Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back Review - Quickies Don't Cut It

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Writing, editing & narrating: Michael Hardeman
Game creation: Naughty Dog
Logo designs: ''RomyvdHel'', Specter Salmon & ''Ollie''
Thumbnail help: ''Ollie''
Crash Bandicoot © Activision
All music & imagery © to their respective owners

[@JsReviews]

Awesome review as always, you're production values are unmatched!

[@RetropolisZone]

So is your grammar! Jk mate. Thanks a lot! Though I would suggest you check out a channel called ''Rerez''; *his* production values are unmatched!

[@ln5321]

Ah, that music in the opening seconds of the video. I'm 9 years old again. Oh, and good video as always!

[@RetropolisZone]

Crash 2's and 3's title themes are so nostalgic man! Every time I hear them I am taking right back. Thank you!

[@Sitdruk97]

I feel 5 again! (I was born 6 months before and started playing it as a 5 yr old and it was the first ps1 game)

[@Shadsilvson11]

Personally my one clue for the whole Green Gem secret in The Eel Deal was when I saw all those nitros and just one box near the front, I thought "What's the point of all those nitros at the back, unless they're guarding something". I think it was the clever level design that made everything feel like it was placed with some rhyme or reason that made it not so cryptic. Anyways good review once again.

[@Mantosasto]

I remember having a similar thought. I was a curious kid when I first played this with my cousin, so we went past those nitro boxes without even thinking, like it was implied it was that way.

[@watermelonineasterhay]

Id never have guessed that without a walkthrough, I'm thick like that

[@davoid96]

This game in my opinion is the definitive Crash Bandicoot experience.

[@Aunini]

16:43 - I would say it's meant to make you think "why would they all be there if there was truly nothing behind them?"

[@Hayfurno]

What about the blue gem?

[@tech6hutch]

@@Hayfurno the crate counter changes to show your box count out of 0, which is your hint to break 0 of them

[@redblack8766]

"Cold Hard Crash" can still go jump outta window for all I care.

[@johnjohnson6142]

You can cheese it with invincibility

[@watermelonineasterhay]

I have to get three wobegahs and just run through it that way. It's quite fun if you don't bother with the death route though

[@davecarignan]

Just rewatched this and... it deserves way more views !! Great job 👌

[@mrdreamy1747]

Cortex: "I need these crystals to prevent the destruction of the world that I definitely won't cause" Crash: *"Yeah this guy's legit"*

[@klu698]

I really like your reviews! So detailed and informative! I look forward to your new videos. :)

[@klu698]

And I subbed. (: It's a shame that your channel so little known. Best MegaMan X and Crash Bandicoot reviews around KZbin here! (sorry for my bad english)

[@RetropolisZone]

Thank you very much! It means a lot that you say that and that you subscribed! :)

[@OfficialScottR]

Great review as always mate!

[@RetropolisZone]

We love you, Scott R!

[@Nonjola]

Why are you calling tortoises as toads?

[@RetropolisZone]

Brainfart. Slap myself on the head now noticing it, haha.

[@Sitdruk97]

Retropolis Zone hey no need to hurt yourself, I have a lisp and an awkward lip arch and sometimes a speech impediment and I mess up a lot, no one is perfect.

[@SamuelJohnsonYT]

He probably ment the toads from crash bandicoot warped

[@jaketno]

Why did I think this was some sort of TMNT vs Battle Toads reference? Lol

[@Skrenja]

Those guys with the mallets are somewhat of a threat when you are burried underground.

[@davidfletcher8335]

Sorry to be so offtopic but does anyone know of a method to get back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot the account password. I would love any assistance you can offer me.

[@kasenahmir3143]

@David Fletcher Instablaster ;)

[@ryanwilson9555]

5:08 Unless I’m mishearing things, I can’t help but be slightly perplexed by the fact that RetropolisZone referred to the turtles/tortoises as “toads”. Toads=Turtles/Tortoises WHAT?! Unless he’s referring to their actual enemy name. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong on this.

[@charlyllewellyn4195]

Man, these reviews deserve way more views, especially considering the amount of time and effort that goes into them. Good job ^_^ Though I'm curious as to how you feel about the N.Sane trilogy. :3

[@onthegogaming109]

Do you plan on reviewing the N-Sane Trilogy anytime soon?

[@SilverBlade1997]

2:41 Yeah I think the reason why Crash went with it because of this theory...Crash was actually playing with Cortex..This is evidence due to the N.GIN fight..., but although I agree with that theory I still say either way goes, but I won't say Crash is not that dumb in my case, and I believe Twinsanity took it too far on that stupidity, and even much worse in Crash Titan series...Ohhh gawd that was bad...Good beat em' up though. Then I also even have more theories beyond that like Crash hit his head like Goku did in the 1st part where crash fall from the castle which you wouldn't think anyone would have survived that fall..Heck the bigger indication is when he said "Uh-oh" as a smart human instead of the "woah" he now says...So what I'm saying Crash was smart, but gotten brain damage due to the fall, but still remembered what his goals are...Then Tawna ditching even also gave that a further reason. lol Then the last theory is that Cortex that Screamed so hard on the way down that he became Clancey Brown that next day. lol

[@ExoParadigmGamer]

As always you've done some fantastic work here. The 31 minutes just flew by, and the whole "toad" thing isn't that big of a deal from an audience member's point of view. I'd also agree with most of what you've said about Crash 2, for what it's worth. It's clearly a marked improvement over the first in almost every way, and they simplified and toned down a lot of things to make it more accessible. I genuinely enjoyed my one finished playthrough of Crash 2. I guess what I really want to say about the game (and Crash games in general for that matter) is that I'm really not a fan of the side quests. Let me put it this way: I beat Crash 2 about four years ago, and never knew any of the side pathways or optional levels were in the game. I never even knew that Dr. N. Bryo (is that how it's spelt?) was part of the plot. I wasn't interested in finding the box gems, because I did and still do consider them not fun to get, and I never knew about the colored gems because (four years ago, anyway) I never happened to stumble across any of the hidden areas. I think a large part of why I had the experience I did is because I came into Crash 2 completely blind. I didn't know what colored gems were/did at all and didn't know about the intricacies of the side quests. I'll accept the majority of the blame for not doing the research, and at the end of the day I still enjoyed Crash 2 well enough just going for the normal ending. But I tried giving the game a second playthrough recently on my PSP with the intention of fully completing it, and I found that if the side quests in this game aren't being frustrating or unrewardingly meticulous, they're just flat out cryptic. For that reason, I don't understand why so many people find fully completing Crash games so appealing. I don't find breaking every single box in the level to be a rewarding use of my time; I don’t feel like I'm accomplishing anything by doing so, and the fact that you can't see a box counter during the level (kudos to Crash 3 for fixing that) or that you have to redo everything if you don't get them all discourages me further. And then there's the cryptic stuff. I'm surprised you didn't mention the Blue Gem in the first level, which I think is a huge offender. You just *have to know* not to break any boxes in the first stage, which is near impossible to do by accident because there's a wall of boxes you can't jump over without breaking them unless you do a high jump in a very specific way, and you're not going to do that if you don't know you're not supposed to break the boxes. Personally, I never would've thought to jump on that Nitro staircase, cues aside, and I could swear that those little ice platforms in Bear It (or whatever it's called) weren't there when I played the level recently, even though the camera panned down to a similar looking island. I appreciate the addition of checkpoints for box gems and whatnot, but it feels like a guide is all but required to fully complete this title. I don't mind having to glance at a guide to find one or two things I missed or can't find, but when I feel obliged to look up every single stage to determine whether its worth breaking boxes because of the open possibility of there being a box laden pathway I can't access without a colored gem I can’t get yet, that's where I draw the line. If you and many others find fully completing these games fun, more power to you. As for me, I think I'll stick to bare bones completion.

[@187Wretched]

I feel like I'm one of the few people who enjoys cryptic things in gaming, I get people that don't and from the perspective of a blind new player it is flawed design but Crash 2 came out in a time when this kind of stuff was the norm, when people had more time to tinker around in a level and figure things out. Also I believe certain things are put into the game to illicit some kind of word of mouth it seems like it's intentional design to create a community or at least this is apparent in games like Dark Souls. As for the boxes there's something cathartic when you break every single box in a level and get that gem, it's akin to collecting every star in Mario or every Jiggie in Banjo, it all triggers that same part of the brain and the reason why people enjoy collect-a-thons. It's arbitrary beyond that and I will agree that not having a box counter is a big flaw and the backtracking is the worst in the series and the reason I'll probably stick with the N-Sane trilogy version from now on which added the counter and also informs you of stuff like the blue gem during loading screens unfortunately backtracking is still there but what can you do..

[@Tanerion]

The trick to easy backtracking in this game is knowing which checkpoint boxes to leave alone or break. I personally never found the backtracking that annoying and just thought of it as challenges like any others. Didn't find the jetpack sections particularly bothersome either. Using up and down to go in and out of the screen *would* have been confusing though. Side story: I didn't own a memory card when I first got this game and still managed to find all the gems on my own in single sessions so when people complain about something in this game being *IMPOSSIBLE!!!* I can confidently say that they're wrong.

[@SQGReviewShow]

Great review, RZ. This is by far my favorite Crash game on the PS1. I do like Crash 3, but the vehicle segments can be annoying ESPECIALLY when collecting the gems. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on that game eventually. Btw, those are turtles, not toads. Haha. The things that hop in Crash 3 are toads. Also, damsel in distress...not disguise. That would've been interesting if the damsel was in disguise, haha.

[@RetropolisZone]

Thanks, materino. I honestly can't decide anymore between Crash 2 and 3. 3 is definitely more nostalgic for me, but I guess I'll have a good final assessment on the two by the time I finish writing up the script for 3. Also, I know they are turtles. I think I used that term in the Crash 1 video. I just had a brain-fart here for some reason and never noticed... twice, seeing how I said damsel in disguise... Nice. Fuck me.

[@SQGReviewShow]

Retropolis Zone Most people like 3. However, most people AREN'T the Side Quest Gamer so.....yeah....I'm OBJECTIVELY right about 2 being the better game XD Nah, though. I jest.

[@GRex7777]

One thing I find, the first game didn't really have a "no death" thing going on, it's just that dying would reset the crates, so you'd have to go back and break them a second time. It still is best to just beat it in one run cause the camera is terrible for going backwards (srsly, why couldn't it pull back just a little extra?). I only point this out cause I've seen some people quit out stages if they died before the first checkpoint, which makes something already frustrating that much worse. As always though, great video.

[@RetropolisZone]

I actually tested it out when I worked on Crash 1 and can confirm that there is a ''no death'' condition in that game. Dying in the stage will make Crash swipe the sweat of his head when he enters the end portal and the box tally screen won't show up. You really can't die or you have to reset. Anyway, thanks mate. Glad you liked the video. :)

[@GRex7777]

Really? I could have sworn I saw someone die, go back for the boxes, then still get the gem. I wonder if it's one of those differences when you got the green side version of the game vs the original release, like all the messed up music from Spyro 3. Either way though, still a good video. lol

[@deslardesslok]

4 YEARS LATE SQUAD WHERE YOU AT?!?!?!!?!!!?!?!?!?

[@Lufisyth]

Cold Hard Crash was the absolute worst.

[@Jackattack359]

Nearly all the stages in the 4th warp room were

[@alder613]

OHMYGOD CRASH BANDICOOOOOOOOOOT!

[@SuperGamer61499]

Great review Retro! :) I will say I like Crash 2 a lot more than the 1st game. Crash 1 isn't bad but at times things like the controls can be too stiff for my liking. Crash 2 on the other hand is quite smooth to play. Though yeah since you said the bosses to you were really underwhelming you might enjoy Crash 3's bosses more.(They're way better than the 2nd game.) I would say this is one of my favorite PS1 games up there with Pacman World 1 and Metal Gear Solid. Though yeah I wonder do you take requests? If so could you review Pacman World 1 on the PS1 sometime? It's a really underrated 2D Platformer on the Playstation that doesn't get as much credit as it deserves.(Oddly it's sequel on the other hand gets lots of praise but barely anyone mentions the 1st game.)

[@RetropolisZone]

Thanks, man! I do like Crash 2 more than 1 as well, and 3 is one of my most nostalgic childhood games. Will get to that one sooner or later! I don't really take requests. I need to feel motivated in the games I review and I've got so many videos planned that I still want to work on and get out the door that I just can't feasibly take requests. Sorry!

[@niemand7811]

There is no damsel in distres in Crash 1. Once you got the secret ending you knew Tawna was waiting for the hero all the time. She literally stands there behind the curtain ready to board the big bird and maybe even look out for Crash. But he seems to make it in time after all. But you knew this, didn't you.

[@SmokieByron]

but how crash meet coco tho xD

[@ZombieGorilla1]

I loved this video but one thing I think you could improve is the background music. For example, when you spoke about the animal stages, the clips kept changing and so did the music. I think it's better to mute the gameplay and instead put game music in the background instead, but that's just my opinion.

[@RetropolisZone]

I've never really seen this as distracting, but maybe hearing it from somebody else (it's sometimes hard to tell what works as the creator or not) should make me believe otherwise. I'll see what I can do about it. Thanks for the suggestion and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@d.danger4335]

Though I played wrath of Cortex - crash of the titans. But since I've seen 100% completed longplays of all of the three games but when the N.Sanity comes out, I think I'll have the most fun with 2.

[@mrrackz314]

you got a new sub bro✌

[@RetropolisZone]

Gracias!

[@Knightsoftheblade]

seeing reviews of games i played and loves entertains me, (obiv)

[@Reigndolph]

The first good game imo

[@Mantosasto]

I love Crash 2, it's my favorite by far, but I agree the bosses kinda suck. The last one is very anticlimactic :/

[@litgamer0081]

I hate crash 2 honestly my least Favorite crash game but 3 Warped is the best one

[@Jackattack359]

I agree that Warped is the best, but why is Crash 2 your least favorite just outta curiosity?

[@sebastiankulche]

@@Jackattack359 Its understandable in certain part. The backtracking, the hidden secrets or all of the content that 3 has. Still Crash 2 is a masterpiece for me, but i can understand if someone says that is the worst in the trilogy.

[@SilverBlade1997]

I must say good review...Especially the fact it's not just some 20 minutes although I will say I think you might want to check that wording...Like saying it's water when it's actually mud, and toad when it's actually turtle...Funny crap. To be honest I can not believe that not a whole lot of people don't watch you, and stuff as you provide alot of goods in your videos. Plus not much of a biased opinion.

[@RetropolisZone]

Yes I messed up some wording here for some strange reason, lol. It's been pointed out many times before. I think it's funny though. Thanks anyway! I appreciate the positive message. :)

[@silentprotagonist7756]

12:41

[@georgeg5979]

Hear pre console...apologize

[@Termi103]

You sound like Hiccup from How to train your dragon ;q

[@Jacksmusicshack]

Loved the N same trilogy.. worth every penny!!!

[@SilverBlade1997]

If you ever want advices about your reviews is just this one is sadly becareful when talking about the spoiling stuff like the final boss, and the completion part unless it's that horrid in your favor, but not regardless of age as newcomers will still tap these old franchises so I thought I let you know even if I already completed this game many others have not..So not saying you should change it, but I bet you get others that would say "HEY YOUR SPOILING THE GAME BRUH" in cases like this one 12:11. when you said it's the final face off.

[@whatsup3183]

Silver Blade28 it's like a 50 year old game dude

[@SilverBlade1997]

Dude age in a game SHOULDN'T MATTER to a person..A game is a game it should be reviewed ok.., but not in a spoiler manner though. Yes this game is pretty old, but still I suggest not to spoil as it's STILL GETTING TAPPED BY NEWCOMERS TO THIS DAY..Did you even read my message right beforehand? o.O''

[@whatsup3183]

Silver Blade28 People who wouldn't want to get spoiled from a game wouldn't watch a 37 MINUTE IN DEPTH ANALYSIS OF IT!

[@SilverBlade1997]

Uhhh even THAT doesn't matter. It's still just reviewing, and he's JUST Breaking it down to the core aspect, aAND HE CAN STILL BREAK IT DOWN Without spoiling the Final boss...Heck ExoParadigmGamer did this!..It's just long review, and I'm sure people will still watch it dude..Besides anyway he has tooken my advice, and now has applied the spoiler stamp at the beginning of the reviews he does nowdays..So discussion OVER!

[@splash_067]

@@whatsup3183 not even close to it being 50 years old man

[@ronindebeatrice]

The music in Crash 2 is sadly forgettable.

[@Jackattack359]

All the boss themes are pretty awesome, and there wasn’t one time when I wasn’t humming along with the warp room music, no offense

[@sebastiankulche]

Understandable. I like it, but my least favorite of the trilogy.