Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced (2003)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced delivers an engaging and dynamic platforming adventure, expanding the series with new villains, diverse levels, and inventive gameplay. Crash’s mission to rescue his friends and defeat N. Trance and N. Tropy is a journey filled with action, challenges, and fun.

Introduction

Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced builds on the success of its predecessors by offering players new challenges, characters, and gameplay mechanics. This installment in the Crash Bandicoot series pushes the boundaries of platform gaming with its inventive levels and engaging story.

Synopsis

“Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced” is a platform game developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Universal Interactive for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in North America on January 7, 2003, and in Europe on March 14, 2003. The game is the sequel to “Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure” and the eighth installment in the Crash Bandicoot video game series.

The game’s story follows Crash Bandicoot as he sets out to save his sister Coco and friend Crunch from Doctor N. Tropy, who has brainwashed them with the help of his ally N. Trance to conquer all of time and space. The gameplay is primarily a platform game in which the player controls Crash Bandicoot, who must free his friends from the hypnosis of the main antagonists of the story.

Much of the game takes place in a dimensional bubble that Crash and his mentor Aku Aku are trapped in. The inside of the bubble is displayed as a map littered with portals to different levels. Connecting the portals are dotted lines which Crash can use to travel between portals; initially, only a few dotted lines are visible. The goal of each level is to find and obtain any Crystals and Gems hidden in the area. As more Crystals are retrieved from the levels, more dotted lines will become visible on the map, allowing for further exploration.

Gems allow access to special levels necessary for full completion of the game. When the antagonists of the game have been defeated and enough Crystals have been gathered to return to Earth, the game is won. “Relics” can be won by re-entering a level where the Crystal has already been retrieved. To obtain a Relic, the player must initiate the “Time Trial” mode and race through a level in the pre-designated time displayed before entering a level.

At the beginning of the game, Crash has the ability to jump to navigate ledges, spin in a tornado-like fashion to break open crates and defeat enemies, deliver a body slam to break open tough objects and can either slide across the ground or crouch and crawl to get past low areas.

After the events of “Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure”, Tropy, with the help of N. Trance, kidnaps Coco and Crunch, planning to brainwash them to the evil side. Now, Crash must travel to N. Trance’s twisted realm, battle and rescue Coco and Crunch, and ultimately defeat N. Trance and N. Tropy.

“Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced” is a thrilling adventure that tests the player’s platforming skills and strategic thinking. With its engaging storyline and challenging gameplay, it remains a memorable installment in the Crash Bandicoot series.

Characters

Crash Bandicoot, the game’s fearless protagonist; Coco and Crunch, Crash’s friends who have been kidnapped; N. Trance, a new villain with hypnotic powers; and N. Tropy, a recurring antagonist in the series.

Gameplay

Players will experience a blend of traditional Crash Bandicoot gameplay with new twists. The game features 24 levels filled with obstacles, enemies, and puzzles. Crash’s abilities are put to the test with diverse gameplay mechanics, including aerial combat in a helicopter, high-speed chases on water skis, and navigating through space in a spaceship.

Conclusion

With its innovative approach to platform gaming, Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced is a worthy addition to the Crash series, offering fans and newcomers alike a fresh and exciting adventure. Its blend of classic and new gameplay elements makes it a memorable experience.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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