Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced

"2 N-vigorating to pass up..."

GBA finally has a good 2D platformer! It's called Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced. Unlike some similar GBA platformers, N-Tranced features a great gameplay setup. But enough chat; let's get to the review!

Story 10/10- Dr. Neo Cortex has just failed in his attempt to shrink the world. However, his minion, Dr. Nefarious Tropy, is taking control, and he is recruiting a new minion for help! Enter Dr. N. Trance; his mission is to serve Dr. N. Tropy by means of brainwashing a certain bandicoot and his friends!

Crash Bandicoot and Aku Aku are stunned to learn of this evil plan! Unfortunately, Crash and Aku Aku are sealed in a dimension where time stands still. His sister, Coco, and friend, Crunch, have already been brainwashed! Crash must save them before they become tools of N. Trance forever!

Graphics 10/10- Stunning! By far some of the best graphics to date on the GBA. All the sprites have a nice 3D look to them, and the backgrounds are full of emotion and detail. It's Crash at his colorful best!

Gameplay 9/10- Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced features flawless gameplay. Compared to last year's Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure, it is seamless! Unlike The Huge Adventure, N-Tranced features a wonderful non-linear gameplay. What does that mean? It means you can play the levels in any order you like. You're not limited to just one level after the other, like so many traditional platformers out there. While it may seem minor, this system really lets you have fun. If one level is frustrating you, then simply switch over to another!

Another innovation of N-Tranced are the different ways to play the levels. While most levels see you controlling Crash, certain levels have you playing as Crunch in the Atlas Sphere, or as Coco, strapped to a speeding rocket! There are even levels where Crash is on a wakeboard, escaping from a Jaws-like shark! All these little things really make N-Tranced fun to play!

Despite the different levels, though, the objective remains the same: collect the Gem Shard and escape the level! Each Gem Shard you collect helps Aku Aku break free of the dimension he and Crash are stuck in. Aside from the Gem Shards, you can also collect special gems. Try breaking all those crates... There are even Relics you can win, although these depend solely on your time.

N-Tranced also features some cool power toys. Ever wanted to have Crash fly in a helicopter or glide on a magic carpet? Now you can!

N-Tranced features over 30 levels. There are also tough boss battles and bonus levels! What more could you want! How about an extensive amount of moves and collectibles? How about bonus areas inside each of the levels? How about multiplayer?

Speaking of multiplayer, it is unmatched by any other game! There are over 10 games you can play, from Atlas Sphere Dodgems to Atlas Sphere Go-Karts! You and a friend will have hours of endless fun!

And, if this still isn't enough, you'll be pleased to know that you can unlock hidden characters and levels via linking. Have you ever linked N-Tranced to The Huge Adventure? Have you ever linked N-Tranced to Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex? Try it sometime...

Sound 8/10- Believe it or not, there isn't much sound in this game, other than hopping and bopping or hitting bosses with bullets. However, all these sounds are top-notch, so this maintains a high score.

Music 9/10- The music is simply grand. 'Nuff said.

Verdict-

Story 10/10
Graphics 10/10
Gameplay 9/10
Sound 8/10
Music 9/10
Multiplayer 10/10
Replay Value 10/10

PROS:
Good replay value due to good multiplayer madness!
Great new moves and power toys!

CONS:
Too few sounds...

Final Word- If you are a fan of quality 2D platforming... if you are a fan of video games in general, pick up this game! With over 30 levels, three playable characters, and a wonderful gameplay set-up, Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced is an ideal title for any GBA library!

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