Crash Bandicoot 2

Crash Bandicoot 2 consists of three styles of gameplay, similar to the original game. First of all, the majority of Crash Bandicoot 2's levels consist of sections where you run into the screen jumping over holes, dodging enemies, leaping moving platforms, collecting apples and so on. These are fully 3D, but your routes are predetermined. The second style of gameplay involves running out of the screen whilst being chased by something big, bad and deadly. These sections are nothing short of brilliant - one of the best scenes entails controlling a frantic Crash as he flees a massive polar bear that trashes the level as it rampages after the panicking Bandicoot. Not only do you have to worry about the bear, but you also have to dodge smaller enemies, jump over pits, smash down fences and slide under electric barriers.

The final style of play, a more traditional side view, is largely reserved for the frequent bonus levels. Every five levels you have to confront a boss, all of which are very well designed and require a variety of skills to dispose of. It's refreshing to find a game that actually employs interesting and varied bosses at regular intervals. These different styles of viewpoint add variety to Crash Bandicoot 2, but ultimately can't disguise the fact that its gameplay is relatively simple. However, this doesn't really matter. Who cares if it's unoriginal, if there are no new ideas, and if the 3D is used more for graphical glitter than anything else? It can't take away from the fact that Crash Bandicoot 2 is immensely enjoyable, particularly for younger gamers.

If you've got Crash Bandicoot 1, then be prepared to be disappointed by Crash 2. It's more or less the same game with a new lick of paint. However, if you don't own the original Crash Bandicoot, then this is a great game to get. The level of detail is breathtaking with colourful and well-designed 3D models, the lighting effects are sensational and the animation is equally as accomplished. Crash's facial expressions are superb, the baddies all have distinctive features and the cut scenes with messages from Dr. Cortex are fantastic. The simple gameplay is immensely enjoyable and the presentation is on a par with anything seen on the Playstation to date. Still, it would have been nice to see something new.