Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced

"This Bandicoot is in need of a rest, put him to bed, please."

Crash Bandicoot: N-Tranced is an all new game with new levels and even some new crates, such as freeze, so why then does it feel so stale and half baked. Could it be that not only is there nothing new here, what is here isn't done all that well, and the levels are extremely short. The game is supposed to have over 40 levels, but almost half of them are the bonus levels. There are some 22 levels, 5 of which are bosses, and it is pretty much the same old same old.

GRAPHICS: 5/10 Bland is the key word here. Obviously this is no PS one or two, but I know what the GBA is capable of, and this isn't even close. Just compared to Warioland 4, this is a major disappointment. If this game is the best original platformer (non direct ports ) for the system, than us platforming junkies definitely need help.

MUSIC/SOUND: 7/10 At least they got this right. Even with the GBA's limited sound quality, this is the best thing in the game. It follows closely on the heels of the rest of the series for excellent music and sound, and my grade of 7 is actually in comparison to a ''Crash'' game on a next generation system.

CAMERA/CONTROL: 6/10 Just so there is no mistake, this is a 2D game, so the camera is fine; however, the controls, at least the jump button, are not as responsive as they should be, thus causing many a death when Crash refuses to jump, mostly when moving. Other then that everything is good, but it is a big enough problem to lower the grade.

GAME PLAY: 5/10 If you have ever played a ''Crash'' game you know exactly what to expect. Go through the levels breaking all the crates for 100% and a gem, find the gem at the end of the level, and repeat the level for the time trial ankhs. Beat a boss at the end of the world to earn a new move. Find the other colored gems in the levels. We even have the ''get a aku aku mask if you are not good enough at the last save marker'' conceit, to help weaker players. Unfortunately it has all been done before and way better than here. The levels are very short, and the game seems to be geared for very young players. It does have a nice progression of difficulty, though.

VALUE: 4/10 This grade is being rather generous. If you just want to beat the game and not get 100%, then you can skip the bonus levels, and finish the game in about 3-4 hours. Going for 100% and platinum on all time trials will still take less than 10 hours. As a rental it isn't so bad, especially if you can get rent one get one free. I have a 7 year old nephew who will love it, so it may be good for the very young, but all others beware.

FINAL COMMENTS: Crash Bandicoot has seen much better days. If they can't come up with some new original ideas, then they should retire his jersey once and for all.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 01/13/03, Updated 01/13/03