Crash Bandicoot 2 HD for PS4 is a complete remake of second entry in legendary Crash Bandicoot series. The franchise has been created by Naughty Dog studio, also known from Uncharted, Jak and Daxter and The Last of Us. The main hero is a titular bandicoot Crash, and games with him appeared on PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles, even acting as flagship titles at some time. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back originally debuted in 1997, improving on its predecessor and adding some new features. A new version has been developed by Vicarious Visions studio, which has been working exclusively on Skylander series since 2011.
### Plot
Crash Bandicoot 2 takes us again to the fictional archipelago of Wumpa islands, near Australian coast. The story starts one year after the events from Crash Bandicoot, in which crash defeated the mad doctor Cortex and put stop to his plans of world domination. After this, Cortex returns completely changed and asks the protagonist to help him find 25 crystals, required for a device that is the only hope to save the Earth from an incoming solar storm. Despite his doubt, the hero agrees to help the scientist and sets on journey to collect the precious stones.
### Game mechanics
Crash Bandicoot 2 HD expands on the formula of the first game in the series. Our objective is to complete 25 levels and collect crystals hidden within them. Five special locations give us access levels and act as a HUB. Like in previous title, the protagonist will face many traps enemies. Aside from jump and spin, Crash can use new attacks, including, slides that are that the only to defeat some enemies. We have limited number of lives, losing which forces us to start the level all over again (or from the last checkpoint in case of losing a single life). There are also various crates located on levels, containing various secrets or power-ups, including protective masks of Aku Aku and Wumpa fruits.
### Technical aspects
Developers of the remake recreated the game from the scratch, using original concepts of Naughty Dog and studios models and projects. Aside from completely remade visuals, creators Crash Bandicoot 2 HD added small improvements to the gameplay (like the time trial mode, which originally debuted in Crash Bandicoot 3 Warped) and user interface. Cutscenes and soundtrack were also made anew.
