Adventure of Bandicoot - Cortex Strikes

All sub-levels must be completed to move up to the next tier

To begin with, the game is much less linear than the first. Each level is comprised of several sub-levels, all accessible from one common starting point. All sub-levels must be completed to move up to the next tier, but thankfully you can now save after any run. The bonus levels are more intuitive, set at specific points in the game. If you die in a bonus level, you won't be penalized, but they are set up to teach you how to use Adventure of Bandicoot - Cortex Strikes new moves (more on these later). This is a sure sign of a well-designed game, with a learning curve that goes steadily uphill, but not punishingly so.

The non-linearity of the game extends to within the levels as well. Many require the player to choose from two different paths only to hit a dead-end. The player must then backtrack to the fork.

Jungle, snow, and water all make encore appearances, which are then used multiple times throughout the game. However, they're always challenging -- I just wish there was less reliance on the same old tricks.

As for those new moves, Adventure of Bandicoot - Cortex Strikes now has a slide and belly flop to use against Cortex's minions. They may not seem like much, but there are times when only the correct move will get you through. Many levels also have vehicles for Crash to pilot, such as boats or rockets. These break up the 'run and jump' gameplay well. The boss levels, however, are insultingly easy. After barely making it through a tough run, I would've liked to have been challenged a little more by an end-boss.