DESCRIPTION

Thanks to Crash Bandicoot, the world was a seemingly safe place again. Dr. Neo Cortex had been defeated; his body confined to a realm of infinity and terminal velocity. Unfortunately, the mad doctor crash-landed into an unknown world full of mysterious crystals. After running some tests, he deduced that they held tremendous power, but something was severely wrong.

It turns out that the crystals keep the world balanced; but some are missing and will soon cause the planets to align. When this happens, there will be a chaotic flux in the galaxy that will do much more damage than it will good. In an attempt to save the world — you heard correctly — Dr. Neo Cortex decides to create a Cortex Vortex that will, in theory, prevent this catastrophe from happening.

Even more ironically, he calls upon his arch-nemesis Crash Bandicoot to help him collect 25 crystals for the vortex device. Whether or not this is a carefully hatched scheme to lure the bandicoot in a trap remains to be seen...thus is the premise behind Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back!

There are thirty-four brand-spanking new levels including enough lip-smacking bandicoot-hungry enemies to start an entire army! Some of the various locations players will journey through include space stations, traversing through waterfalls, running through mountainous terrain while avoiding boulders, and also a stint in Antarctica that could have you polarized. The evil Ripper Roo makes his grand return along with all new baddies such as Komodo Moe, the enormous Tiny, and one-time Cortex partner N. Brio.

Naughty Dog have also included a "level hub" system where players are given a choice of levels they can complete in any order before moving on. It features some helpful characters as well, such as Coco Bandicoot — Crash's brainy sister. Using the powers of her computer, she warns the adventurous bandicoot of any upcoming hazards and/or traps.

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back also supports analog controllers and the standard digital pad. Along with this, a new slide move has been added to give Crash the ability to quickly destroy opponents on the run without having to stop or lose progressive speed.

Will it be the double-cross of the century? Has Dr. Neo Cortex really gone to the side of good? Find out in Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back! But one thing is for sure — Crash Bandicoot is back, looking fitter and sexier than ever! ~ Brad Penniment, All Game Guide