Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back vs Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back expands the classic platforming formula with new moves, diverse environments, and a memorable soundtrack. Players guide Crash through vibrant worlds, dodging traps and battling the nefarious Dr. Neo Cortex in a race to save the world.
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex brings the beloved marsupial back to the console era with vibrant 3D levels, challenging platforming, and a cast of quirky enemies. The game follows Crash as he battles the nefarious Doctor Neo Cortex and his new army of genetically‑engineered monsters across diverse environments. The title delivers classic Crash humor and fast‑paced gameplay while introducing new mechanics like time‑trial challenges and unlockable costumes, making it a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
- Iconic characters and humor
- Varied level design keeps gameplay fresh
- Responsive controls on both console and mobile
- High replay value with collectibles
- Engaging 3D platforming with tight controls
- Humorous story and characters
- Variety of unlockable content
- Solid replay value through time trials
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- No multiplayer or co‑op options
- Limited save system can be unforgiving
- Occasional camera glitches in tight spaces
- Level difficulty spikes can be frustrating
- Graphics show their age compared to modern titles
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Join Crash on a wild, wacky platforming quest across vibrant worlds.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataCrash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is the safer, higher-rated default choice, offering better value at a lower price point compared to the more expensive, lower-scoring Wrath of Cortex. The main trade-off is paying $19.99 for a critically acclaimed 1997 classic with an Android port, versus paying $49.99 for a 2001 release with character skins and leaderboards.
Key differences
- •Price: Product A costs $19.99, while Product B is significantly more expensive at $49.99.
- •Critical Reception: Product A holds a much higher critic score of 85/100, whereas Product B scored 62/100.
- •Platform/Controls: Product A features an Android port optimized for touch screens in addition to original controls; Product B's control scheme is optimized for analog sticks and classic D-pad layouts (Android compatibility not specified).
- •Content Features: Product A introduces a double jump and slide move with a time attack mode; Product B features unlockable character skins, relics, dynamic camera angles, and leaderboards.
- •Developer & Publisher: Product A was developed by Naughty Dog and published by Universal Interactive Studios and Sony Computer Entertainment; Product B was developed by Traveller's Tales and published by Universal Interactive Studios and Konami.
Gameplay & fun factor
Product A earns a higher critic score of 85/100 and introduces dynamic enemy AI and new moves like the double jump and slide.
Platform availability
Product A explicitly specifies an Android port optimized for touch screens in addition to original controls; Product B does not specify mobile availability.
Price & value
Product A is priced at $19.99 (one-time), which is substantially lower than Product B's $49.99 MSRP.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly single player with no multiplayer or co-op options specified.
Content & replayability
Both offer solid replay value: Product A features hidden crates, power-ups, and a time attack mode, while Product B has hidden crates, relics, time trials, and unlockable character skins.
Difficulty & accessibility
Product A features responsive controls on console and mobile with an ESRB E and PEGI 3 rating, whereas Product B notes frustrating level difficulty spikes.
Graphics & performance
Product A has a strong 85/100 critic score and an Android port optimized for touch screens, whereas Product B mentions occasional camera glitches in tight spaces.
Choose Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back if…
Retro gamers and platformer enthusiasts wanting a cheaper, highly-rated classic with mobile support.
Choose Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex if…
Fans seeking unlockable character skins, leaderboards, and a 3D linear platformer released in 2001.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is cheaper with an MSRP of $19.99, compared to Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex at $49.99.
Can I play either game with friends in multiplayer?
No, both games are strictly single player with no multiplayer or co-op options.
Which game has better reviews from critics?
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back has a higher critic score of 85/100, while Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex scored 62/100.