Crash Bandicoot was Sony’s first big real hit, and
helped bring the PlayStation to a wider audience.
Younger gamers took to it especially, with its
bright, hi-res graphics and solid, Mario-like
gameplay. Although it was somewhat chided in
the press for not taking enough chances with new
ideas, it was a hit with the public.
A sequel was inevitable, so Sony again rounded
up the talents of Naughty Dog to make them
another hit. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes
Back is a logical extension of the first, and while it
may not offer radically different gameplay, it will
be instantly playable by anyone who even
touched the first.
The new game will keep the multiple perspectives
(sidescrolling, third-person) in the levels, but it has
widened the 30 plus levels somewhat. There are
also now more branching paths. The bonus
screens have been hidden within the levels,
making them seem more integrated.
Crash himself has a ton of new moves, aside from
his familiar jump and spin dash. Now he can dive,
slide, wade in water, climb, and super jump. He’s
as easy to control as ever, and is made even
better when using the analog pad.
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back has all
the right elements, but whether it will be as big as
hit as the first remains to be seen.
