely.

Landscape and Graphics: 9.5/10 - All the environments and textures and colours truly bring this game to life and when you instantly pop this into your play station, you will already have the feeling that you will love this game and that you will want to stay on it.

Music Score: 10/10 - The music in this game is very true to the gameplay, the Crash character and even to the game itself. Even other crash music came along in the other games, but this track will never be beaten. Being honest, playing and owning every crash game, i find that you will get the best music in this one! Overall and concluding, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back! is a very powerful and very playable game which will have you scoring to grab the crystals, restore the gems and kick Cortex's ass. Nuff said people.... 10/10!