3/5 ★ – Supergamerguy's review of Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back.

This is alright, I guess. There's a lot of novelty here, in both the level design and the animation. The formula of introducing a simple level at the beginning of the game and adding one new enemy or obstacle every world is an admirable attempt to make the most of Crash's typical shtick, but it does have most level types blur together when it's all said and done. Expressive characters and enemies add much-needed charm to this game as well, but the 3D is (unsurprisingly) jagged and unfinished-looking by modern standards. Can't deny that this game is much more approachable and balanced than Crash 1, however, so credit where credit's due. Despite the noticeable improvements on the first game (the slide was a welcome surprise), I still don't know if this really warrants a playthrough, even if it's not one you should avoid at all costs. It's good for fans of the series, but it pales in comparison to even other platformers of the era (like Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie), let alone the bazillions of quality titles released in the almost three decades since. Can't recommend this one, especially for the bland music and horrible soundfont. Get that outta' heeeeeeeeeeere