Crash Bandicoot 2 refines the original formula with better levels, varied power-ups and balanced difficulty. Technically superior to the first, it retains the series' charm. An excellent 3D platformer and one of the most accomplished games on PS1.
Your verdict
Category
Platformer1 player3+
Description
Western sequel where Cortex fakes redemption to manipulate Crash into collecting crystals. Created by Naughty Dog and Sony Computer Entertainment, released in 1997 in Australia, Europe and the United States. Twenty-seven varied hub-based levels, polar bear and jet pack riding, bonus challenges with Coco Bandicoot and new attacks.
Crash Bandicoot 2 - Cortex Strikes Back review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Average"
Technical info
💾0,16 GB📅05/12/1997
Published by Sony Computer Entertainment
Crash Bandicoot 2 - Cortex Strikes Back (PS1) price, value & rarity
A sequel that refines the formula into a benchmark for the linear 3D platformer, often cited as the peak of the original trilogy. Its massive popularity keeps it common, so the interest rests mainly on its status as the mascot's most polished entry. Complete copies hold steady demand, carried by lasting attachment to the Naughty Dog series.
A cult cover
Crash returns crouched amid lush vegetation, crystals within paw's reach and a mischievous grin: the sequel flaunts richer settings and a tone as cartoonish as ever. Teeming greens and dynamic staging promise a widened playground. Sparkling and warm, it extends the mascot's charm without betraying it.
Is Crash Bandicoot 2 - Cortex Strikes Back still worth playing in 2026?
Crash Bandicoot 2 - Cortex Strikes Back, known as Cortex no Gyakushuu in Japan, refines the original formula with better levels, varied power-ups (notably the slide attack) and balanced difficulty. Technically superior to the first, Naughty Dog's title keeps the series charm while expanding the grammar. An excellent 3D platformer. An absolute classic today.
