After having plunged into the sequel to last year’s smash hit, Crash Bandicoot, I can easily say that this will be the shortest review I have ever written. Why, you ask? Because this is without a doubt the most beautiful, playable, and enjoyable action platform game I have ever seen.

Graphically, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is splendid; loaded with beautiful colors, textures, and all the eye candy one can handle. This is one of the most beautiful games ever created for any system... ever! From the puffs of smoke billowing from Crash’s frozen mug in the ice/snowbound levels, to the footprints in the snow, right on to the reflections in the ice as he skates around dangerous TNT crates, Crash 2 exemplifies the commingling of art and function. If a video game could receive a globally recognized award for its artwork, Crash 2 would be the Noble equivalent. Strong words? I’m not kidding. This game is beautiful!

In the gameplay department, Crash has been endowed with a number of new abilities. New this year is crawling, body slamming, sliding, high jumping, long jumping, and burrowing. These are in addition to the original jumping and spinning moves that made Crash famous. The enemy variety has been augmented as well. In the previous version of Crash, most enemies could be bounced upon or spun into to be “taken out.” In Crash Bandicoot 2, you will have to be a bit more selective and careful in your method of attack, as enemies have been adorned with various attack defeating armament. Turtles bearing spikes on the perimeter of their shells require jumping onto, where as other turtles have “topside” blades (reminiscent of a circular saw) that require a slide attack into the vulnerable part of the shell.

Crash now has some other abilities in his arsenal. He can use a jet pack, ride a jet ski, and still have an affinity for riding the animal life; to mention a few. This greatly varies the gameplay of Crash 2, causing the game to feel less of a warmed-over version of the first. The game is played out through the implementation of a “Warp Room,” in lieu of the Island format previously used. The effects used to animate Crash’s decent into the various levels from the Warp Room are “Marvelous... absolutely Marvelous!” The bonus level layouts are much improved, while remaining challenging, yet not frustrating.

I recall that it was one of the many Mario titles that caused me to begin enjoying the run-jump-bounce gameplay that is the classic platform game. Back then, however, I was not a very good gamer. I quickly tired of constantly losing once I had progressed in the game past my level of ability, which did not take long. Nonetheless, what parts of the game I could defeat, I enjoyed. With each and every installment, I would plunk down my hard earned money for the sequel. Normally to be stymied after a few solid hours of intense gameplay. Despite my lack of ability with the genre, I still enjoyed the experience.

Crash Bandicoot 2 serves to solve this problem for those who’ve shared in these frustrations. This is accomplished by a system that watches how and where you progress and excel. If the game detects a pattern of failure at given points or areas, the power-up allotment is adjusted to provide the gamer with additional material in the form of extra lives, or Aku Aku crates. This little boost of invulnerability, or extra life, is usually just what the Witch Doctor ordered to get through a tough spell. This, in and of itself, is the single most important improvement of the series, because the game maintains a more balanced level of difficulty dependent on the player’s ability. People who never finish platform games due to non-adjustable difficulty will find Crash 2 a very appealing and rewarding experience.

Add to all of this the fact that Crash 2 is one of many new titles to make use of the Sony Dual Analog Pad (SDAP). And, it is implemented very well indeed. I have basically found that the pad is the control method of choice when navigating the standard levels. I switch to digital control while in bonus areas, as they are usually side-scrolling, and I find that I tend to stay on course better. I then simply switch back to analog upon being returned to the actual level. This doesn’t cause any problems for the configuration because the SDAP zeros itself out each time the analog controller is activated. And, while Crash Bandicoot 2 provides an analog setup screen, it seems unnecessary when using Sony’s device. I don’t yet have a Barracuda, and am unaware if it clears itself in the same manner of Sony’s pad or not.

Anyway, I began this review by saying how short it would be, only to find that I have had much more to say than expected. I could have praised this game for its accomplishments in one or two paragraphs, but that simply would not have done this game and its enhancements any real justice. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, while not genre defining, is truly fresh and new in many ways. Any person owning a PlayStation that has given the platform genre a try, and found them with much to be desired, should at least give Crash 2 a test spin (no pun intended). Those, like me, who like this style of gameplay, but have trouble in later levels, will find this game much more forgiving. And, for you tried and true platformer veterans... Crash 2 are a ride on the wild side that you will be hard pressed to find fault with. So whether you rent or purchase Crash Bandicoot 2, you owe it to yourself to experience the finest platform game yet made. Mario... eat your heart out!