Crash 2 refines the formula from the first game to a pristine shine. The addition of the slide to crash's move set is a game changer in how crash is played as if used smartly chunks of level can be skipped with ease and it increases the tempo crash can be played (body slam is mid). Each new level theme is a winner and returning themes are better than previously with the biggest improvement being the river levels that now promote a speedy playstyle seen with timetrial like gems. The addition of secret exits, death routes and unique gem unlock conditions add depth to levels not present in the original. Three alternate playstyles are included to give variety with the balance still leaning towards traditional platforming levels. These playstyles retain the core games quality with polar in particular being standout. The warp room format allowing players to choose from five levels to play is a neat structure change but loses the first games grand journey feel in exchange. The ost is a bop full of great tracks and is the best in the series. On the more negative nit picky side the boss fights are nothing special with the final boss in particular being poor. The biggest problem with the game is it's uses of back tracking when going for completion as due to the camera angle it can be hard to see what's ahead when going backwards leading to unfair feeling deaths. All in all crash 2 is a textbook example how to do a sequel and for my money is the best platformer in the franchise.