Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

2017

platform
action
fantasy
science fiction
single player

The story

A remake of Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back found in the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy collection. Not to be confused with the actual bundle.

What it’s like

Bright, saturated tropical color drives this one: sun-warm jungle canopies, turquoise water, sandy beaches, and icy blue caverns, all rendered with a glossy, rounded cartoon polish that keeps the original's chunky proportions. Camera sits behind the orange marsupial in a steady third-person follow, with the occasional sweep through a vehicle stage, a jetski blasting over waves or a hoverboard skimming a track. The soundtrack is bouncy orchestral-pop with bright brass and tinkling xylophone, and the sound design is crisp and punchy, with every crate smash and spin attack landing with a satisfying pop. The vibe is sunny, playful nostalgia. It suits a Saturday afternoon on the couch, a focused evening session, or revisiting childhood favorites. Pacing is brisk and precise: levels reward careful timing, and quick respawns keep failure feeling light rather than punishing. Violence is cartoonish and bloodless, with enemies flipping away or dissolving, and nothing here is frightening, sexual or cruel. The emotional register stays upbeat and goofy, following a hero whose confidence grows with each leap. It's made for platforming fans who enjoy tight controls and colorful worlds, and for anyone wanting something gentle with a clear sense of accomplishment.

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