Crash Bandicoot The Wrath of Cortex

🎮 PlayStation 2 ⏳ 12 hours ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Post-Naughty Dog Shift #

This title was the first mainline Crash game not developed by Naughty Dog, and that shift is noticeable. It tries to recreate the magic of the original trilogy, but rarely reaches the same level of polish or creativity. And I say this as a big fan of this franchise, and also somebody that played and replayed the original trilogy countless times already. While it is hard to separate my fan opinion from my pragmatic one, it is safe to say that this game is still a very much enjoyable experience if you like platformers to any extent.

Classic Gameplay Returns #

At its core, the game is a very traditional 3D platformer, you run, jump, spin, and smash crates through a series of linear levels, collecting fruits, gems, and relics. Mechanically, it feels familiar in a good way, the controls are responsive enough, and the classic Crash rhythm of trial-and-error platforming is intact. I dare to say that the controls are at its most advanced levels of responsiveness when compared to previous entries. Fans of the original formula will likely feel comfortable right away, you’ll face the same challenges such as destroying all the crates, time-trials and special hidden secrets if you dare to collect the gems.

Variety and Completion #

And I highly recommend trying to 100% this game since it is really where it shines the most. You need to do some backtracking in order to grab all collectibles, since some of them can only be accesses if you previously collected some of them. Where the game tries to expand is in its variety, there are multiple gameplay styles beyond standard platforming, including vehicle sections with submarines, mechs, and even a ball-rolling mechanic. I appreciate this but I enjoyed the “traditional” levels more than the alternative ones, and you can also play as Coco, which adds a bit of freshness. Unfortunately, this variety is inconsistent, some segments are fun diversions, while others feel underdeveloped.

Lack of Innovation #

The biggest issue is that the game doesn’t evolve the series in any meaningful way. For a PlayStation 2 title, the graphics and level design feel surprisingly conservative. While environments are colorful, they lack the detail and charm seen in contemporaries of that era. Camera problems also persist, especially in tighter platforming sections where depth perception becomes tricky, leading to frustrating deaths. And this is only something that stands out due to the fact that, at this point in gaming history, all these elements were mature enough on other similarly well established franchises.

Pacing and Challenge #

Another weak point is the game’s pacing and difficulty balance. Some levels rely heavily on precision jumps and trial-and-error memorization rather than skillful progression, which can feel punishing rather than rewarding. That said, the game isn’t without charm, the classic humor, quirky animations, and cartoonish personality of the series are still present. Characters like Crash and Neo Cortex retain their appeal, and the soundtrack does a decent job of matching the energetic tone. It is really a no-brainer if you are a fan of the franchise, or if you like platformers in general.

Safe but Enjoyable #

Ultimately, this game is a competent but overly safe sequel. It delivers a nostalgic version of Crash gameplay but fails to push the series forward in a meaningful way. If you’re a fan of the classic trilogy, there’s little to no excuse not to play this, but compared to both its predecessors, and even other platformers of the same era, it feels like a missed opportunity rather than a bold new chapter. Particularly I reached 100% of completion (technically, it is 106% and not 100%). There are also a hidden world with secret levels, which are not as insanely hard as the previous ones, but still worth the effort.