I think the Crash stages in 3 are the peak of the series gameplay but as far as the best overall game goes, it's gotta be this one. You don't get all the crazy powerups like you do in 3, but the level design is still damn strong and endlessly replayable, and the gimmick levels are either not that bad or kept to a minimum. The absolute worst things in this game are the jetpack stages, of which there are VERY few and aren't even that bad, just a bit boring. Sadly that does include the final boss which is probably the most underwhelming in the trilogy, but Crash 2 is still a great time for 99% of its run.