Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is a 3D platformer where you collect crystals across 25 levels while smashing crates for power-ups and bonus items. Doctor Neo Cortex, your supposed nemesis, claims he needs these crystals to save Earth—though his real plan involves a mind-control satellite. You access levels through Warp Rooms that act as hub areas. Each stage ends when you grab its crystal and reach the exit. The setup's a trick: Cortex fell into a crystal cave after your last fight, discovered their power, and rebuilt his space station with scientist N. Gin. Now he needs 25 more crystals to complete a planetary brainwashing device, so he's conned you into doing the legwork. Gameplay mirrors the first game's formula—linear paths, timed jumps, environmental hazards—but adds the crystal-hunting objective as your main goal per level.